Worldwide Egypt had the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection. Angiogenesis is a complex process that regulated by many factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).in the liver HSCs, Kupffer cells, regenerating hepatocytes and existing endothelial cells are responsible for the process of neo angiogenesis and production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Aim of the work: To detect the significance vascular endothelial growth factor and its relation to hepatic neoangiogenesis in hepatitis C associated chronic liver disease. Methods: A total of 70 adult patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in various stages with no evidence of cirrhosis, were recruited for the study. We studied the expression of VEGF and vascular density in liver specimens from chronic HCV infected patients using a computer-based analysis of immunohistochemical staining and confirmed it by Western Blot.
Results: Relation between stage of fibrosis and laboratory finding was done there were significant relation between the stage of fibrosis and platelet count, also, the level of liver enzyme (AST and ALT) significantly related to the fibrosis stage, Serum albumin significantly related to fibrosis stage. The most important findings that VEGF level were significantly related to fibrosis stage.
Conclusion: Angiogenesis was present in 45.5% cases of chronic liver disease. It was proportional to the increase in stage of fibrosis. Expression of VEGF was commonly found in early stages of fibrosis.