Bone Marrow Microvascular Density and Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Hematological Diseases

Objective:To investigate the state and significance of bone marrow angiogenesis of hematological diseases.Method:Bone marrow microvascular density (MVD) in plastic-embedded section was examined using acetone-fixed bone marrow tissues embedded in glycol-methacrylate (GMA) resin by the method of immunohistochemistry. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined by the method of ELISA.Result:The study showed that bone marrow MVD increased greatly in newly diagnosed acute leukemia if no treatment was provided. Bone marrow MVD decreased to the same range as the controls at the time of complete remission.That of the relapsed increased again to the same range as the newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Serum levels of VEGF of patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia increased greatly compared with those of the controls, but those of the complete remission are significantly elevated compared with the controls and double times higher than the controls.Conclusion:These observations suggested that bone marrow angiogenesis might play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of acute leukemia. Serum VEGF levels could result in bone marrow angiogenesis in acute leukemia to some extent.There was not correlation between serum VEGF levels and bone marrow MVD.