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Updated: May 27, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Vascular endothelial growth factor A protein level and gene expression in intracranial meningiomas with brain edema
Damoun Nassehi1, Henrik Dyrbye, Morten Andresen
1Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. damoun.nassehi@gmail.com
Abstract:
Meningiomas are the second most common primary intracranial tumors in adults. Although meningiomas are mostly benign, more than 50% of patients with meningioma develop peritumoral brain edema (PTBE), which may be fatal because of increased intracranial pressure. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen and angiogen. VEGF-A protein, which is identical to vascular permeability factor, is a regulator of angiogenesis. In this study, 101 patients with meningiomas, and possible co-factors to PTBE, such as meningioma subtypes and tumor location, were examined. Forty-three patients had primary, solitary, supratentorial meningiomas with PTBE. In these, correlations in PTBE, edema index, VEGF-A protein, VEGF gene expression, capillary length, and tumor water content were investigated. DNA-branched hybridization was used for measuring VEGF gene expression in tissue homogenates prepared from frozen tissue samples. The method for VEGF-A analysis resembled an ELISA assay, but was based on chemiluminescence. The edema index was positively correlated to VEGF-A protein (p = 0.014) and VEGF gene expression (p < 0.05). The capillary length in the meningiomas was positively correlated to the PTBE (p = 0.038). If VEGF is responsible for the formation of PTBE, the edema may be treated with the anti-VEGF drug Bevacizumab (Avastin), which has been shown to reduce PTBE in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.
Insights
Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) in meningiomas correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and capillary length. Targeting VEGF may offer a treatment strategy for PTBE in meningioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Tumor Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Meningiomas are common primary intracranial tumors, often benign but can cause significant peritumoral brain edema (PTBE).
- PTBE in meningioma patients can lead to increased intracranial pressure and is associated with factors like tumor subtype and location.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, is a key regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between PTBE and molecular factors, including VEGF-A protein and gene expression, in patients with meningiomas.
- To examine the relationship between PTBE, edema index, VEGF levels, capillary length, and tumor water content in specific meningioma cases.
- To explore potential therapeutic implications of targeting VEGF for PTBE management in meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 101 patients with meningiomas, focusing on 43 cases with primary, solitary, supratentorial meningiomas and PTBE.
- Measurement of VEGF gene expression using DNA-branched hybridization and VEGF-A protein via a chemiluminescence-based assay.
- Assessment of edema index, capillary length, and tumor water content in relation to PTBE and VEGF markers.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between the edema index and both VEGF-A protein levels (p = 0.014) and VEGF gene expression (p < 0.05).
- Capillary length within the meningiomas showed a positive correlation with PTBE (p = 0.038).
- These findings suggest a role for VEGF in the development of PTBE associated with meningiomas.
Conclusions:
- VEGF appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of peritumoral brain edema in meningiomas.
- The anti-VEGF drug Bevacizumab (Avastin) may be a potential therapeutic option for managing PTBE in meningioma patients, similar to its use in glioblastoma.
- Further research is warranted to validate VEGF as a therapeutic target for PTBE in meningiomas.
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