Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Children With Thalassemia Major PDF

Abstract

BackgroundThe β-Thalassemia syndromes are the most common hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia due to impaired globin chain synthesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays several roles in angiogenesis which is a crucial process in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Endothelial damage and inflammation make a significant contribution to the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia.Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess serum VEGF level in children with beta-thalassemia major as a marker of angiogenesis.MethodsA total of 50 children entered the study, 40 patients with thalassemia major and 10 healthy controls. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for quantitative evaluation of VEGF.ResultsVEGF level was significantly higher in patients with β-thalassemia major than healthy controls (p=0.001). VEGF level was also higher in splenectomised thalassemic patients than non splenectomised ones (p=0.001). There were a positive correlation between VEGF and chelation starting age (p=0.008), and a negative correlation between VEGF and frequency of blood transfusion (p=0.002).ConclusionThalassemia patients, especially splenectomized, have elevated serum levels of VEGF. Early chelation and regular blood transfusion help to decrease serum VEGF and the risk of angiogenesis.

Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Children with Beta Thalassemia Major

“…This was proved by Fahmey et al who reported that there was a significant correlation between platelets count and serum level of VEGF in beta thalassemia major [16] .…”

“…Fahmey et al reported that VEGF level was also higher in splenectomised thalassemic patients than non-splenectomized ones (p=0.001) [16] .…”

“…Also, Fahmey et al who reported that there were no significant correlation between VEGF levels with hemoglobin and hematocrite in thalassemia patients, which might be due to the fact that those patients were on regular blood transfusion [16] .…”

“…This is due to thalassemia patients had increased levels of angiogenic cytokines (such as VEGF, basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenin, angiopoietin) compared with healthy controls [15,16] .…”

“…Farokhi et al and Fahmey et al reported that there wasn`t a significant correlation between VEGF and ferritin levels [15,16] .…”