Association of kidney function with inflammatory and procoagulant markers in a diverse cohort: a cross-sectional analysis from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

The Kidney-Immune-Brain Axis: The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Stroke in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The underlying mechanisms connecting CKD and cardiovascular disease are yet to be fully elucidated, but inflammation is proposed to play an important role based on genetic association studies, studies of inflammatory biomarkers, and clinical trials of anti-inflammatory drug targets. There are multiple sources of both endogenous and exogenous inflammation in CKD, including increased production and decreased clearance of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis, chronic and recurrent infections, dialysis access, changes in adipose tissue metabolism, and disruptions in intestinal microbiota. This review focuses on the mechanisms of inflammation in CKD, dialysis and associated therapies, its proposed impact on stroke pathogenesis and prognosis, and the potential role of anti-inflammatory agents in the prevention and treatment of stroke in patients with CKD.

Pulmonary Embolism as a Cause of Death in Lung Transplant Recipients: Data From a Nationwide Registry

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of mortality in lung transplant recipients, with early cases associated with particularly poor outcomes. Identified risk factors include elevated BMI, renal dysfunction, ABO mismatch, donor malignancy, and specific immunosuppressive agents. Tailored risk assessments and targeted interventions are essential to mitigating PE-related mortality.

Renal Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Abnormalities During the Initial Stages of Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background: Hypertension is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid volume. The relationship between the kidneys and hypertension is complex, involving factors such as the renin-angiotensin system, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study aims to assess the levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and metabolic factors in the kidneys, focusing on their potential role in early renal damage and their association with the development of hypertension. Methods: This study was designed to compare the levels of selected inflammatory markers, e.g., interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor, and serine/threonine-protein (mTOR); oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl group, and glucose (GLC); and metabolic markers among other enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hexokinase II (HK-II), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as well as creatinine in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl, n = 12) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY/NCrl, n = 12). Both juvenile (5 weeks old) and maturing (10 weeks old) specimens were examined using spectrophotometric methods, e.g., ELISA. Results: Juvenile SHRs exhibited reduced renal levels of all studied cytokines and chemokines, with lower oxidative stress and deficits in the mTOR and HK-II levels compared to the age-matched WKYs. Maturing SHRs showed increased renal levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, alongside elevated carbonyl stress and increased HIF-1α as opposed to their control peers. The levels of all other studied markers were normalized in these animals, except for ALT (increased), ALP, and GLC (both reduced). Conclusions: This study underscores the significant impact of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic marker changes on renal function. Juvenile SHRs display lower marker levels, indicating an immature immune response and potential subclinical kidney damage that may contribute to hypertension development. In contrast, mature SHRs exhibit chronic inflammation, oxidative dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, suggesting cellular damage. These changes create a feedback loop that worsens kidney function and accelerates hypertension progression, highlighting the kidneys' crucial role in both initiating and exacerbating this condition.

Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers and CKD Incidence in the REGARDS Cohort

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is only partly caused by traditional risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction is common in CKD and may contribute to CKD incidence. We studied the association of circulating biomarkers reflecting endothelial dysfunction with incident CKD.

Methods

The Reasons for Geographical and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study is a prospective cohort of 30,239 Black or White adults aged ≥45 years. Baseline levels of intercellular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), factor VIII (FVIII), and E-selectin were measured in 3300 participants without baseline CKD or albuminuria who attended a second visit 9.4 years later. Kidney outcomes were incident CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and ≥40% decline or onset of new end-stage kidney disease), incident ≥30% eGFR decline, and incident albuminuria (albumin-to-creatinine ratio [ACR] ≥30 mg/g). Sequentially adjusted logistic regression models assessed the association of biomarkers with kidney outcomes.

Results

Median age of participants was 62 years, 49% were women, and 46% identified as Black. Of the participants, 228 (6.9%) developed CKD, 613 (18.9%) experienced ≥30% decline in eGFR, and 356 (11.4%) developed albuminuria. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for incident CKD per 1 SD increment biomarker was 1.12 for ICAM-1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.22), 1.10 for VCAM-1 (95% CI: 1.01-1.20), 1.15 for FVIII (95% CI: 1.06-1.24), and 1.10 for E-selectin (95% CI: 1.01-1.20). Results were similar for incident ≥30% eGFR decline but not albuminuria, where only higher FVIII was positively associated.

Conclusion

Higher concentration of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FVIII, and E-selectin were associated with incident CKD and ≥30% eGFR decline in a large cohort study. Higher FVIII was also associated with incident albuminuria.

Construction of a prognostic model with CAFs for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the subtypes of lung cancer (LC) that contributes to approximately 25%-30% of its prevalence. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key cellular components of the TME, and the large number of CAFs in tumour tissues creates a favourable environment for tumour development. However, the function of CAFs in the LUSC is complex and uncertain. First, we processed the scRNA-seq data and classified distinct types of CAFs. We also identified prognostic CAFRGs using univariate Cox analysis and conducted survival analysis. Additionally, we assessed immune cell infiltration in CAF clusters using ssGSEA. We developed a model with a significant prognostic correlation and verified the prognostic model. Furthermore, we explored the immune landscape of LUSC and further investigated the correlation between malignant features and LUSC. We identified CAFs and classified them into three categories: iCAFs, mCAFs and apCAFs. The survival analysis showed a significant correlation between apCAFs and iCAFs and LUSC patient prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in CAF cluster C showed a better survival probability compared to clusters A and B. In addition, we identified nine significant prognostic CAFRGs (CLDN1, TMX4, ALPL, PTX3, BHLHE40, TNFRSF12A, VKORC1, CST3 and ADD3) and subsequently employed multivariate Cox analysis to develop a signature and validate the model. Lastly, the correlation between CAFRG and malignant features indicates the potential role of CAFRG in promoting tumour angiogenesis, EMT and cell cycle alterations. We constructed a CAF prognostic signature for identifying potential prognostic CAFRGs and predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for LUSC. Our study may provide a more accurate prognostic assessment and immunotherapy targeting strategies for LUSC.

Association of eGFR and Albuminuria with Venous Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

CKD has been implicated as a risk factor of venous thromboembolism, but the evidence is limited to relatively healthy populations. The objective of this study was to discern whether parameters of kidney function and damage are associated with the occurrence of venous thromboembolism after hospitalization.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study including 23,899 and 11,552 adult individuals hospitalized within Geisinger Health System and New York University (NYU) Langone Health from 2004 to 2019 and 2012 to 2022, respectively. A Poisson model was used to evaluate adjusted incidence rates of venous thromboembolism according to eGFR and albuminuria categories in each cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze associations of eGFR and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) with venous thromboembolism, and hazard ratios (HRs) were meta-analyzed across cohorts.

RESULTS

Both lower eGFR and higher UACR were associated with higher risks of venous thromboembolism. In the Geisinger cohort, the incidence of venous thromboembolism after hospital discharge ranged from 10.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.2 to 12.6) events per 1000 person-years in individuals in G1A1 (eGFR >90 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and UACR <30 mg/g) to 27.7 (95% CI, 20.6 to 37.2) events per 1000 person-years in individuals with G4-5A3 (eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and UACR >300 mg/g). A similar pattern was observed in the NYU cohort. Meta-analyses of the two cohorts showed that every 10 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 reduction in eGFR below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 was associated with a 6% higher risk of venous thromboembolism (HR 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.11], P = 0.01), and each two-fold higher UACR was associated with a 5% higher risk of venous thromboembolism (HR 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.07], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both eGFR and UACR were independently associated with higher risk of venous thromboembolism after hospitalization. The incidence rate was higher with greater severity of CKD.

PODCAST

This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_12_14_CJN0000000000000352.mp3.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of stroke in individuals with diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation insight from a large contemporary population study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of embolic complications in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Impaired renal function (IRF) increases the risk of stroke as well, but this finding is not consistent among all studies. Our aim was to assess the incidence rates and risk of ischemic stroke and mortality by baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) levels Among individuals with AF and DM.

METHODS

A prospective, historical cohort study using the Clalit Health Services electronic medical records database. Among patients with AF and DM, we compared three groups according to eGFR levels: eGFR ≥ 60, between 30 and 60, and ≤ 30 (mL/min/1.73m2).

RESULTS

A total of 17,567 cases were included in the final analysis; of them, 11,013 (62.7%) had eGFR ≥ 60, 4930 (28%) had eGFR between 30 and 60, and 1624 (9.24%) with eGFR ≤ 30. The incidence of stroke per 100 person-years in the three study groups was: 1.88, 2.69, and 3.34, respectively (p < 0.001). IRF was associated with increased risk of stroke in univariate analysis, but not after multivariate adjustment (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) 0.96 {95%CI; 0.74-1.25} for eGFR 30-60 and 0.96 {95%CI; 0.60-1.55} for eGFR ≤ 30). Mortality per 100 person-years was 10.78, 21.49, and 41.55, respectively (p < 0.001). IRF was associated with increased mortality risk in univariate analysis, as well as in multivariate analysis (AHR 1.08 {95%CI; 0.98-1.18} for eGFR 30-60, and 1.59 {95%CI; 1.37-1.85} for eGFR ≤ 30.

CONCLUSION

In patients with NVAF and DM, IRF was not associated with an increased risk of stroke, but severe IRF (eGFR ≤ 30) was associated with increased mortality risk.

Management of Patients Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Clinical Practice and Challenging Scenarios

It is well established that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the cornerstone of anticoagulant strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and should be preferred over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) since they are superior or non-inferior to VKAs in reducing thromboembolic risk and are associated with a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage (IH). In addition, many factors, such as fewer pharmacokinetic interactions and less need for monitoring, contribute to the favor of this therapeutic strategy. Although DOACs represent a more suitable option, several issues should be considered in clinical practice, including drug-drug interactions (DDIs), switching to other antithrombotic therapies, preprocedural and postprocedural periods, and the use in patients with chronic renal and liver failure and in those with cancer. Furthermore, adherence to DOACs appears to remain suboptimal. This narrative review aims to provide a practical guide for DOAC prescription and address challenging scenarios.

Mitral annular calcification as a predictor of stroke in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study provides recent data on the association between cardiac computed tomography (CT) derived MAC and 15 years of stroke risk in a racially diverse cohort.

METHODS

All multiethnic studies of atherosclerosis participants ( n  = 6814) who completed a cardiac CT at baseline were included in this analysis. MAC score was calculated from cardiac CT using the Agatston and volume score methods. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compute hazard ratios for the association between MAC and stroke after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers, coronary artery calcium score, atrial fibrillation, and left atrial size.

RESULTS

Overall, 9% of participants (644/6814) had MAC at baseline. Over a surveillance period of 15 years, 304 strokes occurred, and 79% were ischemic strokes. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, SBP, diabetes, smoking, fibrinogen, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and coronary artery calcium score, baseline MAC was associated with increased risk for all strokes [hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.30: P  = 0.0013]. When atrial fibrillation/flutter and left atrial size were included in the final multivariable model, MAC remained a predictor of all strokes (hazard ratio 1.93; 95% CI 1.22-3.05: P  < 0.0051) and ischemic stroke (hazard ratio 2.03; 95% CI 1.24-3.31: P  < 0.0046).

CONCLUSION

MAC is an independent predictor of long-term stroke risk in a racially diverse population beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors and atrial fibrillation.

UK prescribing practice of anticoagulants in patients with chronic kidney disease: a nephrology and haematology-based survey

A survey to gain insight into anticoagulant prescribing practice in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across the UK was disseminated via renal and haematology networks. Areas of anticoagulant use included patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), requiring thromboprophylaxis for VTE, Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and nephrotic syndrome.An online-survey was disseminated via British Haematology Society, UK Kidney Association, and Renal Pharmacy Group over a five month period. All responses were voluntary and anonymous.Among 117 responses there were 49 nephrology doctors, 47 renal pharmacists and 20 haematology clinicians. A specialist multidisciplinary team to discuss the specific anticoagulant management of these patients was only available to 3% (4/117) respondents. Renal function estimate used for anticoagulant dosing was mainly Cockcroft-Gault for pharmacists and haematology but lab-based estimates were used by nephrology doctors. Therapeutic dose of Low Molecular Weight Heparin was mostly likely to be reduced by one-third when used for VTE treatment, with the majority of units undertaking anti-Xa monitoring in CKD stage 5 and dialysis. Direct-acting Oral Anticoagulants are being used in patients with nephrotic syndrome, those with CKD stage 5 and on dialysis for VTE and AF in the absence of license in these indications.This survey highlighted the significant differences between anticoagulant prescribing in CKD between two professional specialties and marked variation between centres in anticoagulant management strategies employed for these patients. With gaps still existing in the evidence base and answers to these not expected within the next few years, development of a best-practice guideline would be warranted to support clinicians in this field.

Preoperative risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

To analyze the risk factors for preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, a total of 584 knee OA patients undergoing TKA were enrolled. General information, medical records and preoperative laboratory examination results of the patients were collected. According to the results of Doppler ultrasonography for the lower extremities, the patients were divided into DVT group and non-DVT group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

RESULTS

The incidence of DVT before TKA was 6.85% (40 cases). The increase of ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), platelet crit, IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and PCT (Procalcitonin) were associated with the development of DVT before TKA. Factors as coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes mellitus (DM), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), NLR (ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes), lower limb venous blood stasis, the time from onset to admission, RBC, PLT were identified by multivariate logistic regression to be the independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

DM, CKD, CHD, increased in ESR, IL-6 and PCT, blood stasis of the lower extremities, increased in PLT, platelet crit and the time from onset to admission, decreased in RBC, were high risk factors for preoperative DVT in knee OA patients undergoing TKA.

Total Testosterone as a Specific Marker of Acute Kidney Injury in Male Patients With Myocardial Infarction

Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the significance of total testosterone (T) as a marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Patients and methods The study was a retrospective, single-center cohort study that included 55 consecutive male patients diagnosed with acute MI who were admitted to the Cardiology Clinic of Alexandrovska University Hospital (Sofia, Bulgaria) between July 2011 and December 2013. The plasma total T levels, measured at admission, the peak levels of myocardial necrosis markers, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were analyzed in relation to the incidence of AKI. Results The occurrence of AKI was positively predicted by reduced EF (OR=0.825; CI=0.724-0.942; P=0.004), advanced age (OR=1.077; CI=1.038-1.151; P=0.029), and low levels of total T (OR=0.837; CI=0.707-0.990; P=0.037). Reduced systolic function (OR=0.861; 95% CI=0.758-0.978; P=0.022 for EF) and marginally age (OR=1.094; 95% CI=1.000-1.197; P=0.051) contributed to the incidence of AKI in a multivariate model. Total T was not an independent factor (OR=0.841; 95% CI=0.669-1.058; P=0.139) for AKI. The total T levels were significantly inversely correlated with the peak of hsCRP (r= -0.153; P=0.009) and showed a tendency to inverse relation with the SYNTAX score (r= -0.235; P=0.083). Conclusion The total T levels are significantly inversely related to the peak of hsCRP and as a tendency to the SYNTAX score in male patients with acute MI. A low level of plasma total T is not an independent marker of AKI in acute MI. Advanced age and low EF are independent factors for AKI discrimination in a small cohort of patients with acute MI.

Bidirectional Association Between Kidney Function and Atrial Fibrillation: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background Consensus lacks concerning a bidirectional association between kidney function and atrial fibrillation (AF), but this is crucial information for prevention/treatment efforts for both chronic kidney disease and AF. Therefore, we investigated the bidirectional association between kidney function and AF. Methods and Results This study was a prospective cohort study including 9228 participants (mean age, 64.9 years; 57.2% women) with information on kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] based on serum creatinine [eGFRcreat], cystatin C [eGFRcys], or both [eGFRcreat-cys], and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and AF. Reduced kidney function was defined as eGFRcreat <60 mL/min per 1.73 m². Cox proportional-hazards, logistic regression, linear mixed, and joint models were used to investigate the association of kidney function with AF and vice versa. During follow-up (median of 8.0 years), 780 events of incident AF occurred. Lower eGFRcys and eGFRcreat-cys were associated with increased AF risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.14] and HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.14], respectively, per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m² eGFR decrease). For eGFRcys and eGFRcreat-cys, 10-year cumulative incidence of AF was 16% (eGFR <60) and 6% (eGFR ≥60). Prevalent AF (versus no prevalent AF) was associated with 2.85 mL/min per 1.73 m² lower eGFRcreat and with a faster decline of eGFRcreat with age. Prevalent AF was associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of incident reduced kidney function. Conclusions Kidney function, especially eGFRcys, and AF are bidirectionally associated. There are currently no targeted prevention efforts for AF in patients with mild chronic kidney disease and vice versa. Our results could provide the first step to improve prediction/prevention of both conditions.

Inflammatory biomarkers in staging of chronic kidney disease: elevated TNFR2 levels accompanies renal function decline

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is a common feature in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of the disease cause. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of several inflammatory biomarkers in CKD diagnosis and staging.

METHODS

A total of 24 healthy controls and 92 pre-dialysis CKD patients with diverse etiologies, were enrolled in this study and grouped according to their CKD stage. We analysed the circulating levels of inflammatory molecules, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and leptin, as well as the hemogram. We studied their association with parameters of kidney function and kidney injury, to evaluate their potential as early markers of the disease and/or of its worsening, as well as their interplay.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, patients in CKD stages 1-2 presented significantly higher IL-6 and TNFR2 levels, and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. All inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins showed a trend to increase up to stage 3, stabilizing or declining thereafter, save for TNFR2, which steadily increased from stage to stage. All inflammatory molecules, apart from PTX3, were negatively and significantly correlated with eGFR, with a remarkable value for TNFR2 (r = - 0.732, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TNFR2 might be useful for an early detection of CKD, as well as for disease staging/worsening. Still, the potential value of this biomarker in disease progression warrants further investigation.

The Signaling Pathway of TNF Receptors: Linking Animal Models of Renal Disease to Human CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a global public health problem. Despite the current advances in medicine, CKD-associated morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. Several studies have highlighted the contribution of inflammation and inflammatory mediators to the development and/or progression of CKD, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related biomarkers. The inflammation pathway driven by TNF-α, through TNF receptors 1 (TNFR1) and 2 (TNFR2), involves important mediators in the pathogenesis of CKD. Circulating levels of TNFRs were associated with changes in other biomarkers of kidney function and injury, and were described as predictors of disease progression, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality in several cohorts of patients. Experimental studies describe the possible downstream signaling pathways induced upon TNFR activation and the resulting biological responses. This review will focus on the available data on TNFR1 and TNFR2, and illustrates their contributions to the pathophysiology of kidney diseases, their cellular and molecular roles, as well as their potential as CKD biomarkers. The emerging evidence shows that TNF receptors could act as biomarkers of renal damage and as mediators of the disease. Furthermore, it has been suggested that these biomarkers could significantly improve the discrimination of clinical CKD prognostic models.

Venous thromboembolic complications in patients with chronic kidney disease: prevalence and features of drug treatment

The article is an opinion on the problem of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is significant and urgent for Russia. Signs of CKD are noted in more than 1/3 of patients with chronic heart failure; a decrease in kidney function is observed in 36% of people over the age of 60, in people of working age, a decrease in function is noted in 16% of cases, and in the presence of cardiovascular diseases increases to 26%. Clinical research data convincingly show that CKD is an independent risk factor for the development of VTE complications. The last decade has given us the opportunity to observe a kind of "revolution" in VTE therapy, which is associated with the appearance on the market of direct oral anticoagulants, including inhibitors of factor IIa (thrombin) and factor Xa. These drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acute thromboembolism. Nevertheless, patients with severe CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30 ml/min) are still limited to the use of unfractionated heparin and vitamin K antagonists, as there is insufficient data to support the use of direct oral anticoagulants in this population.

Utility of a Score for Predicting Glomerular Filtration Rate Overestimation in Patients with Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases and Their Risk Factors

Objective We recently reported a novel score for the detection of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) overestimation using a creatinine-based equation. We examined the utility of this score in patients with cardiovascular/renal diseases and diabetes mellitus. Methods We enrolled 1,425 patients (65±15 years old; 37% women) who were admitted to our hospital for the management of cardiovascular and renal diseases and their risk factors. Overestimation of the GFR (OE) was defined as a creatinine-based GFR (eGFRcre) ≥120% of the cystatin C-based estimated GFR. The OE score was calculated as the sum of the scores for the body weight, hemoglobin concentration, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/serum creatinine (Scr), totaling 1 point if the body weight was <63.0 kg in men or <42.0 kg in women, 1 point if the hemoglobin concentration was <12.4 g/dL in men or <11.0 g/dL in women, and 1 point if the BUN/Scr was >26.5. Results The proportion of patients with OE was 14.2%. The score predicted OE with a sensitivity of 70.8% and a specificity of 99.6%, and the sensitivity was increased in patients ≥75 years old (88.3%) and decreased in diabetics (58.6%). When patients were divided into subgroups by the total score, the frequencies of OE were 8% (59/754), 14% (72/502), 38% (58/151), and 72% (13/18) in patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusion The OE score is useful for detecting elderly cases of cardiovascular and renal diseases in which eGFRcre overestimates the GFR, although its utility is limited in diabetics.

Causal Effects of Genetically Predicted Cystatin C on Osteoporosis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Objectives: Although it has long been reported that high levels of cystatin C could contribute to the development of osteoporosis in some studies, no evidence has established a causal association between them thus far. Methods: A Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to determine the causal effect of cystatin C on osteoporosis based on public databases obtained from separately published genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for cystatin C were extracted from the MR-Base (CKDGen, 33,152 participants), and the SNPs for osteoporosis were extracted from the United Kingdom Biobank project (United Kingdom Biobank, including 5,266 osteoporosis cases and 331,893 controls). We defined the odds ratio (OR) of IVW methods as the primary outcome. In addition, weighted median and MR-Egger regressions were used in the sensitivity analysis. Results: In IVW, we found that genetically predicted cystatin C was causally associated with the risk of osteoporosis with an OR of 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.003-1.025, p = 0.01]. In the further sensitivity analysis, weighted median regression also showed directionally similar estimates (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.005-1.03, p = 0.005), and MR-Egger regression (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.000-1.036, p = 0.15) revealed similar estimates but with lower precision. The funnel plot, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO all indicate that no directional pleiotropic effect was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, our MR study showed evidence of a causal association between serum cystatin C levels and osteoporosis, which also needs to be verified by studies with larger sample sizes in the future. Early monitoring of cystatin C may enable us to prevent osteoporosis-related diseases.

Association between cystatin C and diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetic patients in China: a Meta-analysis

AIM

To explore the correlation between cystatin C (Cys-C) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in those patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in China.

METHODS

Articles were collected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov, and Google Scholar. Quality and risk of bias within included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Heterogeneity was determined by using Cochran's Q-test and Higgins I ² statistics. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of Cys-C within the diabetes without retinopathy (DWR) and DR, DWR and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), NPDR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were collected by using random-effects model because of high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was conducted based on 23 articles of 2331 DR including NPDR and PDR patients and 2023 DWR patients through Review Manager 5.3. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to DM duration, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein C (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein C (HDL-C), sample origins and methods. Publication bias was assessed by the funnel plot.

RESULTS

Cys-C level in DR patients was increased compared with that of DWR (total MD: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.41 to 0.97, Z=4.79, P<0.01). Besides, the synthesized results of the studies showed the similar findings in the DWR vs NPDR group (total MD: 0.29, 95%CI 0.20 to 0.39, Z=6.02, P<0.01) and the NPDR vs PDR group (total MD: 0.63, 95%CI 0.43 to 0.82, Z=6.33, P<0.01). Heterogeneity of most of the subgroup analyses was still obvious (I ²≥50%, P<0.1). Forest plots of different subgroups indicated that there was a slight increase of Cys-C during the period between DWR and DR, DWR and NPDR, NPDR and PDR. Funnel plot showed that there was no significant publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The elevated Cys-C is closely related with DR and probably plays a critical role in its progression.

Pulmonary embolism in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease hospitalizations: Trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality in the United States

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease are at increased risk of pulmonary embolism than patients with normal kidney function. However, the data on trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality in pulmonary embolism patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in the United States are limited.

METHODS

We queried the National Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2014. International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes were used to identify patients with normal kidney function, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. The frequency of pulmonary embolism, complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay were calculated for each cohort. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

In the study population (2010-2014), there were 766,176 pulmonary embolism hospitalizations with normal kidney function, 79,824 with chronic kidney disease, and 9147 with end-stage renal disease. Among the study cohorts, the mortality rate was 2.7% in normal kidney function, 4.5% in chronic kidney disease, and 6.8% in end-stage renal disease hospitalizations. Median length of stay was highest in the end-stage renal disease cohort and lowest in the normal kidney function cohort. After adjusting for confounders, pulmonary embolism patients with chronic kidney disease died 1.15 times more often than those with normal kidney function and pulmonary embolism patients with end-stage renal disease died 4.2 times more often than those with normal kidney function.

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate and length of stay in pulmonary embolism patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease were significantly higher than those in pulmonary embolism patients with normal kidney function. Also, pulmonary embolism patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease were at higher risk of in-hospital mortality than those with normal kidney function. There was statistically significant higher risk of mortality in elderly and Black patients with pulmonary embolism and concurrent chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease.

Causal effect of renal function on venous thromboembolism: a two-sample Mendelian randomization investigation

Whether renal function is causally associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not yet fully elucidated. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to determine the causal effect of renal function, measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), on VTE. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with eGFR were selected as instrumental variables at the genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸) from a meta-analysis of 122 genome-wide association studies including up to 1,046,070 individuals. Summary-level data for VTE were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (6913 VTE cases and 169,986 non-cases) and UK Biobank study (4620 VTE cases and 356,574 non-cases). MR estimates were calculated using the random-effects inverse-variance weighted method and combined using fixed-effects meta-analysis. Genetically predicted decreased eGFR was significantly associated with an increased risk of VTE in both FinnGen and UK Biobank. For one-unit decrease in log-transformed eGFR, the odds ratios of VTE were 2.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 6.84) and 4.46 (95% CI 1.59, 12.5) when using data from FinnGen and UK Biobank, respectively. The combined odds ratio was 3.47 (95% CI 1.80, 6.68). Results were consistent in all sensitivity analyses and no horizontal pleiotropy was detected. This MR-study supported a casual role of impaired renal function in VTE.

Thrombolome and Its Emerging Role in Chronic Kidney Diseases

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. These complications lead to increased mortality. Evidence points to the key role of CKD-associated dysbiosis and its effect via the generation of gut microbial metabolites in inducing the prothrombotic phenotype. This phenomenon is known as thrombolome, a panel of intestinal bacteria-derived uremic toxins that enhance thrombosis via increased tissue factor expression, platelet hyperactivity, microparticles release, and endothelial dysfunction. This review discusses the role of uremic toxins derived from gut-microbiota metabolism of dietary tryptophan (indoxyl sulfate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), kynurenine (KYN)), phenylalanine/tyrosine (p-cresol sulfate (PCS), p-cresol glucuronide (PCG), phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln)) and choline/phosphatidylcholine (trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)) in spontaneously induced thrombosis. The increase in the generation of gut microbial uremic toxins, the activation of aryl hydrocarbon (AhRs) and platelet adrenergic (ARs) receptors, and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway can serve as potential targets during the prevention of thromboembolic events. They can also help create a new therapeutic approach in the CKD population.

Oral anticoagulation in chronic kidney disease with atrial fibrillation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist, amplifying the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. In patients with CKD stage 3 and non-valvular AF, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown, compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA), equal or greater efficacy in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism, and greater safety. There are no randomizedtrials of the efficacy and safety of DOACs and VKA in advanced CKD. On the other hand, observational studies suggest that DOACs, compared to warfarin, are associated with a lower risk of acute kidney damage and generation/progression of CKD. This paper reviews the epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of the CKD and AF association, the evidence of the efficacy and safety of warfarin and ACODs in various stages of CKD with AF as well as the comparison between warfarin and ACODs in efficacy and anticoagulant safety, and in its renal effects.

Is microvascular dysfunction a systemic disorder with common biomarkers found in the heart, brain, and kidneys? - A scoping review

Although microvascular dysfunction (MVD) has been well characterized in individual organs as different disease entities, clinical evidence is mounting in support of an underlying systemic process. To address this hypothesis, we systematically searched PubMed and Medline for studies in adults published between 2014 and 2019 that measured blood biomarkers of MVD in three vital organs i.e. brain, heart, and the kidney. Of the 9706 unique articles 321 met the criteria, reporting 49 biomarkers of which 16 were common to the three organs. Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation including reactive oxidation, immune activation, and coagulation were the commonly recognized pathways. Triglyceride, C-reactive protein, Cystatin C, homocysteine, uric acid, IL-6, NT-proBNP, thrombomodulin, von Willebrand Factor, and uric acid were increased in MVD of all three organs. In contrast, vitamin D was decreased. Adiponectin, asymmetric dimethylarginine, total cholesterol, high-density and low-density cholesterol were found to be variably increased or decreased in studies. We review the pathways underlying MVD in the three organs and summarize evidence supporting its systemic nature. This scoping review informs clinicians and researchers in the multi-system manifestation of MVD. Future work should focus on longitudinal investigations to evaluate the multi-system involvement of this disease.

Thromboembolic and Bleeding Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Anticoagulation Therapy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are strictly related; several independent risk factors of AF are often frequent in CKD patients. AF prevalence is very common among these patients, ranging between 15% and 20% in advanced stages of CKD. Moreover, the results of several studies showed that AF patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher mortality rate than patients with preserved renal function due to an increased incidence of stroke and an unpredicted elevated hemorrhagic risk. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are currently contraindicated in patients with ESRD and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), remaining the only drugs allowed, although they show numerous critical issues such as a narrow therapeutic window, increased tissue calcification and an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio with low stroke prevention effect and augmented risk of major bleeding. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the applications of DOAC therapy in CKD patients, especially in ESRD patients.

Pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely related conditions with shared risk factors. The growing prevalence of both AF and CKD indicates that more patients will suffer from concurrent conditions. There are various complex interlinking mechanisms with important implications for the management of these patients. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding the use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in AF and CKD that is reflected by a lack of consensus between international guidelines. Therefore, the importance of understanding the implications of co-existing AF and CKD should not be underestimated. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and association between AF and CKD, including the underlying mechanisms, risk of thrombo-embolic and bleeding complications, influence on stroke management, and evidence surrounding the use of OAC for stroke prevention.

Health risk of travel for chronic kidney disease patients

The number of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased and so has their demand for travel. However, the health risk posed by travel in these patients is unclear. Few reports document the travel risk in CKD and dialysis patients. The aim of this study is to summarize the existing evidence of the influence of travel on risks in CKD patients. We aim to describe the association between the impact of travel risks and patients with CKD. A detailed review of recent literature was performed by reviewing PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ichushi Web from the Japan Medical Abstracts Society. Screened involved the following keywords: “traveler's thrombosis,” “venous thromboembolism,” “deep vein thrombosis,” “altitude sickness,” “traveler's diarrhea,” “jet lag syndrome,” “melatonin,” with “chronic kidney disease” only, or/and “dialysis.” We present a narrative review summary of the literature from these screenings. The increased prevalence of thrombosis among travelers with CKD is related to a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate and an increase in urine protein levels. CKD patients who remain at high altitudes are at an increased risk for progression of CKD, altitude sickness, and pulmonary edema. Traveler's diarrhea can become increasingly serious in patients with CKD because of decreased immunity. Microbial substitution colitis is also common in CKD patients. Moreover, time differences and disturbances in the circadian rhythm increase cardiovascular disease events for CKD patients. The existing literature shows that travel-related conditions pose an increased risk for patients with CKD.

Current Status of Novel Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury: A Historical Perspective

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious medical condition associated with significant increases in morbidity, mortality, and cost of care. Because of the high incidence and poor outcomes associated with AKI, there has been significant interest in the development of new therapies for the prevention and treatment of the disease. A lack of efficacy in drug trials led to the concern that AKI was not being diagnosed early enough for an effective intervention and that a rise in serum creatinine itself is not a sensitive-enough marker. Researchers have been searching for novel biomarkers that can not only assess a decline in kidney function but also demonstrate structural damage to the kidney and at time points earlier than increases in serum creatinine measurements allow. Over the past 10 years, there have been 3300 new publications and hundreds of new biomarkers investigated, yet concern still remains regarding AKI biomarker performance. The AKI biomarkers are yet to be widely utilized in clinical practice, leading some to question whether AKI biomarkers will ever reach their initial promise. However, we believe that biomarkers are an important part of current and future AKI research and clinical management. In this review, we compare the historical contexts of acute myocardial ischemia and AKI biomarker development to illustrate the progress that has been made within AKI biomarker research in a relatively short period of time and also to point out key differences between the disease processes that have been barriers to widespread AKI biomarker adoption. Finally, we discuss potential paths by which biomarkers can lead to appropriate AKI treatment responses that lower morbidity and mortality.

Stroke and Bleeding Risk Assessments in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Concepts and Controversies

Risk assessments are an important element in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this review, we aim to discuss the concepts and controversies surrounding the various risk factors for stroke and bleeding in AF. Indeed, there are a variety of clinical, electrical, biological, and genetic markers to guide stroke and bleeding risk assessments in AF. The more common factors have been used to formulate risk stratification scores. Some risk factors have shown promise, but others remain less well-defined. Our aim is to discuss concepts and controversies surrounding current evidence of risk factors for stroke and bleeding assessments in AF.

Renal dysfunction and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism: From the COMMAND VTE Registry

INTRODUCTION

Patients with renal dysfunction are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the impact of renal dysfunction on recurrent VTE remains to be clarified. We assessed the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at diagnosis and long-term clinical outcomes in VTE patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTE among 29 centers in Japan between January 2010 and August 2014. Patients with available creatinine values (N = 2829) were divided into the reference eGFR (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²) group (N = 1760) and the low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) group (N = 1069). The low eGFR group was further subdivided into the moderately low eGFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²) group (N = 898) and very low eGFR (<30 mL/min/1.73 m²) group (N = 171).

RESULTS

The low eGFR group was independently associated with the increased risk for recurrent VTE (adjusted HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.15-2.08). When the low eGFR group was subdivided into the moderately low and very low eGFR groups, the risk for recurrent VTE increased with decreasing eGFR (adjusted HR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.95, and adjusted HR 2.54, 95%CI 1.42-4.28). The risk for major bleeding was higher in the very low eGFR group, but not in the moderately low eGFR group (adjusted HR 1.70, 95%CI 1.06-2.61, and adjusted HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.73-1.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal dysfunction measured by eGFR was associated with an increased risk for recurrent VTE, which was more prominent in severe renal dysfunction. Severe renal dysfunction was also associated with a higher risk for major bleeding.

Thirty-year risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with sickle cell trait and modification by chronic kidney disease: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with hypercoagulability, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ischemic stroke. Whether concomitant CKD modifies long-term ischemic stroke risk in individuals with SCT is uncertain. We analyzed data from 3602 genotyped black adults (female = 62%, mean baseline age = 54 years) who were followed for a median 26 years by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Ischemic stroke was verified by physician review. Associations between SCT and ischemic stroke were analyzed using repeat-events Cox regression, adjusted for potential confounders. SCT was identified in 236 (7%) participants, who more often had CKD at baseline than noncarriers (18% vs 13%, P = .02). Among those with CKD, elevated factor VII activity was more prevalent with SCT genotype (36% vs 22%; P = .05). From 1987-2017, 555 ischemic strokes occurred in 436 individuals. The overall hazard ratio of ischemic stroke associated with SCT was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.95-1.80) and was stronger in participants with concomitant CKD (HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.16-4.12) than those without CKD (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.74-1.61); P for interaction = .04. The hazard ratio of composite ischemic stroke and/or death associated with SCT was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01-1.42) overall, 1.44 (95% CI: 1.002-2.07) among those with CKD, and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94-1.39) among those without CKD; P for interaction = .18. The long-term risk of ischemic stroke associated with SCT relative to noncarrier genotype appears to be modified by concomitant CKD.

Anticoagulation in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Walking the Fine Line Between Benefit and Harm

Chronic kidney disease affects more than 3 million Canadians and is highly associated with cardiovascular diseases that require anticoagulation, such as atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Patients with chronic kidney disease are at a problematic crossroads; they are at high risk of thrombotic conditions requiring anticoagulation and bleeding complications due to anticoagulation. The limited high-quality clinical evidence to guide decision-making in this area further compounds the dilemma. In this review, we discuss the physiology and epidemiology of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with kidney disease. We specifically focus on patients with advanced kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 30 mL/min) or who are receiving dialysis and focus on the nephrologist perspective regarding these issues. We summarize the existing evidence for anticoagulation use in the prevention of stroke with atrial fibrillation and provide practical clinical recommendations for considering anticoagulation use in this population. Last, we examine specific scenarios such as the use of a glomerular filtration rate estimating equation and dosing, the use of existing prediction tools for stroke and hemorrhage risk, current patterns of anticoagulation use (including during the dialysis procedure), and vascular calcification with vitamin K antagonist use in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, multiple dental implants and severe glomerulonephtitis - Any connection?

We present a case of Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a patient who received 11 dental implants and later developed idiopathic glomerulonephritis with renal failure.

Serum cystatin C, impaired kidney function, and geriatric depressive symptoms among older people living in a rural area: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between kidney function and depressive symptoms among elderly people has been rarely investigated in settings of the general population. The aim of our study was to examine the association of serum cystatin C (cysC) and impaired kidney function with geriatric depressive symptoms among older people living in a rural community in China.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study included 1440 individuals (age ≥ 60 years) who were recruited for the Confucius Hometown Aging Project in 2010-2011; of the 1124 persons who were free of depressive symptoms, 669 (59.5%) were re-examined in 2014-2016. At baseline, data on demographics, lifestyle factors, health conditions, and medical history were collected through interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined impaired kidney function as the cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR_cysC) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m², and depressive symptoms as a score ≥ 5 on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic and Cox proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

Of the 1440 participants, 316 (21.9%) were defined to have geriatric depressive symptoms at baseline. Serum cysC levels of 1.01-1.25 and > 1.25 mg/L (vs. ≤1.00 mg/L) were associated with a multiple-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI 1.01-1.97) and 3.20 (2.32-4.41), respectively, for having geriatric depressive symptoms (P_trend < 0.001). Of the 669 people who were free of depressive symptoms at baseline, 157 had incident depressive symptoms at the follow-up examination. The multiple-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident depressive symptoms were 2.16 (95% CI 1.43-3.27) for serum cysC > 1.25 mg/L (vs. < 1.00 mg/L). Impaired kidney function was cross-sectionally (multiple-adjusted OR = 2.95; 95% CI 2.22-3.92) and longitudinally (multiple-adjusted HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.03-2.30) associated with an increased risk of geriatric depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum cysC levels and impaired kidney function are associated with an increased risk of geriatric depressive symptoms among Chinese older people living in a rural community.

Association of Soluble TNFR-1 Concentrations with Long-Term Decline in Kidney Function: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

TNF receptor-1 (TNFR-1), which plays a causative role in endothelial cell dysfunction and inflammation, is expressed on the cell surface in glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelium of the kidneys. Higher soluble TNF receptor-1 (sTNFR-1) concentrations are associated with kidney disease progression among persons with established diabetic kidney disease. However, no studies have assessed sTNFR-1's role in long-term kidney function changes in a multiethnic population without cardiovascular disease at baseline.

METHODS

We tested associations between baseline sTNFR-1 concentrations and 10-year decline in eGFR (incident ≥40% decline and annual proportional decline) among 2548 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a prospective cohort study. Serum creatinine concentrations were determined at enrollment and study years 3, 5, and 10.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 61 years old, 53% were women, and mean baseline eGFR was 79 ml/min per 1.73 m². Serum sTNFR-1 was inversely associated with baseline eGFR. Over median follow-up of 9.3 years, 110 participants developed ≥40% decline in eGFR; each SD higher concentration of sTNFR1 was associated with higher risk of 40% eGFR decline (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.16 to 1.77; P<0.001). The highest sTNFR-1 tertile was associated with adjusted annualized decline in eGFR of 1.94% (95% CI, 1.79 to 2.09). Associations persisted across subgroups defined by demographics, hypertension, diabetes, and baseline CKD status.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum sTNFR-1 concentrations are associated with faster declines in eGFR over the course of a decade in a multiethnic population, independent of previously known risk factors for kidney disease progression.

Mechanisms and mitigating factors for venous thromboembolism in chronic kidney disease: the REGARDS study

Essentials Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with procoagulant and inflammatory biomarkers. We studied the association of CKD and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a case-cohort study. Factor VIII, D-dimer and C-reactive protein appeared to explain the association of CKD and VTE. Statin use was protective against VTE in those with and without CKD.

SUMMARY

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk via unknown mechanisms. Whether factors associated with reduced VTE risk in the general population might also be associated with reduced VTE risk in CKD patients is unknown. Objectives To determine whether thrombosis biomarkers attenuate VTE risk, and whether factors associated with reduced VTE risk are similarly effective in CKD patients. Methods Baseline biomarkers were measured in a cohort (294 VTE cases; 939 non-cases) from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a nationwide prospective cohort study of 30 239 persons aged ≥45 years with 4.3 years of follow-up. The hazard ratio (HR) of VTE per 10 mL min-1 1.73 m-2 decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the percentage attenuation of this HR by each biomarker, were calculated. Associations of protective factors (physical activity, lower body mass index [BMI], and aspirin, warfarin and statin use) with VTE were estimated in those with and without CKD. Results The HR for VTE with lower eGFR was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.25), and VTE risk was attenuated by 23% (95% CI 5-100) by D-dimer, by 100% (95% CI 50-100) by factor VIII, and by 15% (95% CI 2-84) by C-reactive protein. Normal BMI was associated with lower VTE risk in those without CKD (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32-0.70), but not in those with CKD (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.51-2.22). Statin use, physical activity and warfarin use were associated with lower VTE risk in both groups. Conclusions Procoagulant and inflammatory biomarkers mediated the association of eGFR with VTE. Higher physical activity, statin use and warfarin use mitigated VTE risk in those with CKD and those without CKD, but normal BMI did not mitigate VTE risk in CKD patients.

Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis in end-stage renal disease patients

Background

Previous studies have shown that chronic kidney disease increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is the risk of pulmonary embolism among persons with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Information on the incidence of DVT in ESRD is limited, and no studies have been conducted in the Asian population. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of DVT in Asian ESRD patients by comparing with the non-ESRD patients and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

This study retrieved patients who were diagnosed with ESRD (ICD-9-CM codes 585 or 586) between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010, from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. All ESRD patients had received a catastrophic illness card from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, with the major illness identified as ESRD. Patients who had DVT before the index date or who had incomplete records were excluded from the analysis. A total of 4865 ESRD patients were enrolled. There are 3564 ESRD patients included after exclusion of patients with previous DVT and patients with incomplete records. The control subjects were randomly selected as the patients without ESRD by matching study subjects according to age (±3 years), gender, and the year of admission at a 2:1 ratio from the same dataset.

Results

The incidence rate of DVT was substantially higher in the ESRD group than in the without-ESRD group (20.9 vs. 1.46 per 10^4 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR 13.92; 95% CI 9.25–20.95) of DVT for the ESRD patients was 13.92 times that for the non-ESRD patients. ESRD patients older than 50 years had a higher risk of DVT (aHR 1.65; 95% CI 1.13–2.40; P = 0.01). Hyperlipidemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of DVT (aHR 1.73; 95% CI 1.08–2.78; P = 0.02). ESRD patients with three or more comorbidities were substantially more likely to have DVT (aHR 1.45; 95% CI 1.03–2.03; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

ESRD patients had a higher risk of DVT than non-ESRD patients. Among the ESRD patients, being older than 50 years and having dyslipidemia increased the risk of DVT.

Disturbed Tumor Necrosis Factor System is Linked with Lower eGFR and Chronic Inflammation in Hypertension

Background

The relationship between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related parameters and cardiorenal metabolic factors is still controversial in clinical hypertension.

Methods

Normotensive men (NT, n=60) and treated stage 2 and 3 essential hypertensive men (HT, n=89) were enrolled in this study. The relationship between TNF-related parameters and cardiorenal metabolic factors was examined in NT and HT, separately.

Results

HT showed higher rates of insulin resistance and enhanced chronic inflammation compared with NT. The levels of soluble TNF receptor 1 and 2 were significantly higher in HT than in NT, although TNF-α levels were unexpectedly lower in HT than in NT. Regression analysis indicated that the TNF-related parameters were closely linked with mild renal dysfunction both in NT and HT, and moderately related to chronic inflammation only in HT. HT taking inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system showed improved insulin resistance, but no difference in the TNF-related parameters.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the disturbed TNF system is closely linked with chronic inflammation rather than with insulin resistance in HT.

Use of oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasingly prevalent in the general population and share common risk factors such as older age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The presence of CKD increases the risk of incident AF, and, likewise, AF increases the risk of CKD development and/or progression. Both conditions are associated with substantial thromboembolic risk, but patients with advanced CKD also exhibit a paradoxical increase in bleeding risk. In the landmark randomized clinical trials that compared non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with warfarin for thromboprophylaxis in patients with AF, the efficacy and safety of NOACs in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD were similar to those in patients without CKD. Dose adjustment of NOACs as per the prescribing label is required in this population. Owing to limited trial data, evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with AF and severe CKD or end-stage renal disease on dialysis are lacking. Observational cohort studies have reported conflicting results, and the management of these particularly vulnerable patients remains challenging and requires careful assessment of stroke and bleeding risk and, where appropriate, use of warfarin with good-quality anticoagulation control.

Determinants of impaired renal and vascular function are associated with elevated levels of procoagulant factors in the general population

Essentials Why venous thrombosis is more prevalent in chronic kidney disease is unclear. We investigated whether renal and vascular function are associated with hypercoagulability. Coagulation factors showed a procoagulant shift with impaired renal and vascular function. This suggests that renal and vascular function play a role in the etiology of thrombosis.

SUMMARY

Background Impaired renal and vascular function have been associated with venous thrombosis, but the mechanism is unclear. Objectives We investigated whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are associated with a procoagulant state. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis of the NEO Study, eGFR, UACR, fibrinogen, and coagulation factors (F)VIII, FIX and FXI were determined in all participants (n = 6536), and PWV was assessed in a random subset (n = 2433). eGFR, UACR and PWV were analyzed continuously and per percentile: per six categories for eGFR (> 50th [reference] to < 1st) and UACR (< 50th [reference] to > 99th), and per four categories (< 50th [reference] to > 95th percentile) for PWV. Linear regression was used and adjusted for age, sex, total body fat, smoking, education, ethnicity, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin K antagonists use (FIX). Results Mean age was 55.6 years, mean eGFR 86.0 (12SD) mL 1.73 m- ² and median UACR 0.4 mg mmol-1 (25th, 75th percentile; 0.3, 0.7). All coagulation factors showed a procoagulant shift with lower renal function and albuminuria. For example, FVIII was 22 IU dL-1 (95% CI, 13-32) higher in the eGFR < 1st percentile compared with the > 50th percentile, and FVIII was 12 IU dL-1 (95% CI, 3-22) higher in the UACR > 99th percentile compared with the < 50th percentile. PWV was positively associated with coagulation factors FIX and FXI in continuous analysis; per m/s difference in PWV, FIX was 2.0 IU dL-1 (95% CI, 0.70-3.2) higher. Conclusions Impaired renal and vascular function was associated with higher levels of coagulation factors, underlining the role of renal function and vascular function in the development of venous thrombosis.

Proteins of TNF-α and IL6 Pathways Are Elevated in Serum of Type-1 Diabetes Patients with Microalbuminuria

Soluble cytokine receptors may play an important role in development of microalbuminuria (MA) in type-1 diabetes (T1D). In this study, we measured 12 soluble receptors and ligands from TNF-α/IL6/IL2 pathways in T1D patients with MA (n = 89) and T1D patients without MA (n = 483) participating in the PAGODA study. Twelve proteins in the sera from T1D patients with and without MA were measured using multiplex Luminex assays. Ten serum proteins (sTNFR1, sTNFR2, sIL2Rα, MMP2, sgp130, sVCAM1, sIL6R, SAA, CRP, and sICAM1) were significantly elevated in T1D patients with MA. After adjusting for age, duration of diabetes, and sex in logistic regression, association remained significant for seven proteins. MA is associated with increasing concentrations of all 10 proteins, with the strongest associations observed for sTNFR1 (OR = 108.3, P < 10⁻³²) and sTNFR2 (OR = 65.5, P < 10⁻³⁷), followed by sIL2Rα (OR = 12.9, P < 10⁻¹³), MMP2 (OR = 5.5, P < 10⁻⁶), sgp130 (OR = 5.2, P < 10⁻³), sIL6R (OR = 4.6, P < 10⁻⁴), and sVCAM1 (OR = 3.3, P < 10⁻⁴). We developed a risk score system based on the combined odds ratios associated with each quintile for each protein. The risk scores cluster MA patients into three subsets, each associated with distinct risk for MA attributable to proteins in the TNF-α/IL6 pathway (mean OR = 1, 13.5, and 126.3 for the three subsets, respectively). Our results suggest that the TNF-α/IL6 pathway is overactive in approximately 40% of the MA patients and moderately elevated in the middle 40% of the MA patients. Our results suggest the existence of distinct subsets of MA patients identifiable by their serum protein profiles.

[Micro-inflammation and digestive bacterial translocation in chronic kidney disease]

Micro-inflammation has been recognized as a major factor associated with the poor prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease. Those patients have an increased rate of pro-inflammatory markers like interleukin 6, C-Reactive protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor α and fibrinogen. Among multiple and complex causes of micro-inflammation the gut microbiota could be an important actor considering the dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease which would enhance the synthesis of uremic toxins with cardiovascular toxicity and the bacterial translocation. This review details the role of the gut microbiota in human pathology and in chronic kidney disease focusing on the bacterial translocation that could occur because of an impaired digestive permeability. This bacterial translocation could induce a chronic immune response and could take part in the raise of pro-inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease. New therapeutic strategies aiming at preventing metabolic and cardiovascular complications could emerge from the understanding of the relationships between gut microbiota and host in this particular pathology.

Chronic kidney disease and bleeding risk in patients at high cardiovascular risk: a cohort study

Essentials The association between chronic kidney disease and bleeding is unknown. We followed 10 347 subjects at high cardiovascular risk for bleeding events. Chronic kidney disease was associated with a 1.5-fold increased bleeding risk. Especially albuminuria rather than decreased kidney function was associated with bleeding events.

SUMMARY

Background There are indications that patients with chronic kidney disease have an increased bleeding risk. Objectives To investigate the association between chronic kidney disease and bleeding in patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods We included 10 347 subjects referred to the University Medical Center Utrecht (the Netherlands) from September 1996 to February 2015 for an outpatient visit with classic risk factors for arterial disease or with symptomatic arterial disease (Second Manifestation of Arterial disease [SMART] cohort). Patients were staged according to the KDIGO guidelines, on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria, and were followed for the occurrence of major hemorrhagic events until March 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for bleeding were calculated with Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results The incidence rate for bleeding in subjects with chronic kidney disease was 8.0 per 1000 person-years and that for subjects without chronic kidney disease was 3.5 per 1000 person-years. Patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 2443) had a 1.5-fold (95% CI 1.2-1.9) increased risk of bleeding as compared with subjects without chronic kidney disease (n = 7904) after adjustment. Subjects with an eGFR of < 45 mL min-1  1.73 m-2 with albuminuria had a 3.5-fold (95% CI 2.3-5.3) increased bleeding risk, whereas an eGFR of < 45 mL min-1  1.73 m-2 without albuminuria was not associated with an increased bleeding risk (HR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.5). Conclusion Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for bleeding in patients with classic risk factors for arterial disease or with symptomatic arterial disease, especially in the presence of albuminuria.

Fast renal decline to end-stage renal disease: an unrecognized feature of nephropathy in diabetes

A new model of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes emerged from our studies of Joslin Clinic patients. The dominant feature is progressive renal decline, not albuminuria. This decline is a unidirectional process commencing while patients have normal renal function and, in the majority, progressing steadily (linearly) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While an individual's rate of renal decline is constant, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope varies widely among individuals from -72 to -3.0 ml/min/year. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines define rapid progression as rate of eGFR declines > 5 ml/min/year, a value exceeded by 80% of patients in Joslin's type 1 diabetes ESRD cohort. The extraordinary range of slopes within the rapid progression category prompted us to partition it into "very fast," "fast" and "moderate" decline. We showed, for the first time, that very fast and fast decline from normal eGFR to ESRD within 2 to 10 years constitutes 50% of the Joslin cohort. In this review we present data about frequency of fast decliners in both diabetes types, survey some mechanisms underlying fast renal decline, discuss methods of identifying patients at risk and comment on the need for effective therapeutic interventions. Whether the initiating mechanism of fast renal decline affects glomerulus, tubule, interstitium or vasculature is unknown. Since no animal model mimics progressive renal decline, studies in humans are needed. Prospective studies searching for markers predictive of the rate of renal decline yield findings that may make detection of fast decliners feasible. Identifying such patients will be the foundation for developing effective individualized methods to prevent or delay onset of ESRD in diabetes.

Chronic Kidney Dysfunction Can Increase the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the major complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Chronic kidney dysfunction (CKD) has proven to promote a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state and is prevalent among patients undergoing TJA. The purpose of this study is to identify whether CKD increase the risk of DVT following TJA.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, 1274 patients who underwent primary TJA were studied. CKD is graded in 5 stages. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the association of CKD and its severity with postoperative DVT.

RESULTS

There were 1139 (89.4%) participants with normal kidney function, 103 (8.1%) with mildly decreased kidney function, and 32 (2.5%) with stage 3 and 4 CKD. A total of 244 patients (19.2%) were diagnosed with DVT. Sixty-four patients (5.0%) developed symptomatic DVT. Advanced age, female gender, malignancy, and eGFR showed significant association with total DVT. BMI, thrombosis history, malignancy, and eGFR were associated with symptomatic DVT. After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and malignancy, eGFR was found to be related to both total and symptomatic DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

CKD is an important risk factor for both total and symptomatic DVT following TJA. Postoperative prophylaxis should be made a priority in this population.

The Role of Inflammatory Processes in Occurrence of Left Ventricular Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:

Recently, the relationship between increased level of inflammatory mediators and occurrence of left ventricular failure in patients with kidney disease has been suggested. The present study attempted to assess relationship between inflammatory mediators and occurrence of left ventricular failure in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed at Noor and Hazrat Aliasghar hospital in Isfahan between September 2012 to September 2013 on patients aged >19 years that referred for following their chronic kidney disease. Serum level of inflammatory parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured using spectrophotometer. All patients were also assessed using M-mode echocardiography to determine left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results:

The group with significant reduced LVEF showed lower GFR when compared to the normal LVEF group (40.73 ± 20.61% versus 44.43 ± 17.98%, P = 0.032). Comparing GFR across the three groups with normal LVEF (>55%), with mild LV dysfunction (LVEF: 45 – 55) those with significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 45%) showed significantly lower GFR level in latter group compared with normal LVEF and mild LV dysfunction group (P = 0.026). Although the level of serum CRP was significantly higher in patients with significant left ventricular failure than other groups (P = 0.018).

Conclusion:

Inflammatory processes can potentially affect left ventricular function in patients with chronic kidney disease. In this regard, increased level of CRP may be a main factor for predicting severity of left ventricular failure in these patients.