Autocrine VEGF-VEGF-R loop on podocytes during glomerulonephritis in humans.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most important and tightly regulated angiogenic cytokine in the kidney. Its activity is critical for capillary/glomerular preservation and repair, and recent studies have also demonstrated its relevance for the preservation of podocytes.

Methods: The present study investigated a large number (n = 153) of renal biopsies from patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) and evaluated the expression and activity of the glomerular VEGF system [VEGF, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2 and biologically active VEGF as identified by VEGF-VEGF receptor complexes (VEGF-VEGF-R)] in parallel with markers of renal function, injury and repair.