Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Inflammation, kidney function and albuminuria in the Framingham Offspring cohort
Ashish Upadhyay1, Martin G Larson, Chao-Yu Guo
1Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. aupadhyay@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Insights
Inflammatory biomarkers are linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and albuminuria. Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) variability is significantly explained by CKD and cystatin C levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Nephrology
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Inflammation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and kidney function/albuminuria, after controlling for traditional CVD risk factors, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a panel of inflammatory biomarkers and indicators of kidney function and albuminuria.
- To determine if these associations persist after adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 3294 participants in the Framingham Offspring cohort.
- Measurement of 12 inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, TNFR2, MCP-1) in blood samples.
- Assessment of kidney function using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and cystatin C, and albuminuria using urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).
- Statistical analysis using linear and logistic regression models.
Main Results:
- 8.8% of participants had CKD (eGFR < 59/64 mL/min/1.73 m²).
- Higher levels of several biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-6, TNFR2, MCP-1, osteoprotegerin, myeloperoxidase, fibrinogen) were observed in individuals with CKD.
- Elevated levels of most biomarkers (except urinary isoprostanes) correlated with higher cystatin C concentrations.
- Specific biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-6, TNFR2, ICAM-1, osteoprotegerin) were elevated in participants with higher UACR.
- CKD status and cystatin C levels explained approximately 6% and 17% of the variability in TNFR2, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers of inflammation demonstrate significant associations with both kidney function and albuminuria.
- Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) exhibits substantial variability that is explained by CKD status and cystatin C levels.
Background:
Inflammation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are both associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether inflammatory biomarkers are associated with kidney function and albuminuria after accounting for traditional CVD risk factors is not completely understood.
Methods:
The sample comprised Framingham Offspring cohort participants (n = 3294, mean age 61, 53% women) who attended the seventh examination cycle (1998-2001). Inflammatory biomarkers [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-6, TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), P-selectin, CD-40 ligand, osteoprotegerin, urinary isoprostanes, myeloperoxidase and fibrinogen] were measured on fasting blood samples. Serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum cystatin C concentration were used to assess kidney function. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was used to assess albuminuria. Linear or logistic regression was used to test associations between biomarkers and kidney measures.
Results:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as eGFR < 59/64 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in women/men, was present in 8.8% (n = 291) of participants. TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, TNFR2, MCP-1, osteoprotegerin, myeloperoxidase and fibrinogen were higher among individuals with CKD; all biomarkers except for urinary isoprostanes were elevated in higher cystatin C quartiles; and TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, TNFR2, ICAM-1 and osteoprotegerin were elevated in higher UACR quartiles-all assessed after multivariable adjustment. Almost 6% and 17% of variability in TNFR2 were explained by CKD status and higher cystatin C quartiles, respectively.
Conclusions:
Biomarkers of inflammation are associated with kidney function and albuminuria. In particular, substantial variability in soluble TNFR2 is explained by CKD and cystatin C.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Diabetic Nephropathy
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care