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Horm Metab Res 2005; 37(1): 36-39
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-861031
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Markers of Vascular Function in Hypertension due to Cushing’s Syndrome

S.  Zacharieva1 , I.  Atanassova1 , E.  Nachev1 , M.  Orbetzova1 , G.  Kirilov1 , K.  Kalinov2 , R.  Shigarminova1
  • 1Clinical Centre of Endocrinology and Gerontology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
  • 2New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
Further Information

Publication History

Received 27 January 2004

Accepted after Revision 26 July 2004

Publication Date:
09 February 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Background: There are limited data regarding the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in arterial hypertension. The aim of the study was to determine some markers of vascular function, including VEGF, active renin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in patients with endocrine hypertension resulting from Cushing’s syndrome. Material and Methods: The study comprised 32 patients with active Cushing’s syndrome, 22 patients with essential hypertension, and 24 healthy volunteers. Results: VEGF was significantly elevated in the groups of patients compared to controls. VEGF levels in the patients with Cushing’s syndrome were significantly higher than in patients with essential hypertension. We did not find significant differences in VEGF levels between patients with Cushing’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal tumor. Active renin and PGE2 levels did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusion: VEGF levels were significantly elevated in endocrine hypertension due to glucocorticoid excess. Higher VEGF levels were detected in patients with Cushing’s syndrome compared to patients with essential hypertension. Based on our results, we could not judge the extent to which this VEGF elevation in the patients with Cushing’s syndrome was due to the hypertension itself and/or to the presence of adrenal tumor/hyperplasia.

Key words

Vascular endothelial growth factor - Hypertension - Angiogenesis - Cushing’s syndrome

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Assoc. Prof. S. Zacharieva

Clinical Centre of Endocrinology and Gerontology

6, Damijan Gruev Str · 1303 Sofia · Bulgaria

Phone: +359 (2) 9871334

Fax: +359 (2) 9871334 ·

Email: zacharieva@uheg.medicalnet-bg.org

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