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Angiogenic factors are elevated in overweight and obese individuals

International Journal of Obesity volume 29, pages 1308–1314 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Adipose tissue produces both vascular growth factors and inhibitors. Since obesity is associated with expansion of the capillary bed in regional adipose depots the balance between these factors may favor angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relationship between body mass index and serum concentrations of vascular growth factors in human subjects.

METHODS:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C, VEGF-D, soluble VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFr2), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), angiopoietin-2, angiogenin and endostatin concentrations were measured in serum collected from 58 lean (24 males, 34 female, mean BMI, 22.2±0.3) and 42 overweight and obese (16 males and 26 females, mean BMI, 33.5±1.2) subjects after an overnight fast.

RESULTS:

Sexual dimorphism was apparent in the serum concentrations of VEGF-C, VEFG-D and angiopoietin-2 with significantly higher levels in female compared to male subject. VEGF, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, soluble VEGF receptor-2, angiopoietin-2, angiogenin and endostatin but not HGF were significantly elevated in overweight and obese subjects. Positive correlations between BMI and the serum concentrations of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, sVEGF-R2, angiopoietin-2, angiogenin and endostatin were observed even after adjustment for gender and age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased levels of vascular growth factors as well as the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin are present in overweight and obese subjects and may contribute to previously documented increased risk of metastatic disease in obese subjects with cancer.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by funds from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (to LJM) and Internal Grant Agency of Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (Grant No. NB 7569-3 to MK). LJM is a recipient of the Henry G Friesen Chair in Endocrine and Metabolic Research. JVS is a recipient of Canadian Diabetes Association Postdoctoral Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

    J V Silha & L J Murphy

  2. Third Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

    M Krsek & P Sucharda

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

    L J Murphy

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  1. J V Silha
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  2. M Krsek
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Correspondence to L J Murphy.

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Silha, J., Krsek, M., Sucharda, P. et al. Angiogenic factors are elevated in overweight and obese individuals. Int J Obes 29, 1308–1314 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802987

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