Introduction: Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis contribute to the development of cancer.
The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and stromal cellderived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and the count of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET).
Materials and methods: The study included a group of 62 patients diagnosed with ET and 25 healthy volunteers. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and SDF-1α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Endothelial progenitor cells were evaluated by flow cytometry.
Results: The study showed significantly higher levels of both VEGF-A and SDF-1α in ET patients compared to controls (Me = 65.22 pg/mL vs Me = 25.34 pg/mL; Me = 2351.17 pg/mL vs Me = 1742.50 pg/mL, respectively). However, we could not demonstrate a different count of EPCs in ET patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, in 40 ET patients with JAK2 V617F mutation (65%), only VEGF-A levels were significantly higher compared to JAK2 V617F negative patients (Me = 72.00 pg/mL vs Me = 53.38 pg/mL). SDF-1α levels were significantly elevated in patients over 60 years of age (Me = 2635.00 pg/mL vs Me = 2395.02 pg/mL). We found positive correlations between VEGFA and SDF-1α and between VEGF-A and EPCs.
Conclusions: Clinical features such as age over 60 years and Janus 2 kinase (JAK2) mutation may increase angiogenesis in patients with essential thrombocythemia. Despite a positive correlation between VEGF-A and EPCs, the present study suggests weak cooperation between proangiogenic factors and vasculogenesis.
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