Multiple angiogenetic factors are upregulated in POEMS syndrome

Ann Hematol. 2013 Jan;92(2):245-8. doi: 10.1007/s00277-012-1583-2. Epub 2012 Oct 6.

Abstract

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a multisystem disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. Elevated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which strongly promotes neovascularization and vasopermeability, are considered to be responsible for the characteristic symptoms such as angiomata, pleural effusion/ascites, edema, and organomegaly in the disorder. To study whether other angiogenetic factors are upregulated in POEMS syndrome, we measured serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as well as VEGF, in 17 patients with POEMS syndrome. All these factors were significantly upregulated in the POEMS syndrome patients. After the treatment with anti-VEGF antibody, the levels of HGF did not change, suggesting that elevation of HGF levels is not secondary to VEGF overproduction. These results suggest that different angiogenetic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome, and this fact might contribute to the insufficient clinical effects obtained by suppression of VEGF alone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab
  • Female
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation* / drug effects
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melphalan / pharmacology
  • Melphalan / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • POEMS Syndrome / blood
  • POEMS Syndrome / drug therapy
  • POEMS Syndrome / genetics*
  • Thalidomide / pharmacology
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use
  • Up-Regulation* / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / biosynthesis*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • HGF protein, human
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Bevacizumab
  • Thalidomide
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor
  • Melphalan