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Apelin and cardiac function in hemodialyzed patients: possible relations?

Jolanta Małyszko1, Jacek S Małyszko, Piotr Koźminski

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland. jolmal@poczta.onet.pl

American Journal of Nephrology
|March 22, 2006
PubMed

Insights

In hemodialyzed patients, lower apelin levels were linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) and altered cardiac function. Apelin may play a role in cardiovascular disease in chronic renal failure.

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.
Abstract

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