The Distribution of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Human Beta-Defensin-2 (HBD-2), and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in Intra-Abdominal Adhesions in Children under One Year of Age

Abstract

The regulatory role between ischemia related factors and antimicrobial peptides in congenital intra-abdominal adhesions has not yet been defined. The aim of this research was to investigate the appearance and relative distribution of VEGF, HBD-2, and HGF in congenital intra-abdominal adhesions compared with relatively healthy tissue controls. The study group material was obtained from 48 patients who underwent abdominal surgery due to partial or complete bowel obstruction. VEGF, HBD-2, and HGF were detected using immunohistochemistry methods and their relative distribution was evaluated by means of the semiquantitative counting method. The results were analyzed using nonparametric statistic methods. A moderate number of VEGF positive endotheliocytes were detected, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. In the experimental group, a moderate to high number of VEGF positive macrophages was observed. In control group tissues, such macrophages were seen in significantly lower number (U = 61.0, p = 0.001). The increase of VEGF positive cells indicates support of angiogenesis due to the hypoxic conditions in case of adhesion disease. The number of HBD-2 marked fibroblasts and macrophages was moderate to high, but only few positive endotheliocytes were observed. Persisting appearance of HBD-2 positive structures might be a result of the inflammatory process. Most specimens showed occasional HGF positive macrophages and fibroblasts and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The relatively weak appearance of HGF suggests that the lack of this factor promotes the formation of fibrotic changes in case of intra-abdominal adhesions.

The Morphopathogenetic Aspects of Intraabdominal Adhesions in Children under One Year of Age

“…It cannot be excluded that human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) also promotes the disbalance between MMP-2/TIMP-2, increasing extracellular matrix synthesis. In our previous study we detected moderate to numerous numbers of HBD-2 positive structures in adhesions [27]. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between HBD-2, MMP-2 and TIMP-2.…”

“…In 13 cases adhesions were forming a Ladd band, but in another two cases the anterior abdominal wall was involved.The control group was obtained from eight patients with surgical repair of an inguinal hernia. Detailed patient data are summarised in table 1 and 2 of our previous paper [27].…”

Characterization of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Tissue Factors in Rosacea: A Pilot study

“…The stained slides were analyzed by light microscopy using nonparametric evaluation. The results were evaluated by grading the appearance of the positively stained cells in the visual field [29]. For visual illustration, a Leica DM500RB digital camera and Microsoft Photo editor (version 19051.16210.0) were used.…”

The anti‐adhesive effect of anti‐VEGF agents in experimental models: A systematic review

“…Among the multiple mediators of angiogenesis, VEGF seems to be essential in early development and wound healing. Inactivation of VEGF at the fetal stage results in embryonic lethality 8,9 . VEGF is a homodimeric glycoprotein that exists in four different isoforms, namely VEGF‐A, VEGF‐B, VEGF‐C, and VEGF‐D.…”

“…Upon severe injury, VEGF‐A enhances the paracrine release of growth factors from endothelial cells and potentiates the regeneration of organs 16 . However, VEGF‐A has been implicated in the formation of adhesions after intra‐abdominal, pericardial or pleural interventions 3,9,17‐19 . Dysregulation of angiogenesis and overexpression of VEGF has been identified in the pathogenesis of overt fibrosis in several conditions, including the formation of keloid in wounds, tendon healing, and bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis 20‐26 .…”