#6873 hepatocyte growth factor correlates with serum glucose levels in hypertensive subjects

Abstract Background and Aims Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic factor derived from mesenchymal cells and is considered a humoral mediator in the interaction of epithelium and mesenchyme. The concentration of HGF in the serum is related to blood pressure (BP), but also to serum glucose concentration. Patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes have significantly higher HGF values, especially those with developed atherosclerotic disease and diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, the concentration of serum HGF in patients with diabetes is higher than that in healthy subjects, regardless of their blood pressure (BP) levels. Our aim was to determine the correlation between serum HGF levels and serum glucose levels in subjects with optimal blood pressure and untreated hypertensives. Method The subjects were divided into two groups based on the BP values. There were 295 subjects with optimal blood pressure (OBP, BP<120/80 mmHg) and 268 subjects with untreated arterial hypertension (AH, BP>140/90 mmHg). Blood pressure was measured according to ESH/ESC guidelines. Fasting blood samples were drawn, serum glucose and HGF levels were measured using commercial tests. Results The average blood pressure was 110/72 mmHg in the OBP group vs 151/92 mmHg in the AH group (p<0,001). Subjects with AH had significantly higher glucose levels than subjects with OBP (4,8±0,5 mmol/l vs. 5,7±1,6 mmol/l, respectively, p<0,001). Serum HGF concentration showed a significant positive correlation to serum glucose levels in the AH group (correlation coefficient = 0,195, p<0,05), but not in the OBP group (correlation coefficient = 0,045, p = 0,06). Serum HGF concentration did not show a significant correlation to blood pressure levels in both groups (all p>0,05). Conclusion Serum HGF concentration is associated with glucose levels in subjects with untreated arterial hypertension.