Estimation of plasma concentrations of hepatocyte growth factor in acute leukemia in Upper Egypt

Background Angiogenesis is a fundamental element during malignant transformation. The induction of angiogenesis has been proposed to be through angiogenic factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Objective The aim of the study was to assess plasma concentrations of HGF in acute leukemia in Upper Egypt. Patients and Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 90 participants and divided them into three groups: group I included 30 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients; group II included 30 patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia; and group III included 30 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls. Plasma HGF concentration was measured using the ELISA technique. Results Statistical comparison between the mean values of plasma HGF in the three studied groups on using the F test, followed by the least significant difference, showed a significant difference ( F = 77, P = 0.001) between acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and controls and between acute myeloid leukemia patients and controls. Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that high plasma HGF may play a significant role in leukemia process and contribute to the leukemic cell dissemination. The clinical significance of the increased level of HGF in acute leukemia needs further investigation and may suggest a novel therapeutic approach in this disease.