ABSTRACT

Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), originally known as vascular permeability factor (VPF), is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. To be specific, it’s a sub-family of growth factors. They are important signaling proteins involved in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate such as in hypoxic conditions. Serum concentration of VEGF is high in bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus.

Aim: To explore the relevance of VEGF level with complication of diabetes mellitus (diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN)).

Result we have confirmed previous observations of increased plasma VEGF Levels in patients with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. A total 301 quality control subjects divided to 4 groups (diabetics with DR, diabetics with DN diabetics without DR or DN and health individual) were observed to determine the relationship between serum of VEGF level and diabetes complication DR and DN.

Conclusion: High level of VEGF was detected among DM patients with nephropathy and retinopathy, suggesting it may plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications.

Keywords; Naphropathy, retinopathy, diabetes type 2, vasculogenesis