Role of Gender in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor level of Serum and its Response to Exercise

Men and women have significant differences in performance indicators and their response to exercise stress. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator in the process of angiogenesis and is one of the factors promoting aerobic capacity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of gender in serum VEGF levels and its response to exercise. For this purpose 11 non- athletes male and 11 non- athletes Female (23/8 , 22/63 years) Were selected  and performed a single bout of progressive aerobic exercise. Blood samples was collected before, immediately and 2 hours post exercise and serum VEGF levels were measured by ELISA kit. ANOVA test (Repeated Measures) and independent t test were used to data analysis. The results showed that the serum VEGF level of women at rest was significantly higher than men  (P = 0.002), while this difference was not observed immediately (P = 0.052) and two hours after exercise (P = 0.07).  According to the findings of the present study, it seems that at rest, women have a higher level of vascular endothelial growth factor than men but in response to exercise stress men experience greater increase in serum VEGF.