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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels in idiopathic myelofibrosis
F Di Raimondo1, M P Azzaro, G A Palumbo
1Division of Hematology, University of Catania, Ospedale Ferrarotto, Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
An increase of angiogenesis has been shown in idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) by microvessel density count method but evaluation of circulating angiogenic factors is still incomplete. In 31 patients affected by MMM and in 12 healthy subjects we evaluated the serum levels of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and correlated VEGF with clinical and laboratory features of disease. We found that MMM patients had circulating VEGF concentrations much higher than controls (Median 1208 ng/ml vs 138 ng/ml, P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between VEGF and Hb, WBC, PLT, LDH, creatinine, bone marrow cellularity, fibrosis, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and therapy. However, in the subgroup of patients with a normal or low VEGF concentration, a direct correlation between VEGF and platelet count (r = 0.90, P = 0.002) was detected. Moreover, patients with a platelet count < 300 x 10(9)/l had VEGF serum levels lower than patients with a higher PLT count (median VEGF 864 vs 1557 pg/ml, P = 0.001). In six patients and in eight controls we also had the opportunity to measure VEGF in the plasma and we calculated that VEGF concentration was much higher in platelet-rich than in platelet-poor plasma and that platetets of MMM patients contained four times more VEGF than those of healthy controls. These results indicate that VEGF is overproduced in MMM, thus confirming an increased angiogenic activity. Platelets are probably a major source of VEGF in MMM but not the only one.
Insights
Patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) show significantly higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Platelets are a major source of this angiogenic factor in MMM.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) is associated with increased angiogenesis.
- Previous studies indicate elevated microvessel density in MMM.
- Circulating angiogenic factor levels in MMM remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with MMM.
- To correlate VEGF levels with clinical and laboratory features of MMM.
- To investigate the role of platelets as a source of VEGF in MMM.
Main Methods:
- Serum VEGF levels were measured in 31 MMM patients and 12 healthy controls.
- VEGF was correlated with clinical parameters (Hb, WBC, PLT, LDH, creatinine) and disease features (cellularity, fibrosis, organomegaly, therapy).
- VEGF levels in platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma were compared.
Main Results:
- MMM patients exhibited significantly higher serum VEGF concentrations compared to controls (Median 1208 ng/ml vs 138 ng/ml, P < 0.0001).
- No significant correlation was found between VEGF and most clinical/laboratory parameters, except for a subgroup with normal/low VEGF.
- Platelet-rich plasma showed higher VEGF, and MMM platelets contained four times more VEGF than controls, suggesting platelets are a key VEGF source.
Conclusions:
- VEGF is overproduced in idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia, supporting increased angiogenic activity.
- Platelets are identified as a significant, but not exclusive, source of VEGF in MMM patients.
- Further research into VEGF's role in MMM pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targeting is warranted.
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