Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor, and Renal Function Determinants in Type 2 Diabetics in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria: A Case–Control Study
Context: the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) on renal function of diabetics is unclear. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between VEGF, PEDF and urea, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetics. Materials and Methods: 100 type 2 diabetics and 50 controls were recruited into this case-control study. Analytes were determined by standard methods. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and 95% Confidence interval. Results: VEGF, PEDF (p=0.0001), urea (p=0.024) and creatinine (p=0.026) were significantly higher in diabetics than controls but eGFR was comparable (p>0.05) in both groups. VEGF and PEDF were comparable (p>0.05) in the diabetics with eGFR<60 ml/min and >60 ml/min. Renal function parameters did not correlate with either VEGF or PEDF. Conclusion: plasma VEGF and PEDF are higher in diabetics but there seem to be no association between renal function determinants and either VEGF and PEDF.