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.
Abstract

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