Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO362

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C Is Associated with Atherosclerotic Change in Kidney Arteries

Session Information

• Hypertension and CVD: Clinical, Outcomes, Trials
  October 26, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Hypertension and CVD

• 1402 Hypertension and CVD: Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials

Authors

• Takahashi, Kei, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital, Sendai, Japan

Kei Takahashi,

• Sanada, Satoru, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital, Sendai, Japan

Satoru Sanada,

• Sato, Mitsuhiro, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital, Sendai, Japan

Mitsuhiro Sato,

• Sato, Toshinobu, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital, Sendai, Japan

Toshinobu Sato,

• Taguma, Yoshio, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital, Sendai, Japan

Yoshio Taguma,

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contains five members in humans. Among them, VEGF-C is known to has a crucial role in lymphangiogenesis, however, some studies have shown that the VEGF-C is associated with atherosclerosis as well. In this study, we observed the VEGF-C expression in kidney arteries using kidney biopsy samples.

Methods

VEGF-A, B and C expressions on arteries greater than intralobular artery were assessed by immunofluorescence histochemistry using 185 kidney biopsy specimens obtained at Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Hospital. Atherosclerotic change was scored semi quantitatively. Results were compared with patients’ baseline characteristics.

Results

One hundred sixty three specimens which contained more than one interlobular artery were eligible for the study. The age of participants ranged from 14 to 85 and biopsy result included various diseases such as glomerulonephritis, diabetes and hereditary disorders. VEGF-A was positive, and VEGF-B was negative in all arterial samples, whereas VEGF-C was positive in 87 and negative 76 samples. VEGF-C positive group was older (61.0±14.1 vs 46.6±19.9, p<0.001), showed higher cardio-ankle vascular index (8.39±1.36 vs 7.45±1.43, p<0.001) and higher prevalence of hypertension (72.4 vs 40.8%, p<0.001) compared to that of negative group. Body mass index, serum HbA1c level and serum cholesterol level did not show a statistical significance between the two groups.

Conclusion

VEGF-C expression on the artery could be associated with atherosclerosis in the kidney. This new finding is enabled by kidney biopsy which can obtain arterial samples from a wide age range.