Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Long-Term Kidney Transplantation: The Influence of Glucose Metabolism and Oxidative Stress

New-onset diabetes and glucose regulation are significant determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with decreased graft survival and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for development of NODAT and its' relationship with arterial stiffness and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

159 kidney transplant recipients were selected from our transplantation center who underwent renal transplantation between years 2007 and 2010.

RESULTS

Among 159 patients, 57 (32.2%) patients were with NODAT who were significantly older than patients without diabetes (P: 0.0001). Patients with NODAT had significantly higher pulse wave velocity (PWv) (P: 0.033) and left ventricular mass index LVMI (P: 0.001) compared to patients without NODAT. Further analysis was done according to LVMI as follows: LVMI > 130 g/m(2) (n: 57) and LVMI ≤ 130 g/m(2) (n: 102). We observed higher office systolic and diastolic BP, serum trygliceride, glucose, creatinine, age, and HbA1c (P: 0.0001) levels in patients with LVMI > 130 g/m(2). Linear regression analysis revealed that HbA1c was the major determinant of LVMI (P: 0.026, β: 0.361).

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c is the major determinant of LVMI, so strict control of serum glucose levels is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with NODAT.

Plasma adiponectin concentration and left ventricular hypertrophy in kidney transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Low plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with more frequent occurrence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and more exaggerated intima-media thickness of common carotid artery (IMT). IMT is an early surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to assess the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentration and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and IMT in kidney transplant patients (KTP).

METHODS

In 88 adult KTP, plasma adiponectin concentration, LVMI, and IMT were estimated. LVH was defined as LVMI >110 or >125 g/m(2) for females and males, respectively. Data presented are means and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Plasma adiponectin concentration was similar in KTP with (n = 42) or without LVH (n = 46) (13.5 [11.4-15.6] vs. 13.1 [11.6-14.6] μg/mL, respectively), as well as in KTP subgroups divided according to the IMT value tertiles (p = 0.42) (11.7 [10.0-13.3], 14.2 [11.7-16.6], and 14.0 [11.7-16.4] μg/mL in the lowest, middle, and highest tertiles, respectively). Plasma glucose concentrations were similar in KTPs with LVH or without LVH. No significant correlation was found between plasma adiponectin concentration and both LVMI (R = -0.02; p = 0.87) and IMT (R = 0.09; p = 0.38), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results of this cross-sectional study do not confirm the roles of low adiponectin and high glucose in the pathogenesis of LVH and atherosclerosis in KTP.