Effects of Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A, Adipocytokines, and Insulin

Background: Adipocytes regulate blood vessel formation, and in turn endothelial cells promote preadipocyte differentiation through the expression of proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. Some adipocytokines and hormones also have an effect on vascular development. Objectives: Our objectives were to analyze the relationship between weight and circulating VEGF-A in morbidly obese subjects before and after bariatric surgery, and investigate the relationship between circulating VEGF-A and certain adipocytokines and hormones regulating adipocytes. Methods: A total of 45 morbidly obese women and nine lean females were included in the study. Patients underwent bariatric surgery: vertical banded gastroplasty (n = 17), gastric bypass (n = 17), and biliopancreatic diversion (n = 11). Serum samples for VEGF-A, adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin were obtained preoperatively and 9–12 months after surgery. Results: Obese patients showed significantly higher VEGF-A levels tha...