Epidermal growth factor levels are related to diastolic blood pressure and carotid artery stiffness.
OBJECTIVE
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) is believed to be involved in vascular remodelling. EGF receptors are expressed in human atherosclerotic tissue.


METHODS
In order to study the role of EGF in vascular remodelling and early progression of atherosclerosis, 17 men and 16 women aged 20 to 45 years were recruited. Common Carotid Artery Stiffness index (CCA SI) and blood pressure were evaluated. In addition, serum levels of EGF and blood lipids were measured.


RESULTS
The levels of serum EGF were significantly correlated to diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) and CCA SI (p<0.05). Subjects with EGF concentrations in the upper median had significantly lower levels of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) (p<0.05) and ApoA1 (Apolipoprotein) (p<0.05) than those with EGF concentrations in the lower median.


CONCLUSIONS
High serum level of EGF is associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure and increased vessel stiffness suggesting a possible functional role of EGF in the cardiovascular system in a healthy population.
Lundstam
Ulf
U
Department of Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Hägg
Ulrika
U
Sverrisdottir
Yrsa Bergmann
YB
Svensson
Lennart E T
LE
Gan
Li-ming
LM
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000473:pathology*; D003971:Diastole; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor