Angiogenic biomarkers in children with congenital heart disease: possible implications

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Angiogenesis Studies

Background:

• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/TP), and leptin are recognized potent angiogenic factors.
• Congenital heart disease (CHD) involves complex structural abnormalities present at birth, often affecting blood flow and oxygenation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate serum levels of VEGF, PD-ECGF/TP, and leptin in children diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD).
• To identify factors contributing to angiogenesis in pediatric patients with CHD.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of sixty children with CHD was studied, categorized into cyanotic-CHD (C-CHD) and acyanotic-CHD (A-CHD) groups (n=30 each).
• A control group of twenty-five healthy children was included for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Significantly elevated serum levels of VEGF, PD-ECGF/TP activity, and leptin were observed in CHD patients, especially those with C-CHD.
• Higher levels of these angiogenic factors correlated with specific clinical indicators including SpO2 < 90%, pulmonary hypertension (PH), severe pulmonary stenosis (PS), presence of collaterals, cardiomegaly, and heart failure.

Conclusions:

• Hypoxia, PH, and PS are identified as key drivers of detrimental angiogenesis in CHD.
• Angiogenesis may play a beneficial role in certain CHD conditions, such as coarctation of the aorta, by improving renal perfusion.
• Understanding these angiogenic pathways offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies to improve CHD patient outcomes.