Relation of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] to diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 DM is a frequent complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work is to evaluate the relation of vascular endothelial growth factor to diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients and to assess whether its levels is related to the severity of diabetic nephropathy. This study included 38 type 2 diabetic patients grouped into nephropathic and non-nephropathic groups based on urinary albumin excretion [UAE], nephropathic group was further grouped into microalbuminuric and macroalbuminuric subgroups according to the level of UAE. In addition 10 healthy subjects of matched age, sex and body mass index [BMI] served as a control group. All participants underwent clinical examination, laboratory investigations; traditional investigations. UAE and serum and urinary vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]. The nephropathic group was of longer duration, had poor glycemic control compared to the non-nephropathic group. Serum and urinary VEGF levels were elevated in all diabetic patients compared to controls and in the nephropathic group versus the non-nephropathic. The elevation was significantly higher in macroalbuminuric group compared to the microalbuminuric group. Furthermore, serum and urine VEGF levels showed a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and UAE. The hyperglycemic milieu in type 2 diabetes may induce VEGF overproduction that paves the way for diabetic renal insult and hence diabetic nephropathy