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VEGF expression in multiple myeloma

VEGF plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma, affecting various biological processes.¹

Studies have revealed that VEGF is secreted directly by myeloma cells and that VEGF secretion was markedly upregulated when myeloma cells bind to bone marrow stromal cells. It has also been found that VEGF stimulates proliferation in both endothelial and stromal cells (via VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-1 signaling, respectively) and is correlated with increased angiogenesis in bone marrow.^1-3

In a study that compared the VEGF levels between solitary plasmacytoma, a localized bone disease that can be a precursor of multiple myeloma, and multiple myeloma, Swelam and Tamimi analyzed 10 histopathologically representative cases from each disease category (chosen from the 50 initial samples collected in each group) and found that VEGF expression was significantly higher (P<0.01) in multiple myeloma tissues compared with tissues of solitary plasmacytoma.^4,5

VEGF expression in multiple myeloma vs solitary plasmacytoma⁴

The same study also showed that VEGF activity is not restricted to endothelial cells, but is also found in tumor cells.⁴

Adapted from Swelam WM, Tamimi DM. Pathol Res Pract. 2010;206:753-759. Diagram 1.

Immunohistochemistry showing VEGF in multiple myeloma (A) and solitary plasmacytoma (B)⁴

Reprinted with permission from Swelam WM, Tamimi DM. Pathol Res Pract. 2010;206:753-759. Figure 2.

References:

1.

Le Gouill S, Podar K, Amiot M, et al. Blood. 2004;104:2886-2892.

2.

Gupta D, Treon SP, Shima Y, et al. Leukemia. 2001;15:1950-1961.

3.

Vacca A, Ria R, Ribatti D, et al. Haematologica. 2003;88:176-185.

4.

Swelam WM, Tamimi DM. Pathol Res Pract. 2010;206:753-759.

5.

Canger EM, Celenk P, Alkan A, Günhan O. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007;12:E7-E9.