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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches
Published on: September 5, 2025
Clinical Interaction between Brain and Kidney in Small Vessel Disease
Masaki Mogi1, Masatsugu Horiuchi
1Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Tohon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to neurological issues, including cognitive impairment. CKD markers may help predict future neurological disease risk in patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease prevalence.
- Emerging evidence links CKD to neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment and ischemic brain injury.
- The cerebrorenal connection is hypothesized to involve shared small vessel disease mechanisms in the kidney and brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between CKD and neurological disorders.
- To investigate the utility of CKD markers in predicting brain small vessel disease and cognitive decline.
- To understand the cerebrorenal connection in the context of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and clinical studies examining CKD patients.
- Analysis of associations between CKD markers (eGFR, proteinuria, albuminuria) and neurological outcomes.
- Evaluation of the role of brain vascular changes in cognitive impairment in CKD patients.
Main Results:
- CKD is linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment and future neuronal disease.
- CKD markers like eGFR, proteinuria, and albuminuria may predict brain small vessel disease (e.g., white matter lesions, silent brain ischemia, microhemorrhages).
- Cerebral small vessel disease contributes to cognitive decline in CKD patients, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- CKD markers are potential predictors of neurological disease risk.
- The cerebrorenal connection highlights the importance of managing kidney health for brain health.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying CKD-associated neurological complications.
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