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C-reactive protein, atherosclerosis and kidney function in hypertensive patients
M J Hommels1, A J A M van der Ven, A A Kroon
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|June 10, 2005
Summary
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are higher in patients with atherosclerosis in the aorta and renal arteries. This suggests a link between inflammation and vascular disease, though renal function also plays a role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Previous research links C-reactive protein (CRP) to coronary and carotid atherosclerosis.
- High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation.
- Atherosclerosis affects major arteries, including those supplying the kidneys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hsCRP levels and atherosclerotic lesions in the renal arteries and abdominal aorta.
- To determine if hsCRP is a marker for atherosclerotic renovascular disease.
- To explore potential confounding factors in the hsCRP-atherosclerosis relationship.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 95 hypertensive patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for suspected renovascular disease.
- Blood samples collected during DSA for hsCRP measurement.
- Assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in renal arteries and abdominal aorta; renal artery stenosis defined as ≥50%.
Main Results:
- Median hsCRP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with aortic/renal artery atherosclerosis (4.6 mg/l) compared to those without (1.7 mg/l; P < 0.005).
- hsCRP levels were elevated in patients with >50% renal artery stenosis.
- Associations were confounded by serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, age, and gender; an inverse relationship between creatinine clearance and hsCRP was observed (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- hsCRP concentrations are associated with atherosclerotic lesions in the renal arteries and abdominal aorta.
- Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis may be part of a systemic inflammatory vascular disease.
- Elevated hsCRP may also be linked to impaired renal function.