Levels of angiogenesis-related vascular endothelial growth factor family in neovascular glaucoma eyes.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the angiogenesis-related factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family in the aqueous humour of patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

METHODS

This study involved 22 eyes of 22 patients with advanced NVG requiring antiglaucomatous surgery and 20 control subjects with cataracts. The NVG eyes received an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) treatment before antiglaucomatous surgery. Aqueous humour and blood were collected at the time of IVR and cataract surgery. Protein concentration of VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF) in aqueous humour and plasma was determined by ELISA tests.

RESULTS

The mean concentration (standard deviation) of VEGF-A and PlGF in the aqueous humour of patients with NVG were 3037 (2387) pg/ml and 1078 (712) pg/ml, respectively; both were significantly higher than the control group (both p 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There were high concentrations of angiogenesis factors of the VEGF family, with the exception of VEGF-B, in the aqueous humour of patients with NVG, and there was a positive correlation between VEGF-A and PlGF. High PlGF levels in patients with NVG may provide another potential target for treatment of NVG.