Dynamic Changes of Serum VEGF and MMP-9 in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction and Its Clinical Significance

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes and clinical significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods One hundred eight ACI patients admitted to our hospital from June 2004 to May 2005 were chosen as ACI groups,60 healthy subjects as control.In ACI group,serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels were determined on days 1,3,5,7,14 after onsets,and the infarct size measured and prognosis evaluated,the relationship of VEGF and MMP-9 to infarct size and prognosis were analyzed.Results Serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels at varying time points increased significantly in ACI group as compared with control(P0.01),showing dynamic changes.There was no correlation in VEGF and MMP-9 levels between different time points in group ACI(P0.05).Serum VEGF and MMP-9 were correlated with infarct size.VEGF and MMP-9 were significantly higher in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis at varying time points(P0.01).Conclusion Serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels increase significantly in ACI patients,and infarct size and prognosis are closely related to the levels of VEGF and MMP-9.