VEGF and Type 2 diabetes

A single morning measurement of systemic VEGF concentration is a reliable parameter for individual detection for the individual risk associated with abnormal VEGF concentrations in blood.

On the other hand, low VEGF levels after intravitreal antibody application may be associated with acute cardiovascular complications and treatment failure. So far only limited information exists on intraindividual fluctuations over longer periods and circadian rhythms. The intraindividual variance of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and placental growth factor (PLGF) was analyzed in CTAD (citrate-theophylline adenine dipyridamole) plasma and of VEGF-A in serum over a 6-month period in patients with stably controlled type 2 diabetes (10 M, 10 F) and age- and sex-matched subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Furthermore, circadian levels of VEGFs were controlled hourly from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm under standardized metabolic ward conditions. VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and PLGF remained stable in plasma and VEGF-A in serum over 6 months in both groups. No circadian change was observed in VEGF-A serum and plasma concentrations. A minor decrease of VEGF-C plasma levels was evident after 5 pm in both groups, and a significant peak of PLGF concentrations occurred after lunch. No significant intraindividual variances were detected for VEGF-A in serum and VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and PLGF in CTAD plasma over a 6-month period. Taken together, a single morning measurement of systemic VEGF levels after 7:30 am appears to be a reliable parameter for the individual risk associated with abnormal VEGF concentrations in blood.

Intra-individual variability and circadian rhythm of vascular endothelial growth factors in subjects with normal glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Hanefeld M, Engelmann K, Appelt D, Sandner D, Weigmann I, et al. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 9;12(10):e0184234.

VIEW PUBLICATION