A comparison of serum and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor during the menstrual cycle in healthy female volunteers
2002

VEGF Levels During Menstrual Cycle

Sample size: 20 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): McIlhenny C, George W D, Doughty J C

Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

Hypothesis

Do serum and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) vary during the menstrual cycle in healthy pre-menopausal women?

Conclusion

The study found no significant difference in serum or plasma concentrations of VEGF during the menstrual cycle in healthy volunteers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher than plasma VEGF levels.
  • The majority of plasma VEGF measurements were below the detection limit of the ELISA kit.
  • Progesterone and oestradiol levels were significantly higher in their respective phases of the menstrual cycle.

Takeaway

The study looked at blood samples from women to see if a substance called VEGF changes during their monthly cycle, but it didn't find any big changes.

Methodology

Blood samples were taken from 20 healthy pre-menopausal women over one menstrual cycle, with serum and plasma analyzed for VEGF and sex hormones.

Limitations

Most plasma VEGF measurements were below the detection limit of the ELISA kit, making it difficult to draw conclusions about plasma levels.

Participant Demographics

Twenty healthy pre-menopausal women aged 28 to 47 with regular menstrual cycles.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.005

Confidence Interval

95% Confidence interval 39.9

Statistical Significance

p<0.005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600322

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