[Obesity and chronic kidney disease]

Obesity and overweight are now characterized as epidemics. It is shown that body overweight is associated with functional and structural changes in the kidneys. The results of epidemiological studies indicate that obesity can be the risk factor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) irrespective of the presence or absence of diabetes, arterial hypertension and other comorbidities. Manifestations of renal pathology in obese persons include microalbuminuria and proteinuria, hyperfiltration or impaired renal function. Glomerulomegaly and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are the most typical structural signs of obesity-related nephropathy. More evidence is accumulated on the link between CKD in obesity and abnormalities in adypokine secretion (hyperleptinemia, lack of adiponectin), activation of rennin-angiotensin system, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, impaired renal hemodynamics and diminished nephron number related to body mass. A decrease of body weight following lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery leads to reduction in albuminuria and eliminates hyperfiltration in obese subjects. Thus, prevention and treatment of obesity may reduce CKD incidence in general population.