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Association between cystatin C and inflammation in patients with essential hypertension

Takafumi Okura1, Masanori Jotoku, Jun Irita

  • 1Department of Integrated Medicine and Informatics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan. okura@m.ehime-u.ac.jp

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology
|September 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Serum cystatin C is a marker for both kidney function and inflammation. It correlates with inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting a link between renal health and cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Serum cystatin C is a recognized marker for renal function.
  • It is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular damage, heart failure, and mortality.
  • Cardiovascular events and renal dysfunction are linked to chronic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum cystatin C and proinflammatory cytokines.
  • To explore cystatin C as a potential marker of inflammation in patients with essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-eight patients with essential hypertension were enrolled.
  • Measurements included serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
  • Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP) were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Serum cystatin C showed significant correlations with eGFR, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure.
  • Cystatin C also correlated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, eGFR, and pulse pressure were identified as independent determinants of serum cystatin C.

Conclusions:

  • Serum cystatin C serves as a marker for both renal function and inflammation.
  • These findings highlight the interconnectedness of renal health, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

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