[Vascular damage in chronic kidney disease]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology and Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Pathophysiology of Chronic Kidney Disease

Context:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Diabetic nephropathy is a primary cause of CKD globally, exacerbating CVD risks.
• CKD is associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia, key contributors to CVD.

Purpose:

• To review the mechanisms linking CKD to accelerated cardiovascular disease.
• To highlight the roles of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in CKD-related CVD.
• To emphasize the importance of managing CVD in CKD patients.

Summary:

• CKD accelerates atherosclerosis and vascular calcification through factors like inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated calcification pathways.
• Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis progression in CKD.
• Vascular calcification, involving both intimal and medial changes, stiffens arteries and contributes to plaque formation, driven by calcification promoters and osteogenic differentiation.

Impact:

• Understanding these links is vital for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for CVD in CKD.
• Effective management of CKD-associated CVD can reduce mortality and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
• This review underscores the critical need for integrated care addressing both renal and cardiovascular health in CKD patients.