The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Microalbuminuria, and β2-Microglobulin as Angiogenic and Renal Dysfunction Indicators in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the serum vascular endothelial growth factor, microalbuminuria, and beta-2 microglobulin as concurrent markers of angiogenic impairment and renal injury.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the University of Babylon, Iraq from 1st November 2025 to 31st March 2026.

Methods: Ninety participants, 50 patients with confirmed diabetic foot ulcer, 20 diabetics without identifiable complications (positive control), and 20 healthy volunteers (negative control) were enrolled.

Results: Fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, vascular endothelial growth factor, microalbuminuria, and beta-2 microglobulin were significantly elevated in diabetic foot ulcer patients relative to both control groups (P≤0.01). A meaningful positive correlation was identified between serum vascular endothelial growth factor and microalbuminuria (r=0.284, P=0.045), pointing to a shared microvascular pathological process.

Conclusion: The routine and combined measurement of serum vascular endothelial growth factor, microalbuminuria, and beta-2 microglobulin is recommended as part of standard clinical monitoring for diabetic foot
ulcer patients, providing clinicians the opportunity to intervene before complications become irreversible.