Aspirin decreases vascular endothelial growth factor release during myocardial ischemia

Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenesis factor involved in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Controlling this factor's level in the serum might have significant prognostic outcomes. Methods: Twenty-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively categorized into two groups according to aspirin administration before surgery. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor levels were compared and correlated and adjusted with platelets count between two groups in the serum, before and after the surgery. Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined before and after the operation in parallel to other clinical data. Results: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor levels were significantly lower in patients of the aspirin group compared to those of the non-aspirin group; 94 +/- 61 vs. 241 +/- 118 pg/ml, p = 0.0003, respectively, this-despite an absence of difference in the platelet count between the groups. These titers decreased postoperatively in both groups, 94 +/- 61 to 10 +/- 9 pg/ml, p = 0.001 in aspirin group and from 241 +/- 118 to 84 +/- 54 pg/ml, p = 0.001 in control group. Serum creatine kinase levels were higher in the non-aspirin group, 214 +/- 83 u/l compared to 70 +/- 32 u/l in the aspirin group. Creatine kinase levels increased significantly postoperatively in both groups; however, the aspirin group had a significantly lower creatine kinase levels compared to non-aspirin group, 107 +/- 51 vs. 401 +/- 127 u/l, respectively, p = <0.0001. A significant correlation was seen between VEGF levels and platelets count in both groups, r = 0.5. Conclusions: Aspirin treated patients have lower Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor titer levels in the perioperative course. This difference between the aspirin and the non-aspirin group is not accounted for by the platelets count. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.