CDH5 and uremia: In summary, the mechanisms by which uremia alters VE-cadherin and ZO-1 expression, according to the literature, could be several including (I) VE-cadherin is required for endothelial integrity in quiescent vessels and for correct organization of new vessels [1], and the rapid transient phosphorylation of VE-cadherin in endothelial cells can be induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).