Meaning of VEGF # in Bartonella

Hi TrailWalker,

Here is a great explanation of that test!

There is one test that may be useful in screening patients suspected of being infected with Bartonella. This test may also be particularly useful in the follow-up of patients with Bartonella/ BLO. This blood test is called “vascular endothelial growth factor” (VEGF). This test measures a substance that is produced by the Bartonella microbe in order to facilitate its entry into the body tissues it likes to inhabit. Elevated levels of VEGF often (but not exclusively) mean that a patient is infected with Bartonella. By monitoring VEGF levels during the course of treatment, physicians can monitor the progress of treatment (antibiotics). When VEGF levels return to normal, it generally means that the antibiotics have been successful and can be discontinued. The VEGF test is available from standard commercial laboratories.

http://www.lymebook.com/chronic-lyme-testing-and-diagnosis

My vegf just came back very elevated as well in 400 range .. I’m concerned! Google is scaring me .. wondering if anyone else had high numbers and was exclusively related to tick borne infection

Summary:
VEGF normal levels are 31-86 pg/mL (Shoemaker ranges). High levels can indicate bartonella. Levels suppressed below 30 are a biomarker of CIRS. Those with both bartonella and CIRS may have a hard time using this as a marker for either. If it’s high, Omega 3’s can be used to lower it.

NOTE: On my original CIRS labs with Labcorp in 2016, the lab range given was 0-115 pg/mL. On my Sep 2019 and Aug 2020 tests, Labcorp range was 62-707 pg/mL. I would go more by Shoemaker’s range.

about Lab Ranges:
Labs change their ranges based on averages of results they get, from my understanding. I don’t think doctors are testing for VEGF unless they are checking for CIRS, bartonella, or blood vessel abnormalities - all abnormal patients.

I just double checked and confirmed that Shoemaker’s ranges and the 3 Labcorp results that I have were all measured in pg/mL.
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VEGF - bottom page 8 and treatment page 15
https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/understanding_cirs_editv2a.pdf

VEGF explanation in CIRS:
“ Biomarker Testing: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates growth of new blood vessels in order to supply oxygen to the tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. In a healthy body, decreased blood flow in capillaries and resulting low oxygen supply will trigger the release of Hypoxia- Inducible Factor (HIF). HIF stimulates the production of VEGF and erythropoietin (EPO). VEGF increases blood flow by creating new blood vessels, while EPO increases production of red blood cells; both help to increase oxygen supply to the cells. In CIRS, VEGF is suppressed due to high cytokine levels which causes poor oxygen supply to the tissues, resulting in muscle cramping and post-exertional fatigue (a period of extreme exhaustion after exercise or strenuous physical activity). Lab Results: VEGF normal range is 31-86 pg/ml.”

VEGF treatment in CIRS:
“ Step 7: Correct MMP and VEGF
The treatment to correct MMP and VEGF depends on the patient’s leptin level. If the patient’s leptin level is less than 7, supplementing with high dose Omega-3 fatty acids (2.4 gm EPA and 1.8 gm of DHA) works to correct the imbalance. If the patient’s leptin level is higher than 7, the patient may be prescribed Actos (45 mg once daily) for 30 days. Actos may cause low blood sugar and also has a black box warning of increased risk of bladder cancer with long-term use.

Patients must strictly follow a low amylose diet during this step of the protocol. Amylose is a type of starch made of long chains of glucose (sugar). The diet calls for avoiding many starches and forms of simple sugars. See Appendix 2 for a list of foods to eliminate while on a low amylose diet.”

Post Edited (WalkingbyFaith) : 2/12/2022 7:28:34 AM (GMT-7)

WalkingbyFaith said...
I have both CIRS and bartonella. My own personal VEGF results.

Sep 2016 - 16 pg/mL
- in moldy environment prior to moving and treatment for anything

Sep 2019 - 87 pg/mL

Aug 2020 - 125 pg/mL

is the 125 pg/mL considered healthy or high? I've been trying to make sense of my - only conservatively (112 pg/mL) increased value.

The lab range goes to 115, so it seems Iike it is “in range” but not according to Shoemaker and others, who place the high end at like 86 or something. It has been difficult to understand the values - in some cases the lab range seems relevant, in some cases not.

I am trying to really understand everything in addition to listening to my dr. There is such a varying level of experience and expertise in this field of medicine… what a mess.