Apelin and cardiac function in hemodialyzed patients: possible relations?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nephrology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Apelin, an adipocytokine produced in adipose tissue, is also expressed in the kidney and heart.
• Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of mortality in patients with chronic renal failure.
• Emerging evidence highlights apelin's role in cardiovascular system pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between apelin levels, coronary artery disease (CAD), and echocardiographic parameters in hemodialyzed patients.
• To explore the potential role of apelin in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease.

Main Methods:

• Plasma apelin levels were measured in 81 stable, non-diabetic hemodialyzed patients.
• Patients were categorized into groups with and without diagnosed CAD.
• Echocardiographic parameters and serum lipids were assessed.

Main Results:

• Patients with CAD were older and exhibited significantly lower apelin levels compared to those without CAD.
• CAD patients showed increased left ventricular dimensions (LVIDd, LVISd), left atrium, aorta, and pulmonary artery, with reduced ejection fraction.
• Apelin levels correlated significantly with echocardiographic parameters like LVIDd, LVISd, and RV, as well as serum lipids (cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides).

Conclusions:

• Apelin levels are significantly lower in hemodialyzed patients with CAD, correlating with impaired cardiac function.
• Apelin may be implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease in the context of chronic renal failure.
• Findings suggest potential clinical applications for apelin as an inotropic agent in uremic cardiomyopathy.