Plasma concentration of cytokins involved in lymph- and angiogenesis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis play an important role in the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Above phenomena are controlled by a number of cytokines among them the most important are vascular endothelial growth factor family members (VEGF), their receptors (VEGF-R) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-R3 and bFGF in 55 patients with DLBCL before treatment as well as after chemotherapy with R-CHOP protocol. Control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. The concentration of VEGF-R3 was significantly higher in patients before treatment than in control group. Concentrations of VEGF-R3 and VEGF-C were significantly higher in patients with higher risk (IPI 3-5) than in subjects with lower risk (IPI 0-2). Additionally, VEGF-R3 was positively correlated with β₂-microglobulin, whereas VEGF-D was correlated positively with LDH and β ₂-microglobulin, and negatively with platelets count and serum albumins concentration. We found no statistical differences between cytokine values after treatment as compared to initial ones. However, our results do not indicate a predictive value of the cytokines studied regarding the issue of DLBCL therapy, they may suggest a role of some lymphangiogesis-involved factors in the disease activity.