Long-term blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 aggravates the diabetic renal dysfunction associated with inactivation of the Akt/eNOS-NO axis

Background. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, and this is driven by several factors, including hyperglycaemia and ischaemia. We investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) blockade and its effects on diabetic nephropathy.