Serum Behavior of NT-3 and VEGFβ, Two Unstudied Growth Factors in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and End-Stage Renal Disease.

Background. DM frequently causes ESRD, a situation in which survival is impossible without chronic dialysis. This research aimed to study the tissue-regenerative capacity of ESRD patients with/without DM. For this purpose, two growth factors were studied: NT-3 and VEGFβ. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the serum behavior of NT-3 in patients with ESRD + DM and, very likely, in patients with ESRD alone. VEGFβ is also very little studied in these patient categories. Since the quasi-permanent inflammation was already clearly proven, this study focused on the anti-inflammatory capacity, taking IL-10 as a prototype, and also the interrelationships between these three factors. Method. All the aforementioned compounds were determined from serum samples, utilizing ELISA kits. Results. The results were surprising, proving a marked polarization of their serum behavior. Although the mean serum levels of NT-3 and VEGFβ were significantly increased in patients with ESRD + DM compared to those with ESRD alone, most patients in both groups had serum levels below the detection limits of the kits used. Conclusions. Although this research is in its early stages, it generates important conclusions and directions for further research, as the functional connections between the studied parameters are not fully understood.