Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-A Gene Polymorphism are Associated with Hydrocele Development in Lymphatic Filariasis

Abstract

Hydrocele is a build-up of fluid in the scrotal regions of a proportion of men infected with the filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) are major mediators of vascular permeability and angiogenesis in the development and progression of many diseases, making them candidates in hydrocele development. We assessed the role of VEGF-A genetic polymorphisms in hydrocele development in a cohort of lymphatic filariasis patients from Ghana. Three VEGF-A promoter polymorphisms were examined. The C/C genotype at -460 was significantly higher in hydrocele patients ([P = 0.0007], OR = 3.8 [95% CI = 1.9-8.2]) than in non-hydrocele patients. Furthermore, plasma levels of VEGF-A were significantly higher in subjects with the C/C genotype than in those with other genotypes. Also, a positive correlation (R(2) = 0.412, P = 0.026) was observed between plasma VEGF-A and stage of hydrocele. The data suggest that the C polymorphism at -460 is a genetic risk factor for hydrocele development in lymphatic filariasis.

A Novel and Divergent Role of Granzyme A and B in Resistance to Helminth Infection

“…This pattern could mediate the Th2 cytokine and Ab shift in gzmA3B ko mice. VEGF enhances Th2-mediated lung inflammation (37) and the A subtype pathology in lymphatic filariasis (38). Enhanced CXCR4 expression could reflect less stromal cell-derived factor-1a engagement and explain the temporary lower NK cell numbers.…”

A feedback loop betweenWolbachiaand theDrosophila gurkenmRNP complex influencesWolbachiatiter

“…Wolbachia are also now associated with neglected diseases carried by 150 million people. In these cases, Wolbachia endosymbionts of filarial nematodes are released into the human body, triggering an inflammatory response that causes African river blindness and probably contributes to the pathology of lymphatic filariasis (Saint Andre et al, 2002;Debrah et al, 2006;Debrah et al, 2007;Taylor et al, 2008;Debrah et al, 2009;Turner et al, 2009).…”

Elevated Levels of Plasma Angiogenic Factors Are Associated with Human Lymphatic Filarial Infections

“…These elevated levels of VEGF-C correlated closely with levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-D, Ang-1, Ang-2, and bFGF suggesting that VEGF-C is among many factors associated with changes in the lymphatics in filarial infections. Although the elevated levels of VEGFs have been associated with disease 7,14 and lymphatic remodeling in LF by adult parasites (alive or dead), it is not clear why some of the angiogenic factors remain elevated in individuals with chronic pathology many of whom are antigen negative.…”