Circulating angiogenic factors during periovulation and the luteal phase of normal menstrual cycles

Objective: To measure serial serum concentrations of the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and angiogenin (ANG) in the periovulatory and secretory phase of normal menstrual cycles in healthy women and to determine their peaks, which might reflect the stage of their critical angiogenic action. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University departments of obstetrics and gynecology. Participant(s): Thirty-three healthy Swedish women with regular menstrual cycles. Intervention(s): Serial blood samples were collected from each woman. Luteinizing hormone surge was identified by testing morning urine. Main Outcome Measure(s): Circulating levels of VEGF, bFGF, and ANG. Result(s): Circulating peak concentrations were determined for VEGF on day 0 and 9 after ovulation, for bFGF on day 1 before ovulation and day 9 after ovulation, and for ANG on day 3 after ovulation. Conclusion(s): Circulating VEGF increased in a stage-dependent cyclic fashion. Basic FGF peaked during the late proliferative and mid secretory phase. Circulating ANG showed increased expression around the early secretory phase of the cycle.