Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Microvessel Research Articles

Decreased Expression of Serum and Microvascular Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 in Meningococcal Sepsis*

To determine the skin microvessel expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and serum-soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels in children with meningococcal sepsis. Observational study. Two tertiary academic children hospital PICUs. Children with meningococcal sepsis. Skin biopsy and blood sample collection. Determination of skin microvessel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression in skin biopsies by immunohistochemistry and measurement of serum-soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Percentage of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-positive skin microvessels and the staining intensity were significantly lower in children with meningococcal sepsis (n = 10) compared to controls (7.6% ± 8.8% vs 44.6% ± 39.2%; p = 0.009 and 0.7% ± 0.7% vs 1.7% ± 1.1%; p = 0.033, respectively). In addition, circulating serum levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 were decreased in sepsis (8,148 ± 1,140 pg/mL vs 13,414 ± 2,692 pg/mL; p < 0.001). Serum-soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels (n = 28) were inversely correlated with Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score (r = -0.43; p = 0.023) and more decreased in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (5,640 ± 1,940 pg/mL vs 7,378 ± 2,336 pg/mL; p = 0.037). Microvascular expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and serum-soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels are decreased in children with sepsis. Serum-soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels are inversely correlated with disease severity indicated by Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score and survival. Decreased vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression may hinder natural recovery from sepsis-associated microvascular injury and the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling in sepsis patients.