An explore of VEGF and sCD44v6 in the diagnosis and significiace of malignant ascites

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and sCD44v6 in malignant ascites and determine their significance in malignant ascites formation. Methods To detect VEGF and sCD44v6 levels in various kinds of ascites and fluids of abdominal cavity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results VEGF and sCD44v6 levels in malignant ascites were significantly higher than those of cirrhosis, tuberculous is peritonitisand and of fluids of abdominal cavity of patients with benign and malignant disease but without ascites ( P 0.01 ). However, there were no significant difference of VEGF and sCD44v6 levels among the latter 4 groups ( P 0.05 ). VEGF levels in malignant ascites from patients with ovarian cancers were higher than those with gastric and colon cancers ( P 0.01 ), while sCD44v6 levels in malignant ascites from patients with ovarian、gastric and colon cancers were no significant difference ( P 0.05 ). The sensitivity and specificity of this assay to diagnose malignant ascites were 91.3% 、 88.9% and 73.9% 、 91.7% respectively. Conclusion The detection of VEGF and sCD44v6 levels is useful in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites. They may play an important role in malignant ascites formation.