Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) dependent angiogenesis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been reported in several studies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGF and bFGF genes could regulate their cellular expression and consequently affect CLL disease progression. Aim of work: The aim of the present study was to determine the relation between VEGF+936 C>T and bFGF-921 C>G polymorphisms and B-CLL disease severity. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 50 CLL patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy adults. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was performed for the detection of VEGF+936 C>T and bFGF-921 C>G polymorphisms. Results: VEGF mutant genotypes (CT and TT), allele (T), and bFGF mutant genotypes (CG and GG), allele (G) were slightly higher among CLL patients compared to controls, with no statistical significance (p-value =0.414, 0.298, 0.422 and 0.524). No difference in VEGF and bFGF allele or genotype distribution was detected between subgroups with stages 0-II versus III-IV according to Rai staging (p-value =0.243 and 0.909). Conclusion: our study did not detect significant relationships for VEGF or bFGF polymorphisms and susceptibility to B- CLL or progression of the disease. Relating the VEGF and bFGF polymorphisms in future studies to the corresponding growth factor gene expression and plasma levels is advised to clarify association with disease pathophysiology and disease progression

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