Interleukin-37, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and transforming growth factor-β1: promising biomarkers in primary immune thrombocytopenia

ABSTRACT

Background

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune hematologic disorder with heterogeneous bleeding manifestations. Many biomarkers such as interleukin-37 (IL-37), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFß1) have a role in immunity, inflammation, and megakaryopoiesis.

Methods

In the present study, immunoassay of interleukin-37 as well as the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A and transforming growth factor-β1 were done in 60 primary ITP patients, 60 thrombocytopenia patients, and 60 healthy volunteers.

Results

Increased IL-37 level and down regulation of VEGFA and TGFß1gene expression were detected in primary ITP patients when compared with other groups. A negative correlation was observed between IL-37 and platelet count. However, a positive correlation was observed between VEGFA and TGFß1 levels and platelet count.

Conclusion

Current results suggested that interleukin-37, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and transforming growth factor-β may be promising indicators in the diagnosis of ITP and detection of disease severity with inexpensive and cost-effectiveness compared to the benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• interleukin-37
• vascular endothelial growth factor A
• transforming growth factor-β1

Acknowledgments

All authors would like to acknowledge the patients and healthy volunteers for participation in this work.

Author contributions

DS Elsaid, TA Elbedewy and KA Shalaby performed concept, design, and definition of intellectual content. DS Elsaid performed statistical analysis, literature search, manuscript preparation, and manuscript editing. DS Elsaid and TA Elbedewy performed clinical studies, and data acquisition. DS Elsaid, NA Soliman, KA Shalaby and RA Haroun performed Lab studies. DS Elsaid, TA Elbedewy, NA Soliman, KA Shalaby, and RA Haroun performed manuscript review and data analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.