Enhanced angiogenesis following allogeneic blood transfusion

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Blood transfusions are linked to solid cancer recurrence.
• Angiogenesis is a critical process for tumor growth and metastasis.
• The impact of red cell transfusions on angiogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the effect of prestorage allogeneic leucodepleted SAGM red cell transfusion on angiogenic factor levels.
• To assess the impact of these transfusions on in vitro angiogenesis.
• To determine if red cell transfusions create a pro-angiogenic environment.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 40 adult inpatients receiving prestorage allogeneic leucodepleted SAGM red cell transfusions.
• Measurement of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin before and after transfusion.
• In vitro endothelial cell proliferation and whole angiogenesis assays using patient samples.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in serum VEGF levels (118 pg/ml) was observed in 73% of patients.
• A significant decrease in serum endostatin levels (1.2 ng/ml) was observed in 70% of patients.
• In vitro assays showed a 33% increase in endothelial cell proliferation and a 9.4% increase in angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Prestorage allogeneic leucodepleted SAGM red cell transfusions are associated with a shift in angiogenic factor balance.
• These transfusions lead to increased in vitro angiogenesis.
• Findings suggest a potential mechanism linking blood transfusions to cancer recurrence via angiogenesis.