Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
Endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
1Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver, Mail Stop C283, Bldg. 500, Rm C5000, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Godela.Brosnahan@UCDenver.edu
Insights
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves kidney and liver cysts. This review explores early endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in ADPKD, linking them to oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common, lethal hereditary condition.
- ADPKD is characterized by kidney and liver cysts, but also presents a vascular phenotype.
- This vascular aspect includes hypertension, renal blood flow abnormalities, and aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent studies on endothelial dysfunction in ADPKD.
- To examine the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and neoangiogenesis in ADPKD.
- To investigate the link between vascular dysfunction and angiogenesis in ADPKD.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on ADPKD.
- Analysis of the role of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.
- Examination of angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Main Results:
- Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in ADPKD, preceding hypertension.
- Oxidative stress and vascular inflammation contribute to endothelial dysfunction.
- Angiogenesis, evidenced by VEGF, is present on renal cysts in ADPKD.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction and neoangiogenesis are key components of ADPKD.
- Understanding these mechanisms may offer therapeutic targets.
- Further research into ADPKD pathogenesis is warranted.
Abstract:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common potentially lethal hereditary disease. The hall mark of the disease is the development of innumerable cysts in kidneys and liver. However, a vascular phenotype including the early occurrence of hypertension, abnormalities in renal blood flow, intracranial and aortic aneurysms, spontaneous coronary and cervicocephalic artery dissections, and dolichoectasias of intracranial arteries is also part of the spectrum of ADPKD. While endothelial dysfunction occurs early in ADPKD and precedes the onset of hypertension, the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction has not been extensively studied. Development of endothelial dysfunction in ADPKD (as in other conditions characterized by endothelial dysfunction) has been linked to oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. Vascular dysfunction with increased contraction and decreased relaxation causes downstream tissue ischemia, a potent stimulus for angiogenesis. Evidence of angiogenesis on the surface of renal cysts has been documented in human ADPKD. In addition, high levels of angiogenic growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor have been reported in cyst fluid and in the circulation of patients with ADPKD. In the following chapter we summarize recent studies examining the role and pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and neoangiogenesis in ADPKD.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Nephropathy
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Diabetic Retinopathy
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

