High plasma VEGF relates to low carbohydrate intake in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to enhance glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier, thereby increasing brain glucose supply. Increased brain glucose concentration is known to suppress food intake and to decrease body mass via action on hypothalamic regulation centers. Based on the crucial role of VEGF on brain glucose supply, we hypothesized that higher VEGF concentrations are associated with lower food intake and body mass in humans. Methods: Intending to investigate subjects with high variance of blood glucose, we examined patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our hypothesis was tested in a population-based cohort of 190 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Plasma VEGF levels in conjunction with other parameters known to modulate food intake were measured and subsequently correlated with food intake patterns at a breakfast buffet as well as with body mass. Results: We found that subjects with higher concentrations of plasma VEGF had 17% less carbohydrate intake (P ¼ 0.003) and 4.8% lower body mass (P ¼ 0.017) than those with lower VEGF concentrations. Intake of protein and fat did not correlate with VEGF concentrations. These associations of plasma VEGF were confirmed in multiple linear regression analyses controlling for several parameters interacting with food intake. Conclusion: We conclude that high plasma VEGF concentrations are associated with less carbohydrate intake and lower body mass in type 2 diabetes. The role VEGF plays in facilitating glucose access to the brain represents a new aspect of food intake regulation and energy homeostasis, with relevance for diseases with body mass disturbances.

Divergent effects of hyper- and hypoglycemia on circulating vascular endothelial growth factor in humans

“…This result conflicts with previous investigations in human or animal vascular smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, or podocytes in vitro [7][8][9] as well as data from vitreous and aqueous fluids of diabetic patients [15] reporting stimulatory effects of high glucose on VEGF expression or concentrations. However, systemically elevated VEGF levels have not been found in diabetic patients yet [16,17]. On the contrary, one study even found an impairment in fibroblast VEGF production resulting from the diabetic state in db/db mice [18], which is compatible with our results.…”

Anti‐depressive effect of polyphenols and omega‐3 fatty acid from pomegranate peel and flax seed in mice exposed to chronic mild stress

“…Energy/sucrose intake and brain function are interrelated. 50,51 A much greater sucrose intake was observed in the flax seed extract and imipramine Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2013; 67: 501-508 Pomegranate and flax seed vs CMS 505 groups than in the pomegranate peel extract group (Fig. 1).…”

Vascular endothelial growth factor B controls endothelial fatty acid uptake

“…Interestingly, some reports suggest that VEGF-A can upregulate Glut1 expression in ECs, at least in the blood-brain barrier 206,207 . Circulating VEGF-A levels are also correlated with lower blood glucose levels in humans 208 . Positron Emission Tomography (PET) measuring 18 F-deoxyglucose ( 18 FDG) uptake has been used in the clinic to detect glycolytically active tumours and metastasis in cancer patients 209 .…”