Abstract: FR-PO0511
Association of Arterial Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C Positivity with Arteriosclerotic Changes in Kidney Biopsy Specimens
Session Information
- CKM: Clinical - Trials, Epidemiology, and Biomarkers
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health
- 602 Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: Clinical
Authors
- Sanada, Satoru, Sendai Byoin, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
- Sato, Mitsuhiro, Sendai Byoin, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Background
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is best known for its role in lymphangiogenesis, but it may also be involved in arteriosclerotic change. We examined the association between VEGF-C positivity and arteriosclerotic lesions in kidney biopsy specimens from patients with a range of clinical backgrounds.
Methods
Arterial VEGF-C immunostaining was evaluated in 183 consecutive kidney biopsy specimens. Arteriolar wall thickening and hyalinosis were graded histologically, and their associations with VEGF-C positivity were assessed. Baseline characteristics were compared between VEGF-C-positive and VEGF-C-negative cases using multivariable analysis. Circulating VEGF-C levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Among the 183 cases, 6 were excluded because the specimens lacked suitable arteries, 3 because clinical data were unavailable, and 17 because the patients were receiving steroid therapy. The remaining 157 biopsy specimens comprised 83 with positive arterial VEGF-C staining and 74 with negative staining. Histological arteriosclerotic scores, including arteriolar wall thickening and hyalinosis, were significantly higher in the VEGF-C-positive group. Patients with positive VEGF-C staining also tended to be older (60.9±15.2 vs 47.3±19.4, p<0.01), have higher serum creatinine levels (1.2±0.5 vs 0.9±0.4, p<0.01), and more frequently have hypertension (60% vs 30%, p<0.01), diabetes mellitus (24% vs 11%, p<0.01), and dyslipidemia (52% vs 34%, p=0.03). However, after adjustment for these factors in multivariable logistic regression analysis, only age remained significantly associated with VEGF-C positivity. Serum VEGF-C concentrations did not differ significantly between the VEGF-C-positive and VEGF-C-negative groups.
Conclusion
Arterial VEGF-C positivity may be associated with arteriosclerosis and may reflect the cumulative effects of aging and other common metabolic risk factors.