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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Serum fetuin-a concentration and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease
Kayser Caglar1, Mahmut Ilker Yilmaz, Mutlu Saglam
1Department of Nephrology, Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. kaysercaglar@yahoo.co
Nephron. Clinical Practice
|March 13, 2008
Summary
Low fetuin-A levels are linked to endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This suggests fetuin-A may contribute to the development of vascular issues in CKD.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and precedes atherosclerosis.
- Fetuin-A, a known calcification inhibitor, was investigated as a potential factor in endothelial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between serum fetuin-A concentrations and endothelial dysfunction in patients with varying stages of CKD.
Main Methods:
- 198 non-diabetic CKD patients underwent flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) assessment via brachial ultrasonography.
- Serum fetuin-A levels were measured using ELISA.
- Carotid intima-media thickness was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Endothelial dysfunction was present across all CKD stages and worsened with reduced kidney function.
- Serum fetuin-A levels were decreased in most CKD stages.
- Fetuin-A and intact parathyroid hormone were independently associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Fetuin-A may play a role in the development of endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
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