K. Nitta et al., Increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in human crescentic glomerulonephritis, CLIN NEPHR, 52(2), 1999, pp. 76-82
Objective: To investigate the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth f
actor (VEGF) in human crescentic glomerulonephritis (CRGN). Methods: The se
rum VEGF levels in CRGN patients were compared with those in healthy subjec
ts and in various types of glomerulonephritis. In addition? we investigated
the relationship between serum VEGF levels and creatinine levels (Scr) and
pathological parameters. Results: The serum VEGF levels of the CRGN patien
ts were significantly higher than in the healthy subjects and patients with
MCNS, IgAN, and FGS. No correlation was found between serum VEGF levels an
d Scr in the RPGN patients. The serum VEGF levels in 6 CRGN patients had si
gnificantly decreased after 6 months of corticosteroid therapy. Moreover, t
here was a significant correlation between the serum VEGF levels and the cr
escent frequency or the grade of interstitial injury, and the rates of glom
erular infiltration by macrophages. Conclusions: In the CRGN patients, seve
re glomerular and interstitial damages would result in increased serum VEGF
levels and corticosteroid therapy may exert its efficacy through reduction
of serum VEGF levels.