Increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in human crescentic glomerulonephritis

Citation
K. Nitta et al., Increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in human crescentic glomerulonephritis, CLIN NEPHR, 52(2), 1999, pp. 76-82
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Urology & Nephrology","da verificare
Journal title
CLINICAL NEPHROLOGY
ISSN journal
03010430 → ACNP
Volume
52
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
76 - 82
Database
ISI
SICI code
0301-0430(199908)52:2<76:ISLOVE>2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
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.