Serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor-BB and vascular endothelial growth factor as prognostic factors for patients with fulminant hepatic failure

Background and Aims: In animal models for acute liver injury, the administration of some angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) are shown to reduce liver injury and improve liver proliferative capacity. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of angiogenic factors in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Methods: Serum levels of nine angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-2, follistatin, G-CSF, hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], interleukin-8, leptin, platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]-BB, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and VEGF) were measured using the Bio-Plex Protein Array System in 30 patients, 17 of whom were diagnosed with FHF, 13 with acute hepatitis (AH), and 20 controls. Results: Serum levels of PDGF-BB and VEGF were lower in FHF patients than AH patients and controls (PDGF-BB; 2050 +/- 1572 pg/mL vs 4521 +/- 2419 pg/mL vs 8506 +/- 5500 pg/mL, VEGF; 39 +/- 38 pg/mL vs 144 +/- 122 pg/mL vs 205 +/- 121 pg/mL). By using univariate logistic regression models, serum levels of PDGF-BB and VEGF were associated with poor outcomes. Serum PDGF-BB levels were strongly correlated with serum VEGF levels (r = 0.70). Furthermore, serum PDGF-BB levels were significantly correlated with platelet counts (r = 0.79), PT activity (r = 0.37) and D.Bil/T.Bil ratio (r = 0.50), while serum VEGF levels were significantly correlated with platelet counts (r = 0.68) and PT activity (r = 0.38). Conclusions: We consider that serum levels of PDGF-BB and VEGF are worth investigating as biomarkers for predicting outcomes of FHF patients.