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Markers of vascular function in hypertension due to Cushing's syndrome

S Zacharieva1, I Atanassova, E Nachev

  • 1Clinical Centre of Endocrinology and Gerontology, Medical University, 6 Damijan Gruev Str., 1303 Sofia, Bulgaria. zacharieva@uheg.medicalnet-bg.org

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|February 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is elevated in endocrine hypertension from Cushing's syndrome, higher than in essential hypertension. Further research is needed to clarify VEGF's role in hypertension and adrenal conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in arterial hypertension.
  • Endocrine hypertension, particularly from Cushing's syndrome, warrants investigation for vascular markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate vascular function markers, including VEGF, active renin, and prostaglandin E (2) (PGE (2)).
  • To compare these markers in patients with endocrine hypertension (Cushing's syndrome) versus essential hypertension and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative study design.
  • Inclusion of 32 patients with active Cushing's syndrome, 22 with essential hypertension, and 24 healthy volunteers.
  • Measurement of VEGF, active renin, and PGE (2) levels.

Main Results:

  • VEGF levels were significantly elevated in both patient groups compared to controls.
  • VEGF levels were significantly higher in Cushing's syndrome patients than in essential hypertension patients.
  • No significant differences in active renin or PGE (2) levels were observed among the groups.

Conclusions:

  • VEGF is significantly elevated in endocrine hypertension associated with glucocorticoid excess.
  • Cushing's syndrome patients exhibit higher VEGF levels than those with essential hypertension.
  • The precise contribution of hypertension versus adrenal pathology to VEGF elevation in Cushing's syndrome remains undetermined.
Abstract

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