Role ofVascularEndothelial Growth Factor in the ) Pathogenesis of Proteinuria in Different Renal Diseases in Children

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF) or VEGF-A is a multifunctional cytokine that mediates its biological function by interaction with specific receptors on endothelial cells. One of its important functions is increasing capillary permeability. Based on its activity in increasing vascular permeability, VEGF is thought to be involved in the development of proteinuria.

The current study was designed to evaluate the serum level of VEGF in some renal diseases with proteinuria and to assess its relation to the pathogenesis of renal diseases. The study included 30 nephrotic patients who presented with puffy eyelids and lower limb edema. The mean age of the patients was 5.7 ± 3.4 years (ranging from 1.5 to 12 years), 76.67 % were males (No =23) and 23.33% were females (No =7). Seventy SIX per cent were steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), 17 % were focal segmental glomemlosclerosis (FSGS), and the remaining 7 % were systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE).