Cutaneous lesions of secondary syphilis are highly angiogenic.
BACKGROUND
The role of angiogenesis in infectious processes is poorly studied. Some viruses have been linked to angiogenesis, but the role of bacteria and protozoa in inducing angiogenesis in chronic infections is poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the role of angiogenesis in syphilis, a common and often difficult-to-treat infectious disease, especially in the setting of HIV/AIDS.


METHODS
Microvessel counts were performed on 27 paraffin-fixed sections of secondary syphilis by staining with monoclonal antibodies against CD31. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to determine whether increased angiogenesis may be mediated, in part, through increased production of VEGF.


RESULTS
The CD31 mean microvessel count in secondary syphilis sections was significantly higher than in normal control sections. VEGF intensity appeared increased in the patients with secondary syphilis.


CONCLUSIONS
Infection with Treponema pallidum results in increased angiogenesis in secondary syphilis. The mechanism for increased angiogenesis may involve elaboration of angiogenic cytokines, such as VEGF and epidermal growth factor.
Macaron
Nada C
NC
Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Cohen
Cynthia
C
Chen
Suephy C
SC
Arbiser
Jack L
JL
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D013591:Syphilis, Cutaneous / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor