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Pl GF and sF lt‐1 levels in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia: Correlations with markers of iron burden and endothelial dysfunction
Author(s) -
Kelaidi Charikleia,
Kattamis Antonis,
Apostolakou Filia,
Poziopoulos Christos,
Lazaropoulou Christina,
Delaporta Polyxeni,
Kanavaki Ino,
Papassotiriou Ioannis
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/ejh.13061
Subject(s) - medicine , thalassemia , ferritin , endocrinology , antigen , immunology
Background Levels of the angiogenic cytokines placental growth factor (Pl GF ) and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 ( sF lt‐1) and the angiogenic balance, expressed by sF lt‐1/Pl GF ratio, are perturbed in sickle‐cell disease and iron overload, but they have not been evaluated in non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia ( NTDT ). Patients and Methods We measured levels of Pl GF , sF lt‐1 and vWF :antigen in patients with NTDT of beta‐thalassemia genotype, and correlated them with erythrocytic indices and markers of iron overload, inflammation, and tissue hypoxia. Thirty‐four NTDT patients with mean hemoglobin level of 8.4 g/ dL were included in the study along with 20 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls. Results Ferritin, LDH , and hs‐ CRP were higher in patients as compared to controls. We found significant differences between patients and controls in regard to levels of Pl GF (52.2 vs 17.2 pg/ mL , P < .001), sF lt‐1/Pl GF (2 vs 4.7, P < .001), and vWF :antigen (88 vs 77.1 IU / dL , P < .01). There was a strong correlation of ferritin with Pl GF ( r = .653, P < .001) and with vWF :antigen ( r = .503, P = .003). Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated an association between increased Pl GF and iron overload and the degree of tissue hypoxia in patients with NTDT . High vWF :antigen expressing endothelial damage may be associated with specific NTDT comorbidities.