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.