Serum VEGF Levels in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Correlation with Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA Genes

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori vacA and cagA genes are associated with higher virulence. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one important marker for neo-angiogenesis. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF serum levels with cagA and vacA genes in H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done on eighty patients that consecutive admitted to endoscopy unit. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on rapid urease test. Serum samples were obtained to determine circulating VEGF level. Polymerase chain reaction was done to examine H. pylori vacA and cagA genes. Data analysis were carried-out using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were examined. There were 45 (56.3%) patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. There were 33 (73.3%) patients with H. pylori cagA positive. Serum VEGF levels in patients with the H. pylori positive were significantly higher compared to the patients that have no H. pylori. Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in cagA positive than negative. CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF level is correlated with H. pylori infection and its virulence status. The more virulence of H. pylori, cagA gene, the higher serum VEGF levels were found.