Expression Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors A and C in Patients with Peptic Ulcers and Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important growth factors for metastatic tumors. To clarify the role of VEGF-A and C in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or gastric cancer (GC), we evaluated the expression levels of these two molecules. We also analyzed the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on VEGF-A and C expression levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with dyspepsia who needed diagnostic endoscopy were selected and divided into three groups: non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), PUD, and GC, according to their endoscopic and histopathological results. Fifty-two patients with NUD, 50 with PUD, and 38 with GC were enrolled in this study. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by the rapid urease test. After RNA extraction and synthesis of cDNA, the expression levels of VEGF-A and C were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The VEGF-C expression level in the PUD and GC groups was significantly higher than that in the NUD group. Moreover, the VEGF-A expression level in the PUD and GC groups was higher than in the NUD group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Significant positive correlations were also observed between the expression levels of these two molecules in the PUD and GC groups. In addition, the expression levels of these two molecules were higher in H. pylori positive patients with PUD or GC than in H. pylori negative patients of the same groups; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of VEGF-C expression during gastric mucosal inflammation may play a role in the development of peptic ulcers or GC.

[ qualitative research on the reasons for tendency toward using the Indian T [Pregnan] intrauterine device in Badr health center]

Elective expulsion is a complication of intrauterine devices [IUDs] that decreases the efficacy and using of IUDs. In this qualitative study, the tendency of 15-45 year fertile women towards using Indian T IUD [Pregnan] in Badr health center was evaluated. Three focus groups discussions [FGD] with women and four individual in-depth interviews [IDI] with health care providers and obstetricians were done. Focus group discussions showed that women were quiet familiar with contraceptive methods and IUD was accepted as a safe and easy method. Bleeding, spotting, infection and back pain were the most important complications. In the group that had chosen elective expulsion of IUD, the main complications were bleeding, spotting and less infection. According to individual in-depth interviews results, elective expulsion and complications of this type of IUD were more than earlier IUDs. It is recommended that the selection and insertion of IUDs should be done with utmost care. Furthermore, more qualitative and quantitative researches need to be conducted to compare the different IUDs on the market to be able to recommend the most suitable ones to women. It is thought these and other related actions that the best family planning policies can be adopted and programs implemented in the country