Circulating Angiogenic Growth Factors in Diabetes Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease and Exertional Leg Pain in Ghana

الملخص EN

Objective.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common complication of diabetes, associated with impairment in angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is regulated by angiogenic growth factors such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

We studied the association between angiogenic growth factors versus PAD and exertional leg symptoms in diabetes patients in Ghana.

Method.

In this cross-sectional study, ankle-brachial index was measured with oscillometrically and exertional leg symptoms were screened with Edinburgh claudication questionnaire in 140 diabetes patients and 110 nondiabetes individuals.

Circulating levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were measured with immunosorbent assay.

Results.

The prevalence of PAD and exertional leg pain was 16.8% and 24.8%, respectively.

Compared to non-PAD participants, PAD patients had higher VEGF levels [85.8 (37.5–154.5) versus 57.7 (16.6–161.1) p=0.032] and lower Ang-1 levels [31.3 (24.8–42.6) versus 40.9 (28.2–62.1), p=0.017].

In multivariable logistic regression, patients with exertional leg pain had increased the odds of plasma Ang-2 levels [OR (95% CI): 2.08 (1.08–6.41), p=0.036].

Conclusion.

Diabetes patients with PAD and exertional leg pain have imbalance in angiogenic growth factors, indicating impaired angiogenesis.

In patients with exertional leg pains, Ang-2 may be an important biomarker.