Level of biological markers of fibrogenesis and angiogenesis in the urine of children with vesicoureteral reflux

Background. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is observed in 1–2 % of children’s population, and its incidence among children with urinary infection achieves 70 %. The objective of this study was to assess the urine levels of transforming growth factor b1 (TGF-b1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as noninvasive markers of VUR and renal parenchymal scarring in children. Materials and methods. Fifty four patients aged 6 months to 16 years with III–V degrees of VUR after endoscopic treatment in a period of clinical and laboratory remission of pyelonephritis were examined. Urine TGF-b1 and VEGF concentrations were measured using commercially kit Platinum ELISA (Austria), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results. We have found a significantly higher urine TGF-b1 and VEGF level in children with VUR than in children of control groups (рc–1 = 0.000125 and рc–2 = 0.000081; рc–1 = 0.0000 and рc–2 = 0.000021, respectively). Median urinary TGF-b1 level in patients with VUR and renal scarring was significantly higher than in those with VUR without renal scarring (р1–2 = 0.0269). Median urinary VEGF level in patients with VUR and renal scarring was significantly lower than in individuals with VUR without renal scarring (р1–2 = 0.0163). When studying TGF-b1 and VEGF urine levels, it was found that the Kruskal-Wallis criterion was highly statistically significant, therefore, the statistical characteristics of the corresponding indices differed significantly in the various groups. Conclusions. Thus, levels of urinary excretion of biomarkers of fibrogenesis and angiogenesis can be used as markers for renal parenchymal scarring in children with VUR.