Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in Relation to Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Status in Patients with Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: Oxidative stress and angiogenesis are important elements in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent angiogenic cytokines and is up-regulated by conditions associated with the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen intermediates. In this study, we investigated the association between oxidative stress and serum VEGF status in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Forty patients with breast carcinoma, of which 21 were stage II and 19 were stage III, along with 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Oxidative stress, total antioxidant status, and VEGF levels in serum were evaluated by spectrophotometric procedures. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and antioxidant status was assessed by measuring total antioxidant status (TAS) to assess oxidative damage. RESULTS: VEGF and MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than those of controls (p<0.005). Total antioxidant level decreased significantly in patients compared to that in controls. MDA, TAS, and VEGF levels were also analyzed based on menopausal status and different clinical disease stages. MDA and TAS level significantly different in the postmenopausal group than the premenopausal group, whereas VEGF level remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Increased VEGF level and its positive correlation with oxidative stress level and decreased antioxidant status suggest a link between oxidative stress and malignant transformation.