A critical review of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) analysis in peripheral blood: is the current literature meaningful?

摘要: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic with key role in many physiological and pathological processes. Investigation into the implications of circulating levels this cytokine progressing at an exponential rate. However, there are important inconsistencies between reports ranging from method sample collection, processing, software manipulation data interpretation controversy as to whether plasma, serum or whole blood will provide best prognostic information. Different techniques centrifugation temperature on handling impact vitro collection subsequent VEGF results have not been fully appreciated. We critical review literature, report our further investigations, suggest uniform protocol for samples highlight previously unsuspected problems interpretation.