The serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with high-energy trauma complicated with infection

Introduction There is a lack of studies analyzing the molecular aspects of body functioning in purulent complications of bone tissue. The purpose of the review was to explore the serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with high-energy trauma complicated with infection. Material and methods The study included 36 individuals who sustained a high-energy injury. The participants were identified as no-infection patients (Group I) and those who developed infection during treatment (Group II). Enzyme immunoassay was employed to quantify VEGF with Thermofisher immunoassay analyzer (USA). The study was performed according to the methodology from the R & D Systems kit manual (Angiopoietin-1 and -2 (Ang-1, Ang-2)), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB), Invitrogen (epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), RayBiotech (macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), Biomerika Inc. (Calcitonin-calciotonin) USA) and Immunodiagnostic (bone sialoprotein (BSP) (Germany). HITACHI HI Vision Avius ultrasound scanner was used to explore vessels of the soft tissues and the periosteum at the site of regeneration (defect). Results There were no differences in the serum growth factor levels among the participants by gender. Patients of Group II showed 60% reduction in the Ang-2 and VEGF concentration as compared with that in the no-infection group. The serum EGF concentration was 1.6 times higher in individuals suffering from complications of high-energy trauma than in no-infection patients. There were no significant differences in platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB between the groups. Changes in the VEGF concentration were confirmed by the results of Doppler ultrasonography. Conclusion The findings suggest that the VEGFs examined can be additional diagnostic and prognostic markers for the cohort of patients.