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Vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic nephropathy
Tomas Lenz1, Thomas Haak, Joanna Malek
1Medical Clinic IV, Division of Nephrology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. tomas.lenz@kfh-dialyse.de
Kidney & Blood Pressure Research
|November 12, 2003
Summary
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) may contribute to albuminuria in type 2 diabetes, but not type 1. This study investigated VEGF(165) levels and albuminuria in diabetic patients, finding a correlation only in type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) increases endothelial permeability.
- VEGF is produced in podocytes, with receptors on glomerular endothelial cells.
- VEGF(165) is the most important isoform.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of VEGF(165) in albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy.
- Examine the impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on VEGF(165) secretion.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 72 diabetic patients (Type 1 and Type 2) and 26 healthy controls.
- Measured serum and urinary VEGF(165) using ELISA.
- Measured urinary albumin using nephelometry.
Main Results:
- Urinary VEGF(165) levels were similar across diabetic and control groups.
- Albuminuria was significantly higher in type 2 diabetics compared to controls.
- A correlation between urinary VEGF and albumin was found exclusively in type 2 diabetics (R=0.497, p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- VEGF(165) may play a role in the development of albuminuria in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
- VEGF(165) does not appear to be a significant factor in albuminuria in type 1 diabetes.
- Therapy with ACE inhibitors/AT1 antagonists did not significantly alter urinary VEGF(165) levels.