Serum vascular endothelial growth factor165 levels and uterine fibroid volume

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factories (VEGF₁₆₅) demonstrates increased expression in uterine fibroids. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels and uterine fibroid volume. Methods. On a prospective observational basis, 80 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent hysterectomy. Uterine weight was determined after hysterectomy. Six hours before and 48 h after hysterectomy, serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Logistic regression analysis showed no correlation between serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels and uterine weight (r = 0.0037; P >0.05). The mean serum VEGF₁₆₅ level declined significantly from 716.31 ± 457.99 to 581.81 ± 403.32 pg/mL after hysterectomy (P <0.0001). Controlling for age, body mass index, uterine weight, proliferative or secretory phase, and parity, only parous patients (n = 58) were found to have significantly decreased serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels after hysterectomy (P = 0.000035), in contrast to nulliparous patients (n = 22; P = 0.15). Conclusions. Serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels do not correlate with uterine fibroid volume, but demonstrate a significant decrease after hysterectomy. The decrease in serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels after hysterectomy was significant in parous but not in nulliparous patients with uterine fibroids. Serum VEGF₁₆₅ levels may not predict uterine fibroid development.