Vascular endothelial growth factor: the link between cardiovascular risk factors and microalbuminuria?

Background: Microalbuminuria, i.e. slightly elevated urinary albumin excretion, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity in the general population. Microalbuminuria has been proposed to indicate increased endothelial permeability. Unknown are the mechanisms underlying this increased vascular permeability. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, increases endothelial permeability. We hypothesised that plasma VEGF levels may be associated with microalbuminuria in a large sample of the general population. Methods: Out of a large sample of the general population, we studied 189 control subjects (urinary albumin excretion (UAE): 0–30 mg/24 h) and 194 microalbuminuric subjects (UAE: 30–300 mg/24 h), matched for age, sex and the presence of ischemia on the electrocardiogram. Results: Subjects with microalbuminuria had significant higher plasma levels of VEGF (p<0.05). The correlation between plasma levels of VEGF and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, diabetes and body mass index were statistically significant. Using logistic regression analysis, microalbuminuria was significantly associated with VEGF (odds ratio 1.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.27; p<0.01). This association was dependent on cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: This study suggests a relation between increased plasma VEGF levels and subsequent occurrence of microalbuminuria.