OBJECTIVETo observe plasma vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) levels and related factors in patients with unstable angina pectoris(UAP).

METHODSA total of 108 consecutive patients with chest pain hospitalized in our department from October to December 2014 were included. They were divided into UAP (n=78) and non-CHD group (n=30) by the result of coronary angiography(CAG). Coronary artery lesion was assessed according to the Gensini score, serum lipids, homocysteine(Hcy) levels and other biochemical indicators were also determined. The peripheral arterial tonometry was evaluated by reactive hyperemia index(RHI) measured by Endo-PAT2000 Noninvasive Diagnostic System.The level of plasma VEGF was detected in patients with unstable angina pectoris. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations between VEGF and various related factors.

RESULTSPercent of male gender, triglyceride (TG) and Hcy levels were significantly higher in UAP group than in no-CHD group(all P<0.05). VEGF values was significantly higher ((102.1 ± 55.7)ng/L vs.(80.9 ± 38.1)ng/L, P<0.05), while RHI was significantly lower (1.53 ± 0.27 vs.1.65 ± 0.32, P<0.05) in UAP group than in no-CHD group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that VEGF value was significantly correlated with degree of coronary artery stenosis, Gensini score and RHI (β=38.03, P<0.01; β=0.51, P<0.01; β=-69.30, P=0.03; respectively).

CONCLUSIONVEGF levels are significantly increased in patients with unstable angina pectoris, and VEGF level is significantly associated with the degree of coronary artery stenosis, Gensini score and RHI. V EGF level might serve as a new biochemical indicator for coronary artery lesion in patients with UAP.