1. INCREASED CIRCULATING SERUM LEVELS OF VEGF-A ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ALBUMINURIA IN HYPETENSIVE PATIENTS Grigorios G. Dimas 1, Thomas J. Tegos 2, Ilias E. Kanellos 1, Sofia G. Spiroglou 3, Spiros D. Fotiadis 1, Ioannis M. Karamouzis 1, Galaktion N. Konstantinidis 1, Christos G Savopoulos 1, Apostolos I. Hatzitolios 1, Dimitrios M. Grekas 1. 1 1 st Propaedeutic Medical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece 2 1 st Neurology Medical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece 3 Biochemistry Laboratory, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2. Background Vascular endothelial growth factor – A (VEGF-A) is involved nowadays in atherosclerosis. Whether VEGF is detrimental in hypertensive nephropathy or other renal conditions is not yet clearly answered. It remains controversial the mechanism by which VEGF works in the kidney, as well as in the vessels in the early stages of hypertension (HT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

3. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of VEGF-A and their potential role in atherosclerosis and albuminuria in hypetensive patients.

4. Methods Hypertensive patients with macroalbuminuria (n=50) were included. As controls, there were 20 hypertensive patients without microalbuminuria (n=40) and healthy individuals (n=40). Clearance of creatinine (Clcr) and albumin excretion were examined in the 24h urine. VEGF-A levels were measured by an ELISA method. Intima media thickness of carotid and femoral arteries and atheromatic plaque were evaluated by a high resolution ultrasonography.

5. Results There was a notable difference between VEGF-A levels in each of the groups. It should be noted that patient group had the largest and highest mean level VEGF-A (646,3±130,54 pg/ml in albuminuric HT vs 246,98±160,89pg/ml in HT and 197,68±128,14 pg/ml in healthy). There was a statistically significant correlation between levels of VEGF-A and albuminuria (p<0,002) and IMT (p<0.004).

6. Conclusion Our study suggests that serum levels of VEGF-A might present independent risk factors of atherosclerosis and albuminuria, in hypertensive patients.