Angiogenic and coagulation-fibrinolysis factors in non Hodgkin's lymphoma

High serum VEGF and bFGF levels are independent prognostic factors of poor prognosis in NHL patients. There is growing evidence that both angiogenesis and haemostatic aberrancies are integral parts of the pathobiology of cancer growth and dissemination. The purpose of the study was: (a) to analyze relations of VEGF and bFGF serum levels, fibrinogen and D-dimer plasma levels with lymphoma Ann Arbor Staging System (AASS) and International Prognostic Index (IPI) and, (b) to evaluate correlations between serum levels of angiogenic cytokines and plasma levels of coagulation-fibrinolysis factors in 52 previously untreated NHL patients included to the study. The control group consisted of 23 healthy volunteers. Serum VEGF, bFGF and plasma D-dimer levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma levels of fibrinogen were determined on Behring Coagulation System (BCS) equipment. In lymphoma group serum VEGF and bFGF levels were significantly higher than in the control. Differences in concentrations of VEGF, bFGF between II, III and IV stage of disease acc. AASS were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer were elevated in lymphoma patients when compared with the control. Fibrinogen plasma levels were similar in all stages. The D-dimer level was significantly higher in patients with IV stage in comparison to stage II and III. Statistically significant differences of VEGF and bFGF serum levels were observed only between intermediate/high and high risk groups acc. IPI. Fibrinogen plasma levels were significantly higher in high risk group than in low risk group. D-dimer plasma levels were significantly higher in high risk group than in low risk group and low/intermediate group. We observed positive correlation between serum level of VEGF and plasma level of fibrinogen, and between serum level of bFGF and plasma level of fibrinogen. There was also negative correlation between serum level of VEGF and plasma level of D-dimer, and between serum level of bFGF and plasma level of D- dimer. Our study indicates that D-dimer level, but not VEGF, bFGF and fibrinogen correlates with AASS and IPI in NHL patients. Significant correlations between levels of VEGF/bFGF and fibrinogen/D-dimer suggest specific interactions between angiogenic and coagulation-fibrinolysis system.