SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME ANGIOGENEIC FACTORS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA: VEGF, bFGF IN MMP-9

Abstract

Background. Angiogenesis is a crucial process in progression of multiple myeloma. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are multifunctional cytokines that stimulate angiogenesis and myeloma growth. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in osteolytic bone destruction, angiogenesis and invasive growth of myeloma cells. We evaluated serum concentrations of these factors in patients with multiple myeloma.Methods. Levels of active and pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (total MMP-9), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined with a commercial quantitative enzyme immunoassay Quantikine  (R&D Systems, USA). All of these factors were measured in the serum obtained from pheripheral blood of 36 patients affected by multiple myeloma.This series included 12 patients with disease in plateau phase and without treatment, 14 patients on Thalidomide therapy and 10 patients at the beginning of chemotherapy because of active disease.Results. VEGF showed a strong correlation with MMP-9 while VEGF and bFGF did not correlate with each other. Blood platelets correlated with VEGF and MMP-9.The concentration of MMP-9 and VEGF were the highest in group of patients with active disease where the chemotherapy started. The level of bFGF was the lowest in the group devoid of treatment (plateau phase of disease).Conclusions. Production of the angiogenic factors such as VEGF, bFGF and MMP-9 are increased in multiple myeloma patients. The levels of these factors correlate with the activity of disease.

Keywords

• vascular endothelial growth factor
• basic fibroblast growth factor
• matrix metalloproteinase-9
• multiple myeloma