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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
[Microalbuminuria in hypertension]
Seiichrio Sakata1, Genjiro Kimura
1Department of Internal Medicine and Pathophysiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
Abstract:
Microalbuminuria is a sensitive marker of early renal damage in essential hypertension as well as diabetes mellitus. Elevated urinary albumin excretion has positive correlations with other cardiovascular risk factors. Microalbuminuria has an independent value to predict cardiovascular disease in the patients with not only diabetes mellitus but also with essential hypertension and even in general population. The seventh report of the joint national committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC 7) has adopted microalbuminuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min as one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. It is an important future task whether decrease in urinary albumin excretion with treatment improves prognosis of individual patients.
Insights
Microalbuminuria, a marker of early kidney damage, predicts cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension or diabetes. Reducing urinary albumin may improve patient outcomes, a key area for future research.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Microalbuminuria indicates early renal damage in hypertension and diabetes.
- Elevated urinary albumin correlates with cardiovascular risk factors.
- Microalbuminuria is recognized as a major cardiovascular risk factor by JNC 7 guidelines.
Purpose:
- To highlight the significance of microalbuminuria as a predictor of cardiovascular disease.
- To emphasize the role of microalbuminuria in essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
- To discuss the potential prognostic value of reducing urinary albumin excretion.
Summary:
- Microalbuminuria serves as a sensitive indicator of early kidney damage in essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
- It independently predicts cardiovascular disease across various populations, including those with hypertension, diabetes, and the general population.
- The JNC 7 report includes microalbuminuria as a key cardiovascular risk factor.
Impact:
- Establishes microalbuminuria as a critical biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Underscores the need for further investigation into treatment strategies aimed at decreasing urinary albumin excretion.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the importance of monitoring microalbuminuria in high-risk patients.
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