Relationship between C-reactive protein, albumin, and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease

Clinical Significance of Combining Preoperative and Postoperative Albumin-Bilirubin Score in Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a well-known prognostic factor for various diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little is known about the significance of postoperative ALBI score changes in patients with CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 723 patients who underwent surgery were enrolled. Preoperative ALBI (ALBI-pre) and postoperative ALBI (ALBI-post) scores were divided into low and high score groups. ALBI-trend was defined as a combination of four groups comprising the low and high ALBI-pre and ALBI-post score groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the overall survival (OS) between the different ALBI groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the independent relevant factors of OS. Stratification performance was compared between the different ALBI groupings using Harrell's concordance index (C-index).

RESULTS

ALBI-pre, ALBI-post, and ALBI-trend score groups were significant prognostic factors of OS in the univariable analysis. However, multivariable analysis showed that ALBI-trend was an independent prognostic factor while ALBI-pre and ALBI-post were not. The C-index of ALBI-trend (0.622; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.587 to 0.655) was higher than that of ALBI-pre (0.589; 95% CI, 0.557 to 0.621; bootstrap mean difference, 0.033; 95% CI, 0.013 to 0.057) and ALBI-post (0.575; 95% CI, 0.545 to 0.605; bootstrap mean difference, 0.047; 95% CI, 0.024 to 0.074).

CONCLUSION

Combining ALBI-pre and ALBI-post scores is an independent prognostic factor of OS and shows superior predictive power compared to ALBI-pre or ALBI-post alone in patients with CRC.

A New Calculation Model for Calcium Requirements After Parathyroidectomy in Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a new calculation model for calcium requirements in dialysis patients following parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

A total of 98 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving parathyroidectomy from January 2014 to January 2022 were enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 78 were randomly selected for construction of the calcium requirement calculation model, and the remaining 20 patients were selected for model validation. The calcium requirement model estimated the total calcium supplementation for 1 week after surgery using variables with significant relationships in the derivation group by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Bias, precision, and accuracy were measured in the validation group to determine the performance of the model.

RESULTS

The model was as follows: calcium requirement for 1 week after surgery=33.798-8.929×immediate postoperative calcium+0.190×C-reactive protein-0.125×age+0.002×preoperative intact parathyroid hormone+0.003×preoperative alkaline phosphatase (R2=0.8). The model was successfully validated.

CONCLUSION

We generated a novel model to guide calcium supplementation. This model can assist in stabilizing the serum calcium levels of patients during the early postoperative period. Furthermore, it contributes to the individualized and precise treatment of hypocalcemia in patients following parathyroidectomy.

Combined use of CRP with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in differentiating between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients

We tested whether CRP combined with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) optimizes the prediction of infectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients. We conducted a retrospective study of 774 (mean age 71.1 ± 12.8 years, 35% women) hemodialysis patients from our institution, hospitalized between 2007 and 2021 for various reasons, with CRP levels available at admission. Infection was defined according to the International Sepsis Definition Conference criteria. An algorithm for the optimal CRP and NLR cutoff points for predicting infection was developed based on a decision tree analysis in the training cohort (n = 620) and then tested in the validation cohort (n = 154). A CRP level above 40 mg/L (obtained as the cutoff point in predicting infections in the training group, using ROC curve analysis) predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 76% with an odds ratio (OR) of 9.37 (95% CI: 5.36-16.39), according to a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Whereas, CRP levels above 23 mg/L together with an NLR above 9.7 predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 84% with an OR of 25.59 (95% CI: 9.73-67.31). All these results were reproduced in the validation set. Combined use of CRP with NLR may lower the CRP cutoff point in distinguishing between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

Machine Learning Case Study: Patterns of Kidney Function Decline and Their Association With Clinical Outcomes Within 90 Days After the Initiation of Renal Dialysis

A case study explores patterns of kidney function decline using unsupervised learning methods first and then associating patterns with clinical outcomes using supervised learning methods. Predicting short-term risk of hospitalization and death prior to renal dialysis initiation may help target high-risk patients for more aggressive management. This study combined clinical data from patients presenting for renal dialysis at Fresenius Medical Care with laboratory data from Quest Diagnostics to identify disease trajectory patterns associated with the 90-day risk of hospitalization and death after beginning renal dialysis. Patients were clustered into 4 groups with varying rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline during the 2-year period prior to dialysis. Overall rates of hospitalization and death were 24.9% (582/2341) and 4.6% (108/2341), respectively. Groups with the steepest declines had the highest rates of hospitalization and death within 90 days of dialysis initiation. The rate of eGFR decline is a valuable and readily available tool to stratify short-term (90 days) risk of hospitalization and death after the initiation of renal dialysis. More intense approaches are needed that apply models that identify high risks to potentially avert or reduce short-term hospitalization and death of patients with a severe and rapidly progressive chronic kidney disease.

Belt Electrode-Skeletal Muscle Electrical Stimulation in Older Hemodialysis Patients with Reduced Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Although patients receiving hemodialysis are more likely to develop metabolic disorders and muscle weakness at an earlier stage than healthy individuals, many older dialysis patients have difficulty establishing exercise habits to prevent these problems. Therefore, we evaluated the use of belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES), which can stimulate a wider area than conventional electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), to examine its application and safety in older hemodialysis patients as a means to improve lower extremity function without voluntary effort. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 20 older dialysis patients (>65 years old) with reduced physical activity. The control group received 12 weeks of routine care only and the intervention group received 12 weeks of B-SES during hemodialysis in addition to routine care. The primary endpoint was the 6 min walk test (6MWT) distance, while the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), body composition, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), biochemistry test, and blood pressure/pulse measurements were used as secondary endpoints. Results: As a result of the 12-week B-SES intervention, no increase in creatine kinase or C-reactive protein levels was observed after the intervention in either group, and no adverse events attributed to the B-SES intervention were observed in the intervention group. Furthermore, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in the 6MWT and SPPB scores after the intervention. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a 12-week B-SES intervention during hemodialysis sessions safely improves 6MWT distance and SPPB scores in older patients with a reduced level of physical activity.

Associations of Physical Activity, Kidney Function, Diet, and Inflammatory Markers in High-Risk Type-2 Diabetes With Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

OBJECTIVES Quantitative information and associations of physical activity, kidney function, diet, and inflammation are dearth in high-risk diabetes. Yet could delay type-2 diabetes, late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and could be useful in designing effective interventions. The study aims to quantify the associations of physical activity, kidney function, diet and inflammation in adults with high-risk type-2 diabetes (and early CKD) recruited to a lifestyle education programme.METHODS Baseline, 12-month dietary, accelerometery, and circulating inflammatory markers, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) data were assessed from 159 (104 male) high-risk diabetes with stage 2 CKD (mean (SD) estimated glomerular filteration rate (eGFR); 77.5(7.6) ml/min/1.73m2, age; 66(6) years, BMI; 31.8(4.2) kg/m2) who were recruited to a lifestyle education programme. Linear regression examined the effects and associations of the outcome measures.RESULTS eGFR decreased by -2.0 (1.7) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.04) after 12-months, but mean daily steps, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, intakes of fibre, total and unsaturated fat, and circulating IL-6 and CRP did not change. However, inter-individual responses were highly variable. eGFR correlated positively with baseline IL-6 (r = 0.17, P = 0.02). Unadjusted, there were no associations between change in eGFR (12_0) and change in any of the activity, inflammatory or dietary outcomes. However, the regression models of these outcomes for change in eGFR (12_0) became significant with multiple covariates.CONCLUSION A combination of healthy lifestyle behaviours should be encouraged for a positive effect on future kidney function.

Association of Albumin and Globulin with Mortality Risk in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background: Nutrition and inflammation have been implicated in predicting mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Serum albumin and globulin can be regarded for the nutritional and inflammatory status. However, there is lack of data to evaluate the synergistic effect of albumin and globulin on mortality prediction. Methods: In 554 patients initiating PD from January 2001 to July 2016, we divided them into four groups by the combination of two categories of low vs. high albumin and low vs. high globulin. The median values for albumin and globulin were chosen to classify them into low or high groups. Their associations with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality were examined in Cox regression models adjusted for confounding clinical and laboratory data. Results: Patients, 52.91 ± 15.2 years old and 47.8% men, had a median (interquartile range) value of 3.3 (2.9−3.8) g/dL for albumin and 2.8 (2.5−3.2) g/dL for globulin, respectively. Patients with low albumin and high globulin had the highest all-cause mortality and CV mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.87 (95% CI 1.83−8.20, p < 0.001) and 5.65 (95% CI 2.23−14.34, p < 0.001), respectively, compared with those with a high albumin and low globulin having the lowest mortality rate. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed this relationship. Conclusions: A patient profile of either low albumin or high globulin is linked to a higher risk for mortality, particularly for a profile of both low albumin and high globulin compared with one without either of them. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and how to improve clinical outcomes in those high-risk patients.

Diet-Related Inflammation is Associated with Malnutrition-Inflammation Markers in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in China Using Dietary Inflammatory Index

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between the inflammation potential of the diet and malnutrition-inflammation status in Chinese maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

Methods

Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was computed based on a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Malnutrition-inflammation status was assessed by six indexes, including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), hemoglobin (HB), albumin (ALB) and malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS). Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were employed adjusting for covariables including age, gender, body mass index and dialysis vintage.

Results

A total of 161 Chinese MHD patients with an average age of 60.0 ± 13.6 years were enrolled. The median (IQR) DII score among participants was 0.60 (−0.80, 2.32), revealing a generally pro-inflammatory diet. DII was positively associated with MIS score (β= 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.69, p < 0.0001) and CRP (β = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.63, p < 0.0001). A negative relationship between DII and NLR (β = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.61, −0.13, p = 0.008) was found in the most anti-inflammatory diet. Multivariable logistic regression showed that each unit increase in DII was linked with 3.06 (95% CI: 1.39, 6.69, p = 0.005) times increased odds of MIS.

Conclusion

Diet with a higher DII score may act as a potential trigger contributing to the development of malnutrition-inflammation status. Further studies for verification and for developing strategies to decrease the dietary inflammation burden are warranted.

Probiotic Intake and Inflammation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: An Analysis of the CKD-REIN Cohort

Background and Aims

Little is known about the effects of probiotics on inflammation in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the association between probiotic intake and inflammation in patients with moderate-to-advanced CKD.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 888 patients with stage 3–5 CKD and data on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and a concomitant food frequency questionnaire. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for various CRP thresholds (>3, >4, >5, >6, and >7 mg/L) associated with three intake categories (no yoghurt, ordinary yoghurt, and probiotics from yoghurts or dietary supplements) and two frequency categories (daily or less than daily).

Results

The 888 study participants (median age: 70; men: 65%) had a median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 28.6 mL/min/1.73 m² and a median [interquartile range] CRP level of 3.0 [1.6, 7.0] mg/L. Fifty-seven percent consumed ordinary yoghurt and 30% consumed probiotic yoghurt. The median intake frequency for yoghurt and probiotics was 7 per week. Relative to participants not consuming yoghurt, the ORs [95% CI] for CRP > 6 or >7 mg/L were significantly lower for participants consuming ordinary yoghurt (0.58 [0.37, 0.93] and 0.57 [0.35, 0.91], respectively) and for participants consuming probiotics (0.54 [0.33, 0.9] and 0.48 [0.28, 0.81], respectively), independently of age, sex, body mass index, CKD stage, cardiovascular disease, and fibre, protein and total energy intakes. The ORs were not significantly lower for CRP thresholds >3, >4, and >5 mg/L and were not significantly greater in daily consumers than in occasional consumers.

Conclusion

We observed independent associations between the consumption of yoghurt or probiotics and lower levels of inflammation in patients with CKD. There was no evidence of a dose-effect relationship.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03381950], identifier [NCT03381950].

Toward the Development of Rapid, Specific, and Sensitive Microfluidic Sensors: A Comprehensive Device Blueprint

Recent advances in nano/microfluidics have led to the miniaturization of surface-based chemical and biochemical sensors, with applications ranging from environmental monitoring to disease diagnostics. These systems rely on the detection of analytes flowing in a liquid sample, by exploiting their innate nature to react with specific receptors immobilized on the microchannel walls. The efficiency of these systems is defined by the cumulative effect of analyte detection speed, sensitivity, and specificity. In this perspective, we provide a fresh outlook on the use of important parameters obtained from well-characterized analytical models, by connecting the mass transport and reaction limits with the experimentally attainable limits of analyte detection efficiency. Specifically, we breakdown when and how the operational (e.g., flow rates, channel geometries, mode of detection, etc.) and molecular (e.g., receptor affinity and functionality) variables can be tailored to enhance the analyte detection time, analytical specificity, and sensitivity of the system (i.e., limit of detection). Finally, we present a simple yet cohesive blueprint for the development of high-efficiency surface-based microfluidic sensors for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of chemical and biochemical analytes, pertinent to a variety of applications.

Strain-specific alterations in the skeletal response to adenine-induced chronic kidney disease are associated with differences in parathyroid hormone levels

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to loss of cortical bone through cortical thinning and the development of cortical porosity. The goal of this current study was to assess cortical bone alterations to adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in two strains of mice with known genetic differences in cortical thickness. We hypothesized that C3H mice with thicker cortices and baseline levels of intracortical remodeling would have greater cortical porosity in response to adenine-induced CKD compared to B6 animals.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 J (B6) and C3H/Hej (C3H) at 16-weeks of age were given a diet with 0.2% adenine to induce CKD for 6 weeks followed by a control diet for 4 weeks. Age- and strain-matched controls were fed the control diet without adenine for the 10-week period (n = 8 per group per strain).

RESULTS

Both strains of adenine-fed mice had elevated blood urea nitrogen, demonstrating compromised kidney function, compared to strain-matched controls, but only B6 adenine mice had statistically higher parathyroid hormone (PTH), greater cortical porosity, high bone turnover rate, a greater percentage of osteocytes positive for RANKL and IL-17, and lower osteocyte apoptosis compared to B6 controls. C3H mice had intracortical remodeling present in both control and adenine mice, while B6 mice had intracortical remodeling present only in adenine mice. Adenine mice of both strains had lower cortical thickness and a higher percentage of osteocytes positive for TNF-α compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

While both strains of mice had biochemical markers of kidney disease, only B6 mice developed a phenotype with significantly elevated PTH, high bone turnover, and cortical porosity development. This work, in a model of progressive CKD, further confirms the role of chronically elevated PTH in the development of cortical porosity and demonstrates adenine-induced increases in PTH contribute to intracortical remodeling in B6 mice. Adenine-induced changes that occurred in both strains of mice, notably lower cortical thickness and a higher percentage of osteocytes expressing TNF-α, indicate potential PTH-independent responses to CKD.

Serum albumin levels and inflammation

Albumin is the most abundant protein in the plasma and has a regulatory role in the distribution of body fluids, acid-base physiology, and binding of essential components in the bloodstream. C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by hepatocytes and is commonly used to assess inflammation. It was previously noted that acute-phase concentrations of proteins, such as CRP, tend to rise in inflammatory conditions, while albumin concentrations tend to decline. This study assessed the correlation between albumin levels and various inflammatory indices (CRP, WBC, PLT) of patients hospitalized at the Galilee Medical Center over a period of 3 months. The study population consisted of 4434 patients, ages 18-107 years (mean: 52 years), of whom 60% were female. A negative correlation between albumin and CRP levels (r = -0.311) was identified, as well as between albumin and white blood cells levels (r = -0.157). Positive correlations were found between albumin and platelets levels (r = 0.084), as well as between albumin and hemoglobin levels (r = 0.513). When considering the three largest departments, the strongest negative correlation between albumin and CRP was identified in the Internal Medicine departments. A linear regression analysis discovered a fairly minor effect of CRP on albumin levels, which only became apparent when CRP levels were extremely high (500 mg/L). The mechanisms underlying this negative correlation still need to be explored.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease-A Pediatric Perspective

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a hallmark in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributing to an enhanced risk of all-cause and CV morbidity and mortality in these patients. The bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 progressively rises with declining kidney function to maintain phosphate homeostasis, with up to 1,000-fold increase in patients with kidney failure requiring dialysis. FGF23 is associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and thereby accounts to be a CVD risk factor in CKD. Experimentally, FGF23 directly induces hypertrophic growth of cardiac myocytes in vitro and LVH in vivo. Further, clinical studies in adult CKD have observed cardiotoxicity associated with FGF23. Data regarding prevalence and determinants of FGF23 excess in children with CKD are limited. This review summarizes current data and discusses whether FGF23 may be a key driver of LVH in pediatric CKD.

Serum Myeloperoxidase, C-reactive Protein and α1-acid Glycoprotein: Insights about Cardiovascular Risk in End-stage Renal Disease

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Elevated serum concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated with an increased risk of developing CVD. The objective of this study was to evaluate serum MPO levels, as well as other laboratory parameters, in individuals with ESRD, with and without CVD, undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods 80 volunteers were admitted, divided into the following groups: control group (CON): 20 individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD); ESRD group: 45 individuals with CKD stage V and ESRD/CVD group: 15 individuals with CKD stage V and with CVD. The following biomarkers were evaluated: MPO, High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein, following the manufacturer's guidelines in the package inserts. The data were processed through the statistical software SPSS 20.0®.

Results The level of MPO for the CON group was 84 ng/mL (73–87 ng/mL), for the ESRD group 77 ng/mL (11–89 ng/mL) and for the ESRD/CVD group 21 ng/mL (8–47 ng/mL), with a significant statistical difference of the ESRD/CVD group from the CON and ESRD groups (p<0.001). For the parameters hs-CRP and α1-acid glycoprotein a statistical difference between the ESRD and ESRD/CVD groups from the CON group (p<0.0001) was observed, but not between the ESRD and ESRD/CVD groups.

Conclusion It is suggested that further studies should be performed to define the potential role of MPO as a cardiovascular risk marker for patients with ESRD on hemodialysis.

Low protein diets for non-diabetic adults with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as reduced function of the kidneys present for 3 months or longer with adverse implications for health and survival. For several decades low protein diets have been proposed for participants with CKD with the aim of slowing the progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and delaying the onset of renal replacement therapy. However the relative benefits and harms of dietary protein restriction for preventing progression of CKD have not been resolved. This is an update of a systematic review first published in 2000 and updated in 2006, 2009 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of low protein diets in preventing the natural progression of CKD towards ESKD and in delaying the need for commencing dialysis treatment in non-diabetic adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 7 September 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi RCTs in which adults with non-diabetic CKD (stages 3 to 5) not on dialysis were randomised to receive a very low protein intake (0.3 to 0.4 g/kg/day) compared with a low protein intake (0.5 to 0.6 g/kg/day) or a low protein intake compared with a normal protein intake (≥ 0.8 g/kg/day) for 12 months or more.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data. For dichotomous outcomes (death, all causes), requirement for dialysis, adverse effects) the risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and summary statistics estimated using the random effects model. Where continuous scales of measurement were used (glomerular filtration rate (GFR), weight), these data were analysed as the mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) if different scales had been used. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 17 studies with 2996 analysed participants (range 19 to 840). Four larger multicentre studies were subdivided according to interventions so that the review included 21 separate data sets. Mean duration of participant follow-up ranged from 12 to 50 months. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment were considered at low risk of bias in eleven and nine studies respectively. All studies were considered at high risk for performance bias as they were open-label studies. We assessed detection bias for outcome assessment for GFR and ESKD separately. As GFR measurement was a laboratory outcome all studies were assessed at low risk of detection bias. For ESKD, nine studies were at low risk of detection bias as the need to commence dialysis was determined by personnel independent of the study investigators. Five studies were assessed at high risk of attrition bias with eleven studies at low risk. Ten studies were at high risk for reporting bias as they did not include data which could be included in a meta-analysis. Eight studies reported funding from government bodies while the remainder did not report on funding. Ten studies compared a low protein diet with a normal protein diet in participants with CKD categories 3a and b (9 studies) or 4 (one study). There was probably little or no difference in the numbers of participants who died (5 studies 1680 participants: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.18; 13 fewer deaths per 1000; moderate certainty evidence). A low protein diet may make little or no difference in the number of participants who reached ESKD compared with a normal protein diet (6 studies, 1814 participants: RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.53; 7 more per 1000 reached ESKD; low certainty evidence). It remains uncertain whether a low protein diet compared with a normal protein intake impacts on the outcome of final or change in GFR (8 studies, 1680 participants: SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.38; very low certainty evidence). Eight studies compared a very low protein diet with a low protein diet and two studies compared a very low protein diet with a normal protein diet. A very low protein intake compared with a low protein intake probably made little or no difference to death (6 studies, 681 participants: RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.54; 10 more deaths per 1000; moderate certainty evidence). However it probably reduces the number who reach ESKD (10 studies, 1010 participants: RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.85; 165 per 1000 fewer reached ESKD; moderate certainty evidence). It remains uncertain whether a very low protein diet compared with a low or normal protein intake influences the final or change in GFR (6 studies, 456 participants: SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.52; very low certainty evidence). Final body weight was reported in only three studies. It is uncertain whether the intervention alters final body weight (3 studies, 89 participants: MD -0.40 kg, 95% CI -6.33 to 5.52; very low certainty evidence).Twelve studies reported no evidence of protein energy wasting (malnutrition) in their study participants while three studies reported small numbers of participants in each group with protein energy wasting. Most studies reported that adherence to diet was satisfactory. Quality of life was not formally assessed in any studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review found that very low protein diets probably reduce the number of people with CKD 4 or 5, who progress to ESKD. In contrast low protein diets may make little difference to the number of people who progress to ESKD. Low or very low protein diets probably do not influence death. However there are limited data on adverse effects such as weight differences and protein energy wasting. There are no data on whether quality of life is impacted by difficulties in adhering to protein restriction. Studies evaluating the adverse effects and the impact on quality of life of dietary protein restriction are required before these dietary approaches can be recommended for widespread use.

Association Between Serum Albumin Level and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The association between serum albumin and all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is presently unclear.

METHODS

The study subjects included 201 patients diagnosed with CKD, eliminating those with end-stage renal disease, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to January 2015. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to serum albumin level (Q1: 1.60-3.88 g/dL; Q2: 3.89-4.13 g/dL; Q3: 4.14-4.43 g/dL, and Q4: 4.44-5.51 g/dL). The clinical outcome was ACM, and the difference was compared using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 1480 days, 32 patients died (15.92%). The ACM was found to be 28.00%, 20.00%, 8.00%, and 7.84% in the 4 groups (P = 0.012). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive association between the serum albumin level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = 0.22, P = 0.001). Once the potential confounding factors were adjusted, the results indicated that decreased serum albumin was a risk factor for ACM (Q2 vs Q1: OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.17-1.47; Q3 vs Q1: OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.48; Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.98). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the optimum threshold of serum albumin to predict ACM was 4 g/dL, and the area under the curve was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.60-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased serum albumin is a risk factor for ACM in patients with CKD, with the optimal threshold being 4 g/dL.

Effects of baru almond oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.) supplementation on body composition, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids of hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The consumption of nuts and edible seeds is associated with the improvement of the metabolic profile and reduction of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of its subproducts, such as oil, are still poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the baru almond oil supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, body composition, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids of hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, 12-week placebo-controlled clinical study, hemodialysis patients were supplemented with 5 g of baru oil (BG, n = 17) or 5 g of mineral oil (placebo, BP, n = 12). Body composition, renal function, ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), oxidative stress, plasma fatty acids, and lipid profile were analysed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Patients were aged 50.5 ± 2.2 years and the average time of dialyses was 52,1 ± 42,6 months. The BG decreased us-CRP concentration compared to PG (-1.2 ± 0.2 vs. + 0.8 ± 0.2 mg / L,d = 0.88; p =  0.01). Baru almond oil supplementation was not effective in improving body composition, lipid profile, and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Baru almond oil supplementation decreased us-CRP concentration in patients with chronic kidney disease under hemodialysis treatment.

Effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on systemic inflammation and metabolic markers in patients undergoing haemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to investigate whether non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) can reduce systemic inflammatory levels and improve metabolism in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CNKI, and WFPD) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed through July 2019. The risk of bias within studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool. The systemic inflammatory and metabolic outcomes included the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), the albumin (Alb), and lipid metabolite levels. Meta-analyses (MAs) were performed to calculate the overall effect size where appropriate.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were included in this study. Compared with untreated periodontitis groups, the dialysis patients after NSPT significantly showed decreased hs-CRP levels at less than or equal to 2 months (standardized mean difference: - 1.53, 95% confidence interval - 2.95 to - 0.11). No significant difference was found in IL-6 and Alb levels following NSPT at either the 3- or 6- month follow-ups. No MAs could be performed on the TNF-a level and the lipid metabolic markers.

CONCLUSIONS

NSPT can moderately reduce serum hs-CRP levels in HD and/or PD patients, but did not significantly change IL-6 or Alb levels. For TNF-a and lipid metabolism markers, no sufficient evidence supports that these levels are changed after NSPT. Additional scientific research is necessary to assess the effects of NSPT on systemic inflammation and metabolic parameters in dialysis patients.

Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease by measurement of carotid intima media thickness and flow-mediated vasodilatation in North Indian population

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predisposes to accelerated atherosclerosis that is measured by carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The aim of this study was to assess the noninvasive risk markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction and their correlation with disease severity.

Methods and Results:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 62 patients with CKD: 38 predialysis and 24 on hemodialysis and 50 age- and gender-matched controls. In both the patients and controls, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, %FMD, and CIMT were measured. Patients with CKD had increased CRP levels {[5.8 (1.0–6.0)] mg/L vs [1.0 (0.5–2.20)] mg/L; P < 0.001}; %FMD was significantly lower in patients on hemodialysis (5.51%) compared with stage IV (7.62%) and stage III (15.02%) and 17.95% in control subjects (P < 0.001); and CIMT values in hemodialysis patients (0.88 ± 0.06 mm) were significantly higher compared with stage IV (0.67 ± 0.10) and stage III (0.61 ± 0.12) (P < 0.001). Increased CIMT values were seen in patients with CKD (0.82 ± 0.21 mm) than in the healthy controls (0.55 ± 0.16 mm). In patients with CKD, a significant negative correlation was found between CRP levels and FMD responses (r = −0.315; P < 0.001), while a significant positive correlation was found between CRP and CIMT values (r = 0.327; P < 0.001). Compared with predialysis, hemodialysis subjects had significantly lower FMD and higher CRP and IMT values.

Conclusion:

CKD confers a higher inflammatory status when compared with apparently healthy general population. Abnormal FMD responses and CIMT values are more commonly found in dialysis patients. Our findings suggest that CIMT and FMD can be used as noninvasive markers for early risk assessment and stratification in various stages of CKD.

Measurement of the serum levels of serum troponins I and T, albumin and C-Reactive protein in chronic hemodialysis patients and their relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. The prognostic value of cardiac troponins, albumin and CRP in hemodialysis patients and their association with cardiac diseases has been proven. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these factors and heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients in Sanandaj city.

METHODS

A total of 90 hemodialysis patients referred to hemodialysis ward of Tohid Medical Center of Sanandaj were enrolled in the study. After receiving the required information from patients and recording them in questionnaire, blood samples were taken from them and were sen to Lab for Measurement. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software and Spearman correlation coefficient for independent variables and Chi square test and correlation coefficient of Choprovert's for independent qualitative variable.

RESULTS

In the case of LVH, 23.3% of patients were with normal thickness, 38.9% had mild LVH, 30% had moderate LVH and 7.8% had severe LVH. The mean serum albumin level in patients was 3.8 g/dl, CRP 9.4 mg/dL, and troponins I and T were 0.4 and 685.06 ng/dL, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between cardiac I and T troponins levels and CRP levels in patients with chronic hemodialysis (P < 0.05. There was a significant relationship between serum albumin level, troponins I, T and CRP with left ventricular hypertrophy in chronic hemodialysis patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of I and T troponins, albumin, as well as CRP, are related to heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients, and this can be used by physicians to determine the patient's ability and risk of disease Cardiovascular diseases.

The Level of Serum Albumin Is Associated with Renal Prognosis in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

Although hypoalbuminemia is frequently found in most patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), its relationship to the severity and progression of DN remains largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the association between the serum albumin levels and clinicopathological features and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and biopsy-proven DN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 188 patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN followed up for at least one year were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups based on the albumin levels: normal group: ≥35 g/L (n = 87); mild group: 30-35 g/L (n = 34); moderate group: 25-30 g/L (n = 36); and severe group: <25 g/L (n = 31). The renal outcome was defined by progression to end-stage renal disease. The impact of the serum albumin level on renal survival was estimated using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among the cases, the serum albumin level had a significant correlation with proteinuria, renal function, and glomerular lesions. A multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the severity of hypoalbuminemia remained significantly associated with an adverse renal outcome, independent of clinical and histopathological features. In reference to the normal group, the risk of progression to ESRD increased such that the hazard ratio (HR) for the mild group was 2.09 (95% CI, 0.67-6.56, p = 0.205), 6.20 (95% CI, 1.95-19.76, p = 0.002) for the moderate group, and 7.37 (95% CI, 1.24-43.83, p = 0.028) for the severe group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that hypoalbuminemia was associated with a poorer renal prognosis in patients with T2DM and DN.

A risk prediction model for renal damage in a hypertensive Chinese Han population

Backgroud: While numerous risk factors for renal damage in the hypertensive population have been reported, there is no single prediction model. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to comprehensively evaluate renal damage risk among hypertensive patients. Methods: We analyzed the data of 582 Chinese hypertensive patients from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2016. Basic patient information was collected along with laboratory test results. According to the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, the subjects were divided into a hypertension with renal damage group and a hypertension without renal damage group. The prediction model was established by logistic regression based on principal component analysis, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.Results: There are 11 indicators have statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05); The equation expressed including all 11 risk factors was as follows: Y = (-0.236) - 0.1705 (sex) - 0.0098 (age) - 0.1067 (smoking history) + 0.0303 (drinking history) - 0.3031 (CHD) + 0.1276 (diabetes history) - 0.0596 (CRP level) - 0.0732 (CysC level) + 0.0949 (β2-MG level) + 0.5407 (blood pressure type) + 0.6470 (RRI). The calculated AUC was 74.4%; The risk in males was much higher than that in females of the same age. However, with increasing age, the male:female risk ratio gradually decreased. Conclusion: Eleven  indicators (including sex, age, smoking history, drinking history, coronary heart disease, diabetes history, C-reactive protein, CystatinC,  β2-microglobulin protein, blood pressure type, renal artery resistance index)  may be the risk factors of renal damage in hypertension. Our regression equation provides a feasible means of predicting renal damage in Chinese hypertensive populations, and the model showed good predictive power. In addition, estrogen may confer a protective effect on the kidney. Abbreviations: PCA: principal component analysis; SLPs: synthetic latent predictors; CKD: chronic kidney disease; RRI: renal artery resistance index; MLR: multivariate logistic regression; CHD: coronary heart disease; UACR: urine trace albumin/uric creatinine ratio; CysC: CystatinC; TG: Triglyceride; CHO: cholesterol; HDL: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; CRP: C-reactive protein; HCY: homocysteine; UA: uric acid; AUC: area under the ROC curve; CVE: cardiovascular events; RFF: renal function related factor; PHF: personal history related factor; CVF: cardiovascular factor; GMF: glucose metabolism factor; IF: inflammatory factor; BPF: blood pressure factor.

Low protein diets for non-diabetic adults with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as reduced function of the kidneys present for 3 months or longer with adverse implications for health and survival. For several decades low protein diets have been proposed for participants with CKD with the aim of slowing the progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and delaying the onset of renal replacement therapy. However the relative benefits and harms of dietary protein restriction for preventing progression of CKD have not been resolved. This is an update of a systematic review first published in 2000 and updated in 2006 and 2009.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of low protein diets in preventing the natural progression of CKD towards ESKD and in delaying the need for commencing dialysis treatment in non-diabetic adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 2 March 2018 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi RCTs in which adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (stages 3 to 5) not on dialysis were randomised to receive a very low protein intake (0.3 to 0.4 g/kg/d) compared with a low protein intake (0.5 to 0.6 g/kg/d) or a low protein intake compared with a normal protein intake (≥ 0.8 g/kg/d) for 12 months or more.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data. For dichotomous outcomes (death, all causes), requirement for dialysis, adverse effects) the risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and summary statistics estimated using the random effects model. Where continuous scales of measurement were used (glomerular filtration rate (GFR), weight), these data were analysed as the mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) if different scales had been used. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified an additional six studies to include 17 studies with 2996 analysed participants (range 19 to 840). Four larger multicentre studies were subdivided according to interventions so that the review included 21 separate data sets. Mean duration of participant follow-up ranged from 12 to 50 months.Random sequence generation and allocation concealment were considered at low risk of bias in eleven and nine studies respectively. All studies were considered at high risk for performance bias as they were open-label studies. We assessed detection bias for outcome assessment for GFR and ESKD separately. As GFR measurement was a laboratory outcome all studies were assessed at low risk of detection bias. For ESKD, nine studies were at low risk of detection bias as the need to commence dialysis was determined by personnel independent of the study investigators. Five studies were assessed at high risk of attrition bias with eleven studies at low risk. Ten studies were at high risk for reporting bias as they did not include data which could be included in a meta-analysis. Eight studies reported funding from government bodies while the remainder did not report on funding.Ten studies compared a low protein diet with a normal protein diet in participants with CKD categories 3a and b (9 studies) or 4 (one study). There was probably little or no difference in the numbers of participants who died (5 studies 1680 participants: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.18; 13 fewer deaths per 1000; moderate certainty evidence). A low protein diet may make little or no difference in the number of participants who reached ESKD compared with a normal protein diet (6 studies, 1814 participants: RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.53; 7 more per 1000 reached ESKD; low certainty evidence). It remains uncertain whether a low protein diet compared with a normal protein intake impacts on the outcome of final or change in GFR (8 studies, 1680 participants: SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.38; very low certainty evidence).Eight studies compared a very low protein diet with a low protein diet and two studies compared a very low protein diet with a normal protein diet. A very low protein intake compared with a low protein intake probably made little or no difference to death (6 studies, 681 participants: RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.54; 10 more deaths per 1000; moderate certainty evidence). However it probably reduces the number who reach ESKD (10 studies, 1010 participants: RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.85; 165 per 1000 fewer reached ESKD; moderate certainty evidence). It remains uncertain whether a very low protein diet compared with a low or normal protein intake influences the final or change in GFR (6 studies, 456 participants: SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.52; very low certainty evidence).Final body weight was reported in only three studies. It is uncertain whether the intervention alters final body weight (3 studies, 89 participants: MD -0.40 kg, 95% CI -6.33 to 5.52; very low certainty evidence).Twelve studies reported no evidence of protein energy wasting (malnutrition) in their study participants while three studies reported small numbers of participants in each group with protein energy wasting. Most studies reported that adherence to diet was satisfactory. Quality of life was not formally assessed in any studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review found that very low protein diets probably reduce the number of people with CKD 4 or 5, who progress to ESKD. In contrast low protein diets may make little difference to the number of people who progress to ESKD. Low or very low protein diets probably do not influence death. However there are limited data on adverse effects such as weight differences and protein energy wasting. There are no data on whether quality of life is impacted by difficulties in adhering to protein restriction. Studies evaluating the adverse effects and the impact on quality of life of dietary protein restriction are required before these dietary approaches can be recommended for widespread use.

Implication of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, and Subclinical Inflammation on Mild Renal Insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists about the impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on mild renal insufficiency. We compared the relative influence of NAFLD, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and subclinical inflammation, alone or in combination, on mild renal insufficiency.

METHODS

This study included 1174 Korean adults. NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasonography. Mild renal insufficiency was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 and <90 mL/min/1.73 m².

RESULTS

In partial correlation analysis, several components of MetS and liver aminotransferase levels, but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), were associated with eGFR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the independent association of NAFLD (P = 0.034) and MetS (P = 0.018) with mild renal insufficiency, but not elevated hsCRP (P = 0.885). Furthermore, NAFLD without the MetS group (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.56 (1.05-2.34)) or MetS without the NAFLD group (1.82 (1.11-3.00)) was associated with mild renal insufficiency after adjusting for confounding variables. However, individuals with high hsCRP showed no relationship with mild renal insufficiency, irrespective of the existence of NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that NAFLD and MetS are independently associated with mild renal insufficiency, whereas subclinical inflammation did not affect the risk for mild renal insufficiency in Korean adults.

Oral iron supplementation with sodium ferrous citrate reduces the serum intact and c-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 levels of maintenance haemodialysis patients

AIM

Iron deficiency stimulates fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) transcription. This study aimed to determine whether oral ferrous iron (Fe2+ ) reduces the serum FGF23 levels of iron-deficient maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients in the same way as oral ferric iron (Fe3+ ) METHODS: Thirty-one MHD patients with iron deficiency were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients who had taken iron supplements during the 8 weeks before the study were excluded. The patients' iron stores and their serum FGF23, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and albumin-adjusted calcium (Ca) levels were examined at the baseline and after 3 months' treatment with sodium ferrous citrate (Fe2+ ).

RESULTS

The patients' transferrin saturation values and serum iron and ferritin levels were significantly increased after 3 months' treatment (P < 0.01), as were their serum albumin levels (P < 0.05). Conversely, their serum intact FGF23 (iFGF23) [1820 (342-4370) vs 1240 (214-2940) pg/mL, P < 0.05], C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) [309 (120-1211) vs 259 (99-600) pg/mL, P < 0.05)], and CRP levels (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced after 3 months' treatment. No changes were detected in the patients' serum iFGF23:cFGF23 ratios or their serum phosphate, Ca, or iPTH levels. The changes in the patients' serum iFGF23 and cFGF23 levels induced by sodium ferrous citrate supplementation were shown to be attributable to changes in their serum ferritin levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Short-term oral iron supplementation with sodium ferrous citrate replenished the iron stores and reduced the serum iFGF23 and cFGF23 levels of MHD patients with iron deficiency without affecting their serum phosphate, Ca, or iPTH levels.

Associations among Serum Beta 2 Microglobulin, Malnutrition, Inflammation, and Advanced Cardiovascular Event in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the associations among serum β2 microglobulin (B2M), malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis (MIA) in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

CKD patients who were followed in Taoyuan General Hospital from 2009 to 2015 were enrolled. Demographic and biochemical data, including B2M and C-reactive protein (CRP) were reviewed. The participants were stratified according to B2M tertiles. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) and cumulative survival curves for death and MIA syndrome were evaluated by Cox hazard model and Kaplan-Meier method. We also calculated the area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

From a total of 312 CKD patients, mean follow-up time was 39.7 months. Compared to those with lowest tertile of B2M, the highest tertile group had lower serum albumin, hemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. After multivariate adjustment, the associations among tertiles of B2M, death or dialysis, cardiovascular events (CVEs), and MIA syndrome remained significant. The AHRs for the highest tertile group in death or dialysis, CVEs, and MIA syndrome were 25.91 and 65.84 and 152.50(all Ps <0.05).The AUROC for B2M in death or dialysis, CVEs, and MIA syndrome were greater than that for creatinine. The best cut-off value of B2M for predicting death or dialysis, CVEs, and MIA syndrome were 5.39 mg/dL(sensitivity: 67.1%, specificity 62.5%), 4.21 mg/dL(sensitivity: 85.1%, specificity 52.1%), and 5.40 mg/dL(sensitivity: 79.7%, specificity 64.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In those with CKD, serum B2M was more sensitive than creatinine in predicting CVEs and MIA syndrome.

Impact of fluid status and inflammation and their interaction on survival: a study in an international hemodialysis patient cohort

In hemodialysis patients extracellular fluid overload is a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and a relation with inflammation has been reported in previous studies. The magnitude and nature of this interaction and the effects of moderate fluid overload and extracellular fluid depletion on survival are still unclear. We present the results of an international cohort study in 8883 hemodialysis patients from the European MONDO initiative database where, during a three-month baseline period, fluid status was assessed using bioimpedance and inflammation by C-reactive protein. All-cause mortality was recorded during 12 months of follow up. In a second analysis a three-month baseline period was added to the first baseline period, and changes in fluid and inflammation status were related to all-cause mortality during six-month follow up. Both pre-dialysis estimated fluid overload and fluid depletion were associated with an increased mortality, already apparent at moderate levels of estimated pre-dialysis fluid overload (1.1-2.5L); hazard ratio 1.64 (95% confidence interval 1.35-1.98). In contrast, post-dialysis estimated fluid depletion was associated with a survival benefit (0.74 [0.62-0.90]). The concurrent presence of fluid overload and inflammation was associated with the highest risk of death. Thus, while pre-dialysis fluid overload was associated with inflammation, even in the absence of inflammation, fluid overload remained a significant risk factor for short-term mortality, even following improvement of fluid status.

Fistuloclysis: Case Report and Literature Review

Enterocutaneous fistulae are a common postoperative entity, causing serious complications such as sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte and fluid abnormalities. Because sepsis coupled with malnutrition is the leading cause of death in these patients, it is especially important to provide nutrition support. Although parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely used in these patients, it is not without risks, because PN is known to cause liver dysfunction, among other problems. We report a case in which a male patient with an enterocutaneous fistula, having experienced increased liver enzymes receiving PN, began receiving enteral nutrition (EN) via a feeding tube placed in the fistula. Known as fistuloclysis, this method provided adequate nutrition and improved his serum albumin and prealbumin levels, body weight, and liver function tests. Upon stabilization of his nutrition status, he was able to undergo successful surgical repair of the enterocutaneous fistula. According to our experience and that of others, we recommend that patients with high-output enterocutaneous fistulae be considered for EN via fistuloclysis after nutrition stabilization with PN; then the fistulae can be surgically repaired if not spontaneously healed. Use of EN via fistuloclysis, if used appropriately, avoids the complications of long-term PN and may promote faster fistula healing.

Leptin promotes endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease through AKT/GSK3β and β-catenin signals

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a well-recognized instigator of cardiovascular diseases and develops in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with high rate. Recent studies have implicated that leptin is associated with endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between leptin and markers of ED in CKD patients and how leptin contributed to endothelial damage. 140 CKD patients and 140 healthy subjects were studied. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in CKD than in controls and displayed significantly positive association with the increase levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 but negative correlation with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) reduction in patients. Our in vitro study demonstrated that leptin induced overexpression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, led to f-actin reorganization and vinculin assembly, increased endothelial monolayer permeability for FITC-dextran, and accelerated endothelial cell migration; these changes were markedly reversed when the cells were transfected with AKT or β-catenin shRNA vectors. Notably, high leptin resulted in hyper-phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β, along with nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. In conclusion, serum leptin was elevated in CKD patients and it might contribute to endothelial dysfunction by disarrangement of f-actin cytoskeleton via a mechanism involving the AKT/GSK3β and β-catenin pathway.

Ratio of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Predicts Muscle Mass in Adult Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Recent studies have indicated that the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin (CRP–Alb ratio) is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with disease. We examined the predictive value of this ratio in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In this cross-sectional study, 91 eligible adult HD patients were analyzed, and the correlation between the CRP–Alb ratio and skeletal muscle mass normalized for body weight (SMM/wt; estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer) was investigated. The mean age of the study participants was 54.9 ± 6.6 years (ranging from 27 to 64 years); 43 (47.2%) were men. The mean values for the SMM/wt were 39.1% ± 5.4%. The CRP–Alb ratio was found to be negatively correlated with SMM/wt (r = −0.33, P = 0.002) and creatinine (r = −0.20, P = 0.056). All the univariate significant and nonsignificant relevant covariates were selected for multivariable stepwise regression analysis. We determined that the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance and CRP–Alb ratio were independent risk determinants for SMM/wt (β_HOMA-IR = −0.18 and β_{CRP–Alb ratio} = −3.84, adjusted R² = 0.32). This study indicated that the CRP–Alb ratio may help clinicians in predicting muscle mass in adult patients undergoing HD.

C-Reactive Protein and Risk of ESRD: Results From the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy (TREAT)

BACKGROUND

To better understand a potential association of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level with progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we examined the relationship of CRP level with the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy (TREAT).

STUDY DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

4,038 patients with type 2 diabetes, CKD, and anemia in TREAT.

PREDICTOR

Baseline serum CRP concentrations.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was development of ESRD; secondary outcomes included doubling of serum creatinine level, a composite of ESRD/serum creatinine doubling, and a composite of death or ESRD.

MEASUREMENTS

We fit unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models to test the association of baseline CRP level with time to the development of the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 67 years, 43% were men, and 64% were white. Approximately half (48%) the patients had CRP levels > 3.0mg/L; 668 patients developed ESRD, and 1,270 developed the composite outcome of death or ESRD. Compared with patients with baseline CRP levels ≤ 3.0mg/L, those with moderately/markedly elevated CRP levels (≥6.9mg/L; 24% of patients) had a higher adjusted risk for ESRD (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.07-1.63) and the composite outcome of death or ESRD (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.21-1.64). Although nonsignificant, similar trends were noted in competing-risk models.

LIMITATIONS

Results may not be generalizable to nondiabetic CKD or diabetic CKD in the absence of anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated baseline CRP levels are common in type 2 diabetic patients with anemia and CKD and are associated with the future development of ESRD and the composite of death or ESRD.

Systemic Inflammation Is Associated With Coronary Artery Calcification and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Presence of systemic inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with advanced coronary artery calcification (CAC). The prognostic significance of this association, however, is unknown. We evaluated the associations between CAC, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality, to determine whether the associations differ according to the presence of systemic inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We followed 30,703 consecutive individuals who underwent CAC measurement for a median of 79 months (IQR, 65-96 months). Patients were categorized according to baseline CAC score (0, 1-99, 100-399 and ≥400), eGFR (<45, 45-59, 60-74, 75-89, 90-104, and ≥105 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; <2.0, and ≥2.0 mg/L). Prevalence and extent of CAC were greater in those with lower eGFR and higher hsCRP accordingly, even after adjustment. Lower eGFR was strongly associated with higher CAC score (≥400), and the association was more significant in patients with higher hsCRP. The greater CAC burden was associated with worse outcome in the CKD patients (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) only in those with higher hsCRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low eGFR and more extensive CAC had greater risk of mortality, and associations differed according to the presence of systemic inflammation. Among the CKD patients, coronary evaluation may be considered for those with elevated hsCRP. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1644-1652).

Oral Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Roxadustat (FG-4592) for the Treatment of Anemia in Patients with CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Roxadustat (FG-4592), an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates erythropoiesis, regulates iron metabolism, and reduces hepcidin, was evaluated in this phase 2b study for safety, efficacy, optimal dose, and dose frequency in patients with nondialysis CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

The 145 patients with nondialysis CKD and hemoglobin ≤10.5 g/dl were randomized into one of six cohorts of approximately 24 patients each with varying roxadustat starting doses (tiered weight and fixed amounts) and frequencies (two and three times weekly) followed by hemoglobin maintenance with roxadustat one to three times weekly. Treatment duration was 16 or 24 weeks. Intravenous iron was prohibited. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving hemoglobin increase of ≥1.0 g/dl from baseline and hemoglobin of ≥11.0 g/dl by week 17 (16 weeks of treatment). Secondary analyses included mean hemoglobin change from baseline, iron utilization, and serum lipids. Safety was evaluated by frequency/severity of adverse events.

RESULTS

Of the 145 patients enrolled, 143 were evaluable for efficacy. Overall, 92% of patients achieved hemoglobin response. Higher compared with lower starting doses led to earlier achievement of hemoglobin response. Roxadustat-induced hemoglobin increases were independent of baseline C-reactive protein levels and iron repletion status. Overall, over the first 16 treatment weeks, hepcidin levels decreased by 16.9% (P=0.004), reticulocyte hemoglobin content was maintained, and hemoglobin increased by a mean (±SD) of 1.83 (±0.09) g/dl (P<0.001). Overall mean total cholesterol level was reduced by a mean (±SD) of 26 (±30) mg/dl (P<0.001) after 8 weeks of therapy, independent of the use of statins or other lipid-lowering agents. No drug-related serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with nondialysis CKD who were anemic, various starting dose regimens of roxadustat were well tolerated and achieved anemia correction with reduced serum hepcidin levels. After anemia correction, hemoglobin was maintained by roxadustat at various dose frequencies without intravenous iron supplementation.

Dietary inflammatory index is associated with serum C-reactive protein and protein energy wasting in hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition and inflammation are reported as the most powerful predictors of mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Diet has a key role in modulating inflammation and dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a new tool for assessment of inflammatory potential of diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of DII on dietary intake of HD patients and examine the associations between DII and malnutrition-inflammation markers.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 105 subjects were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, 3-day dietary recall, and pre-dialysis biochemical parameters were recorded for each subject. Subjective global assessment (SGA), which was previously validated for HD patients, and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) were used for the diagnosis of protein energy wasting. DII was calculated according to average of 3-day dietary recall data.

RESULTS

DII showed significant correlation with reliable malnutrition and inflammation indicators including SGA (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), MIS (r = 0.28, P < 0.01), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) in HD patients. When the study population was divided into three subgroups according to their DII score, significant increasing trends across the tertiles of DII were observed for SGA score (P = 0.035), serum CRP (P = 0.001), dietary energy (P < 0.001), total fat (P < 0.001), saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.006), and omega-6 fatty acids (P = 0.01) intakes.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that DII is a good tool for assessing the overall inflammatory potential of diet in HD patients.

Serum C-reactive protein levels in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patientsin southern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of hospitalization and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of cardiovascular disease and predictor of mortality in CKD patients. CKD patients with elevated CRP should be identified early with institution of measures to treat cardiovascular risk factors in order to reduce attendant mortality.

AIMS

Determination of serum CRP levels in CKD patients and associated factors.

METHODS

This was a case-control study involving 80 consecutive CKD patients and 40 control subjects without CKD. Data obtained from participants included demographics, body mass index (BMI), and aetiology of CKD. Serum CRP levels, albumin, creatinine and lipid profile were determined. Cases and controls were compared. P values <0.05 were taken as significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of the CKD subjects was 49.09±16.85 years. The median CRP value was significantly higher in the CKD group compared to controls (p=<0.001). Low, average and high cardiovascular event risk according to CRP values were present in 51(63.8%), 13(16.2%) and 16(20%) of the CKD patients respectively. Cardiovascular event risk was significantly higher in CKD subjects (p=<0.001). Serum creatinine, BMI, triglyceride and atherogenic index of plasma correlated positively with CRP. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and albumin correlated negatively with CRP. Elevated serum CRP was significantly predicted by low eGFR and high BMI on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Chronic kidney disease patients have increased cardiovascular event risk. Interventions aimed at reducing weight and treating dyslipidaemia should be instituted early in order to reduce this risk.

Association between Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Korean Adults of Age 30 Years and Older without Diabetes, Hypertension, Renal Failure, or Overt Proteinuria: The 2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background

Microalbuminuria and obesity markers are known risk factors for cardiovascular or renal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of microalbuminuria according to body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity criteria.

Methods

The study subjects included 3,979 individuals aged 30 years or older who did not have diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, or overt proteinuria, from among those who participated in The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, stratified survey. Microalbuminuria was defined as a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio of 30 to 300 mg/g. BMI and waist circumference were classified according to the Asia-Pacific criteria.

Results

The prevalence of microalbuminuria was found to be 5.1%. In the normoalbuminuria group, 3.4%, 41.7%, 24%, 27.6%, and 3.2% of participants were included in the underweight, normal, overweight, obesity 1, and obesity 2 groups, respectively. These percentages in the microalbuminuria group were 7.1%, 34.5%, 19.2%, 28.6%, and 10.6%, respectively (P<0.001). The waist circumference in men was 21.4% in the normoalbuminuria group and 36.5% in the microalbuminuria group (P=0.004). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the presence of microalbuminuria and BMI or waist circumference groups. The risk of microalbuminuria was significant only in the underweight group (odds ratio, 13.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.55–68.63; P=0.002) after adjusting for confounding factors, abdominal obesity was not significantly associated with microalbuminuria.

Conclusion

The prevalence of microalbuminuria in a general population in Korea was associated with underweight in men and was not associated with waist circumference in either men or women.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation and hypoalbuminemia in chronic kidney disease patients: a cross-sectional study

Background

Few studies have focused on investigating hypoalbuminemia in patients during earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In particular, little is known about the role of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Our goal in this paper is to study how GI symptoms relate to serum albumin levels in CKD, especially in the context of and compared with inflammation.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 3599 patients with chronic kidney disease enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study. All subjects were asked to complete the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study patient symptom form. Our main predictor is GI symptom score. Serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as well. Main outcome measures are serum albumin levels and prevalence of hypoalbuminemia.

Results

Of the participants assessed, mean serum albumin was 3.95 ± 0.46 g/dL; 12.7 % had hypoalbuminemia. Patients with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were likely to have more GI symptoms (apparent at an eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73 m²). Patients with worse GI symptoms had lower dietary protein intake. GI symptoms, like inflammation, were risk factors for lower serum albumin levels. However, adding GI symptom score or CRP into the multivariable regression analysis, did not attenuate the association between lower eGFR and lower albumin or hypoalbuminemia.

Conclusions

Increased prevalence of GI symptoms become apparent among CKD patients at relatively high eGFR levels (45 ml/min/1.73 m²), long before ESRD. Patients with more severe GI symptoms scores are more likely to have hypoalbuminemia. But our data do not support GI symptoms/decreased protein intake or inflammation as being the main determinants of serum albumin level in CKD patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-015-0209-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The bacterial colonization in tunneled cuffed dialysis catheter and its effects on residual renal function in incident hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

The bacterial colonization of hemodialysis catheter occurs frequently and reaches to the catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). We hypothesized bacterial colonization promotes inflammation and that might be associated with renal outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the colonization status for tunneled cuffed dialysis catheter (TCC) and the factors for contributing to the catheter colonization and explore whether bacterial colonization would be related with declining of residual renal function (RRF).

METHODS

115 patients who received TCC removal operation and underwent catheter tip culture from January 2005 to June 2014 were enrolled. The follow-up data such as urine output (UO), time to anuria and patients' survival were collected from the patients or their family members by telephone in June, 2014.

RESULTS

There were nineteen patients (16.5 %, 19/115) with positive tip culture (colonization group). In the analysis of demographic and biochemical parameters, there were no significant differences between both groups. Fifty of all the subjects responded to the telephone survey and ten patients (20.0 %, 10/50) belonged to colonization group. The monthly decreasing rate of UO was significantly more rapid in colonization group (p = 0.001). The survival analysis showed that colonization group had worse estimated anuria-free survival than non-colonization group (p < 0.001). In multivariate cox regression, bacterial colonization of TCC was an independent factor influencing the loss of RRF (HR 4.29, 95 % CI: 1.905-9.683, p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial colonization of TCC was associated with rapid loss of RRF.

Thyroid functional disease: an under-recognized cardiovascular risk factor in kidney disease patients

Thyroid functional disease, and in particular hypothyroidism, is highly prevalent among chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In the general population, hypothyroidism is associated with impaired cardiac contractility, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and possibly higher cardiovascular mortality. It has been hypothesized that hypothyroidism is an under-recognized, modifiable risk factor for the enormous burden of cardiovascular disease and death in CKD and ESRD, but this has been difficult to test due to the challenge of accurate thyroid functional assessment in uremia. Low thyroid hormone levels (i.e. triiodothyronine) have been associated with adverse cardiovascular sequelae in CKD and ESRD patients, but these metrics are confounded by malnutrition, inflammation and comorbid states, and hence may signify nonthyroidal illness (i.e. thyroid functional test derangements associated with underlying ill health in the absence of thyroid pathology). Thyrotropin is considered a sensitive and specific thyroid function measure that may more accurately classify hypothyroidism, but few studies have examined the clinical significance of thyrotropin-defined hypothyroidism in CKD and ESRD. Of even greater uncertainty are the risks and benefits of thyroid hormone replacement, which bear a narrow therapeutic-to-toxic window and are frequently prescribed to CKD and ESRD patients. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which hypothyroidism adversely affects cardiovascular health; examine the prognostic implications of hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone alterations and exogenous thyroid hormone replacement in CKD and ESRD; and identify areas of uncertainty related to the interplay between hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease requiring further investigation.

Precedent fluctuation of serum hs-CRP to albumin ratios and mortality risk of clinically stable hemodialysis patients

Background

A high sensitivity C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (hs-CRP/Alb) predicts mortality risk in patients with acute kidney injury. However, it varies dynamically. This study was conducted to evaluate whether a variation of this marker was associated with long-term outcome in clinically stable hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

hs-CRP/Alb was checked bimonthly in 284 clinically stable HD outpatients throughout all of 2008. Based on the “slope” of trend equation derived from 5–6 hs-CRP/alb ratios for each patient, the total number of patients was divided into quartiles—Group 1: β≦ −0.13, n = 71; group 2: β>-0.13≦0.003; n = 71, group 3: β>0.003≦0.20; and group 4: β>0.20, n = 71. The observation period was from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012.

Results

Group 1+4 showed a worse long-term survival (p = 0.04) and a longer 5-year hospitalization stay than Group 2+3 (38.7±44.4 vs. 16.7±22.4 days, p<0.001). Group 1+4 were associated with older age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.05) and a high prevalence of congestive heart failure (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.00–4.11). Standard deviation (SD) of hs-CRP/Alb was associated with male sex (β = 0.17, p = 0.003), higher Davies co-morbidity score (β = 0.16, p = 0.03), and baseline hs-CRP (β = 0.39, p<0.001). Patients with lower baseline and stable trend of hs-CRP/Alb had a better prognosis. By multivariate Cox proportional methods, SD of hs-CRP/alb (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.08) rather than baseline hs-CRP/Alb was an independent predictive factor for long-term mortality after adjusting for sex and HD vintage.

Conclusion

Clinically stable HD patients with a fluctuating variation of hs-CRP/Alb are characterized by old age, and more co-morbidity, and they tend to have longer subsequent hospitalization stay and higher mortality risk.

Proteomic biomarkers in kidney disease: issues in development and implementation

Proteomic biomarkers offer the hope of improving the management of patients with kidney diseases by enabling more accurate and earlier detection of renal pathology than is possible with currently available biomarkers, serum creatinine and urinary albumin. In addition, proteomic biomarkers could also be useful to define the most suitable therapeutic targets in a given patient or disease setting. This Review describes the current status of proteomic and protein biomarkers in the context of kidney diseases. The valuable lessons learned from early clinical studies of potential proteomic biomarkers in kidney disease are presented to give context to the newly identified biomarkers, which have potential for actual clinical implementation. This article also includes an overview of protein-based biomarker candidates that are undergoing development for use in nephrology, focusing on those with the greatest potential for clinical implementation. Relevant issues and problems associated with the discovery, validation and clinical application of proteomic biomarkers are discussed, along with suggestions for solutions that might help to guide the design of future proteomic studies. These improvements might remove some of the current obstacles to the utilization of proteomic biomarkers, with potentially beneficial results.

Association between depression and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease patients: a review of literature

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Strong correlation has been reported between depression and patients' morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients. On the contrary, chronic inflammation may be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in these patients. Elevated plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines, especially C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-6, have been correlated with cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and all-cause and cardiovascular-associated mortality in dialysis patients. Studies suggested that inflammation-mediated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the possible reasons for depression-induced mortality among patients without renal diseases. Several studies found significant elevations in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, in patients with major depression. Furthermore, depressive mood and behaviors, including sadness and suicidal ideation, were observed in patients who received repeated injections of recombinant cytokines. A thorough literature review indicates that while depressive symptoms and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels coexist in CKD and dialysis patients, their association is uncertain. Depression seems to be more associated with elevated serum levels of IL-6 than other cytokines in these patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the possibility of a causal relationship between inflammation and depressive symptoms in CKD and dialysis patients.

Leptin as an uremic toxin: Deleterious role of leptin in chronic kidney disease

White adipose tissue secretes a large variety of compounds named adipokines amongst which, leptin exhibits pleiotropic metabolic actions. Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone, secreted in proportion of fat mass, with additional effects on the regulation of inflammation, cardiovascular system, immunity, hematopoiesis and bone metabolism. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by an increase of plasma leptin concentration that may be explained by a lack of renal clearance. Hyperleptinemia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of complications associated with CKD such as cachexia, protein energy wasting, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular damages and bone complications. Leptin is also involved in the progression of renal disease through its pro-fibrotic and pro-hypertensive actions. Most of the adverse effects of leptin have been documented both experimentally and clinically. Leptin may therefore be considered as an uremic toxin in CKD. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathophysiological and clinical role of leptin in in vitro studies, experimental models, as well as in patients suffering from CKD.

The effects of calcitriol with calcium carbonate supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in chronic kidney disease patients' with low vitamin D

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients' are at risk of low vitamin D and chronic inflammation. We studied the effect of 12 weeks calcitriol and calcium carbonate supplementation on inflammatory mediators serum; interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective randomized study in CKD stages 2-4 with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels < 30 ng/ml. Patients were randomized into the Vitamin D + Calcium (Vitamin D + C) or Calcium group. Serums were analyzed at baseline, week 6 and 12.

RESULTS

Fifty patients, median age of 53 (13.5) years were recruited. Their median IL-10 was 13.35 (25.22) pg/ml. At week 12, serum IL-6 was reduced in both groups (p = 0.001), serum IL-10 was maintained in the Vitamin D + C group (p = 0.06) and was reduced in the Calcium group (p = 0.001). CKD-diabetic patients had reduced serum IL-6 in both study groups (p = 0.001) and a reduction was seen in the Vitamin D + C group of the non-diabetics counterparts (p = 0.005). Serum IL-10 was reduced in the Calcium group (p < 0.05) whereas serum 25-OHD rose in both groups, regardless of their diabetic status (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve weeks, calcitriol supplementation maintained IL-10, had no effects on hs- CRP and had no additional benefit compared to calcium carbonate in reducing serum IL-6 except in non-diabetics.

Bidirectional Relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease & Periodontal Disease

Non communicable diseases (NCDs) affect the life of an individual in terms of mortality, morbidity and financial crises. Main NCDs are diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), pulmonary diseases, osteoporosis and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). About 40% of the total deaths can be controlled by eliminating the risk factors for NCDs. Periodontitis have recently been labeled as an important potential risk factor for NCDs. CKD affect the oral health status of patients by inducing gingival hyperplasia, xerostomia, calcification of root canals and delayed eruption of teeth. Periodontitis increases systemic inflammatory burden leading to worsening of CKD which in turn has been has been found to negatively affect CKD of patients on hemodialysis therapy by altering their serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels. As hypoalbuminemia leads to increased mortality in CKD patients, it needs to be avoided by reducing systemic inflammatory burden in patients receiving HD therapy. Treating periodontal disease could be one factor that might decrease the systemic inflammatory burden and thereby improve quality of life of these patients.

Sources of Data: Data from descriptive, cross sectional and longitudinal studies published between 2000 and 2012 were included. Data searches based on human studies only.

Data Extraction: The key words, periodontitis, chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis, on MEDLINE, approximately 120 studies were identified. 35 of them were relevant to all three keywords. Most of them were cross sectional studies and total 7 clinical trials were identified regarding checking of serum levels after periodontal therapy with variable results.

Conclusion: Patients with CKD have higher prevalence of periodontal disease while non-surgical periodontal therapy has been indicated to decrease the systemic inflammatory burden in patients with CKD specially those undergoing HD therapy.

The association of serum inflammatory biomarkers with chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients

A positive association between inflammation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been reported but the impact of hypertension on this relation remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of various inflammation markers with risk of CKD in hypertensive patients. 387 hypertensive patients (mean age 55.5 years) were recruited. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by ELISA. CKD was diagnosed either as evidence of kidney damage, including microalbuminuria, or by low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), which was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) abbreviated equation. Compared with the reference groups (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), the serum levels of TIMP-1, OPN, hsCRP were significantly higher, and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was lower in the risk group (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, OPN and hsCRP were associated with low GFR separately after adjustment, whereas MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, OPN and hsCRP were associated with microalbuminuria. The significant association of MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and OPN with low GFR and microalbuminuria persisted after additional adjustment for other studied inflammatory biomarkers. Our data suggest that inflammation is strongly and independently associated with renal damage in hypertensive patients. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and OPN may serve as novel risk factors and therapeutic targets for the treatment of CKD in hypertensive patients.