Hemodynamic disorders of liver cirrhosis complicated with portal hypertension are associated with an increased
angiogenesis in animal model of portal hypertension and cirrhosis which were linked to increased expression
of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO). The aim of study was to evaluate the
serum concentration of VEGF and total nitric oxide (NO) in liver cirrhosis and the possible association with the
degree of liver insufficiency. VEGF and NO were measured in serum of 64 patients with liver cirrhosis by
ELISA and spectrophotometry respectively. The significant increase of serum VEGF was observed in liver
cirrhosis compared to healthy individuals as well as serum NO (106.1 ± 66.7 vs. 41.5± 6 pg/mL, P< 0.05;
113.5± 65.8 vs. 20.8± 3.8 µmol/l, P< 0.001, respectively). Serum VEGF and NO showed significant associations
with biochemical indices of liver function and with Child-pugh score where they were increased respectively to
the degree of liver insufficiency. A significant association of raised serum NO in early stage of portal hypertension
reflect its benefit in early expect of portal hypertension but, high serum VEGF in late stage may reflect its
prognostic value in liver cirrhosis.