PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia: Correlations with markers of iron burden and endothelial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND

Levels of the angiogenic cytokines placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and the angiogenic balance, expressed by sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, are perturbed in sickle-cell disease and iron overload, but they have not been evaluated in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We measured levels of PlGF, sFlt-1 and vWF:antigen in patients with NTDT of beta-thalassemia genotype, and correlated them with erythrocytic indices and markers of iron overload, inflammation, and tissue hypoxia. Thirty-four NTDT patients with mean hemoglobin level of 8.4 g/dL were included in the study along with 20 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls.

RESULTS

Ferritin, LDH, and hs-CRP were higher in patients as compared to controls. We found significant differences between patients and controls in regard to levels of PlGF (52.2 vs 17.2 pg/mL, P < .001), sFlt-1/PlGF (2 vs 4.7, P < .001), and vWF:antigen (88 vs 77.1 IU/dL, P < .01). There was a strong correlation of ferritin with PlGF (r = .653, P < .001) and with vWF:antigen (r = .503, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated an association between increased PlGF and iron overload and the degree of tissue hypoxia in patients with NTDT. High vWF:antigen expressing endothelial damage may be associated with specific NTDT comorbidities.