Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal: Scientific Reports

Volume number: 9

ISSN: 2045-2322

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43108-7

Publisher: Nature Research

Abstract: 
To establish a method that allows for the reliable assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) concentrations in very small blood samples of preterm infants. Systemic VEGF measurements are important in view of the most appropriate Anti-VEGF drug to be used for the treatment of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Cord blood samples from preterm (n = 6) infants, blood samples from preterm infants with treatment requiring ROP (n = 12), and blood samples from healthy adults (n = 10) were collected. Serum, citrate plasma, and serum from recalcified citrate blood were obtained. Levels ofVEGF-A and platelet factor-4 (PF-4) were quantified by ELISA or AlphaLISA immunoassay. VEGF-A levels could be detected by both assays, with the Alpha LISA generating slightly lower levels in healthy adults, but not in cord blood of preterm infants. In plasma samples, VEGF levels ranged from non detectable to 181 pg/ml. PF-4 concentrations were between 0.16-3.88 mu g/ml. Values ofVEGF-A and PF-4 in serum and recalcified serum were significantly higher compared to plasma through the release of these cytokines after platelet activation. In plasma samples of infants with ROP, VEGF-A could always be detected and its values ranged from 19.50 to 245.91 pg/ml and PF-4 concentrations were between 0.1 and 3.3 mu g/ml. Using the Alpha LISA kit, we were able to detect VEGF in small sample volumes (5 mu l plasma or serum/well) in premature infants with treatment requiring ROP and to monitor platelet activation by PF-4 detection. Minimal blood probe volumes reduce phlebotomy losses avoiding the risk of iatrogenic anemia, thus allowing close monitoring of the cytokine levels in these very fragile infants.

Harvard Citation style: Yomayuza, C., Preissner, K., Lorenz, B. and Stieger, K. (2019) Optimizing Measurement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Small Blood Samples of Premature Infants, Scientific Reports, 9, Article 6744. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43108-7

APA Citation style: Yomayuza, C., Preissner, K., Lorenz, B., & Stieger, K. (2019). Optimizing Measurement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Small Blood Samples of Premature Infants. Scientific Reports. 9, Article 6744. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43108-7