Open AccessVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN CHILDREN WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR PDF
Author(s) -
Sameh Samir Fahmey,
Hassan F. Naguib,
Sanna S. Abdelshafy,
Rasha E. Alashry
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.682
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 2035-3006
DOI - 10.4084/mjhid.2013.044
Subject(s) - medicine , thalassemia , vascular endothelial growth factor , angiogenesis , pathogenesis , pathophysiology , beta thalassemia , vegf receptors , immunology , hemolytic anemia , inflammation , gastroenterology , blood transfusion
Background The 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. Methods A 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. Results VEGF 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). Conclusion Thalassemia 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.