VEGFA and filarial elephantiasis: The formation of these nodules might result from the death of adult worms due to DEC treatment, which would in turn lead to liberation of VEGF-A, in part due to release of Wolbachia. However, in a study conducted by Esterre et al. (58), the level of serum VEGF was shown to remain the same in patients with bancroftian filariasis after DEC treatment.