Effects Of Valsartan On The Expressions Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Its Receptor In The Kidney Of Diabetic Nephropathy Rats

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Valsartan on the renal protection by determining the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR-2) in the kidney of diabetic nephropathy rats. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy Wistar rats were divided into the control group,diabetic nephropathy group and diabetic nephropathy plus valsartan group. Immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the protein expression of VEGF and its receptor.SPSS10.0 statistics software were applied to analyze the data. Results: It was found that there were a strong difference in both of the distribution and staining intensity of VEGF and VEGFR-2 in diabetic nephropathy group as compared with control group. The expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were decreased by valsartan treatment in diabetic nephropathy plus valsartan group. (P<0.05).Conclusion : The protein expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were significantly increased in the diabetic nephropathy rats ,which were significantly inhibited by valsartan .The renoprotective mechanism of valsartan may correlated with the suppression on up-regulation of VEGF and VEGFR-2.