A lower expression of VEGF mRNA in CDH patients in the alveolar stage, possibly as a result of downregulation of HIF-2α might indicate a role for these factors in the pathophysiology of CDH.
BackgroundDeficiency of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with hypoplastic lung diseases, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Among survivors with CDH (n = 27/133), the TRASCET group showed significant downregulation of FGF-10 and VEGF-A gene expressions compared to the untreated (p < 0.001 for both) and saline groups (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively).
<b>Conclusions:</b> Our data suggest that ECMO might be associated with a rather impaired mobilization of EPC and MSC and with a depression of VEGF serum levels in newborns with CDH.