Structural alterations in subcutaneous small resistance arteries predict changes in the renal function of...

We have previously demonstrated that structural alterations in subcutaneous small resistance arteries of hypertensive patients, as indicated by an increased media to lumen ratio (M/L), are a potent predictor of cardiovascular events, and that a close correlation exists between serum creatinine and M/L. The aim of the present study was to assess whether M/L of subcutaneous small resistance arteries may predict subsequent changes in renal function in hypertensive patients.

Sixty participants (13 normotensive participants and 47 hypertensive patients) underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat. Resistance-sized arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and M/L was measured. Patients were re-evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 8.6 years. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid were measured; glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.

At baseline, we observed significant correlations between M/L and serum creatinine, eGFR, blood urea nitrogen, systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressure. In addition, we observed significant correlations between M/L and serum creatinine at follow-up (r = 0.57; P < 0.001), percentage changes in serum creatinine (r = 0.46; P < 0.001), eGFR at follow-up (r = -0.43; P < 0.001); percentage changes in eGFR, yearly changes in eGFR, blood urea nitrogen at follow-up, and uric acid at follow-up. A multivariate analysis in which all common cardiovascular risk factors were included showed that M/L ratio is the most potent predictor of changes in renal function.

Our data suggest that structural alterations in subcutaneous small arteries may predict the time course of changes in renal function during a follow-up period of about 9 years.