VEGF as a biomarker for hypoxia in kidney injury of different origins

Abstract

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of cytokine-knot growth factors. VEGF stimulates primarily angiogenesis (growth of vascular endothelium) and monocyte/macrophage migration, influences neural cells, malignant tumor cells, and renal epithelial cells. The hypoxia-inducible fac tor (HIF) is the major transcription factor inducing the VEGF production; it is rapidly expressed also in local hypoxia. Podocytes are the primary source of VEGF in kidneys. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze changes in urinary concentrations of VEGF in children with kidney injury of different origins, including abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), chronic pyelonephritis (CP), and hypertensive kidney disease associated with vesicoureteral reflux. Methods. 299 children with kidney injury were examined; 27 of them were newborns with ACS, 54 children had CP in the acute phase, and 140 children had vesicoureteral reflux. Urinary concentrations of VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in dynamics. Results. Urinary concentration of VEGF appeared a highly specific and sensitive marker for severity of renal parenchyma injury in children caused by renal hypoxia of different origins. Conclusion. Monitoring of urinary VEGF levels is a promising means for early diagnostics, prediction, and prevention of hypoxic kidney injury.