Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

[Cardioprotective effect of vitamin D in nondialyzed patients with stage 3-5 CKD]

Mario Cozzolino1, Florjan Mehmeti, Francesca Bonelli

  • 1U.O. Nefrologia e Dialisi, A.O. San Paolo, Cattedra di Nefrologia, Universita' degli Studi, Milano, Italy. mario.cozzolino@hotmail.hotmail.com

Giornale Italiano Di Nefrologia : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Nefrologia
|December 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency and impaired vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation worsen cardiovascular health in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. VDR activators like paricalcitol improve patient health and reduce mortality risk in CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Context:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
  • Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency and impaired vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation are prevalent in CKD patients.
  • Renal dysfunction, even in mild stages, correlates with cardiovascular events.

Purpose:

  • To explore the role of vitamin D and VDR activation in cardiovascular health among CKD patients.
  • To investigate the impact of modulating vitamin D levels on mineral homeostasis, hypertension, and vascular calcification.
  • To assess the efficacy of VDR activators in improving CKD patient outcomes and reducing mortality.

Summary:

  • Epidemiological data show a strong association between progressive renal dysfunction in CKD, CVD, and mortality.
  • Vitamin D deficits and VDR activation impairment significantly impact cardiovascular health in CKD.
  • Modulating vitamin D levels influences mineral balance, blood pressure, and vascular calcification.

Impact:

  • VDR activators, such as paricalcitol, demonstrate therapeutic benefits beyond renal and cardiovascular disease.
  • Treatment with VDR activators leads to improved patient health outcomes in CKD.
  • VDR activator therapy significantly reduces the mortality risk in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...