[Glomerular filtration rate is an indicator of endothelial function at early stages of chronic kidney disease]

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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat
06:58

Physiology Lab Demonstration: Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rat

Published on: July 26, 2015

A V Smirnov, N N Petrishchev, I Iu Panina

    Terapevticheskii Arkhiv
    |August 10, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    Reduced kidney function (GFR) accelerates atherosclerosis in early chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This reduction is an independent risk factor, worsening endothelial dysfunction and increasing cardiovascular risk.

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Cardiology
    • Vascular Biology

    Background:

    • Early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
    • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular complications.
    • CKD patients often present with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of declining GFR on endothelial function in early-stage CKD.
    • To identify GFR reduction as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in CKD.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessed endothelial function in 101 CKD patients (Stage I-III) using reactive hyperemia tests and dopplerography.
    • Measured skin vessel responses to iontophoresis of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin.
    • Analyzed lipidogram, homocysteine, annexin A5 levels, common carotid artery intima-media thickness, and echocardiography.

    Main Results:

    • All patients exhibited cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipoproteinemia, and hyperhomocysteinemia.
    • Reduced GFR (below 90 ml/min) was identified as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
    • Increased body mass index was prevalent among the study participants.

    Conclusions:

    • GFR reduction in Stage II CKD is linked to increased apoptosis and endothelial vasomotor dysfunction.
    • These changes, combined with existing risk factors, contribute to preclinical atherosclerosis.
    • Early GFR decline significantly impacts vascular health in CKD patients.
    Abstract

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