Elevated levels of plasma angiogenic factors are associated with human lymphatic filarial infections

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Oct;83(4):884-90. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.10-0039.

Abstract

Lymphatic dilatation, dysfunction, and lymphangiogenesis are hallmarks of patent lymphatic filariasis, observed even in those with subclinical microfilaremia, through processes associated, in part, by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). A panel of pro-angiogenic factors was measured in the plasma of subjects from filaria-endemic regions using multiplexed immunological assays. Compared with endemic normal control subjects, those with both subclinical microfilaremia, and those with longstanding lymphedema had significantly elevated levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and angiopoietins (Ang-1/Ang-2), with only levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) being elevated only if lymphedema was evident. Furthermore, levels of these factors 1-year post-treatment with doxycycline were similar to pretreatment levels suggesting a minimal role, if any, for Wolbachia. Our data support the concept that filarial infection per se is associated with elevated levels of most of the known pro-angiogenic factors, with only a few being associated with the serious pathologic consequences associated with Wuchereria bancrofti infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiogenic Proteins / blood*
  • Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism
  • Angiopoietins / blood
  • Angiopoietins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / blood*
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / drug therapy
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / epidemiology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / parasitology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / blood
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Filaricides / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Mali / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / blood
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Wuchereria bancrofti*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Angiopoietins
  • Filaricides
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Doxycycline