Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Placental growth factor may predict increased left ventricular mass index in patients with mild to moderate chronic
Martina Peiskerová1, Marta Kalousová, Vilem Danzig
1Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. mpeiskerova@seznam.cz
Insights
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is linked to increased left ventricular mass in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein (EN-RAGE) is associated with diastolic dysfunction in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nephrology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a known cardiovascular risk marker, with established links to left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) in animal models.
- Limited data exists on the relationship between PlGF, LVH, and diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- This study investigates PlGF and other cardiovascular risk factors in relation to echocardiographic parameters within the CKD population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between PlGF and echocardiographic parameters in CKD patients.
- To explore the relationship of PlGF with other cardiovascular risk markers in CKD.
- To investigate the role of EN-RAGE in diastolic dysfunction within this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 62 patients with CKD stages 2-4.
- Measurement of laboratory markers including PlGF, FGF23, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, EN-RAGE, and BNP.
- Echocardiographic parameters and laboratory data were collected multiple times over a mean follow-up of 36 months, with multivariate regression analysis employed.
Main Results:
- Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was observed in 29% of patients at baseline and 37.1% at follow-up.
- Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was prevalent, affecting 74.1% at baseline and 75.8% at follow-up.
- Independent correlations revealed LVMI associated with PlGF, cholesterol, BNP, systolic blood pressure, and serum creatinine. EN-RAGE correlated with left atrial diameter and E/A ratio.
Conclusions:
- Placental growth factor (PlGF) is independently associated with increased left ventricular mass in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein (EN-RAGE) demonstrates a stronger association with diastolic dysfunction in the CKD population.
- These findings highlight potential biomarkers for cardiovascular complications in CKD.
Background:
Placental growth factor [PlGF) is a cardiovascular (CV) risk marker, which is related to left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) in animal models. Currently there are no data available regarding the possible relationship of PlGF and the development of LVH or diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the relationship of PlGF to other CV risk factors in CKD patients. The aim of our study was to determine the possible association of PlGF and several other CV risk markers to echocardiographic parameters in CKD population.
Methods:
We prospectively examined selected laboratory (PlGF, fibroblast growth factor-23 -FGF23, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein - EN-RAGE, B-type natriuretic peptide - BNP) and echocardiographic parameters in 62 patients with CKD 2-4. Mean follow-up was 36 ±10 months. Laboratory and echocardiographic data were collected 2-3 times, at the shortest interval of 12 months apart. Multivariate regression analysis was used to detect independent correlations of variables.
Results:
Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI, g/m2.7) was found in 29% patients with CKD 2-4, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction was detected in 74.1% patients (impaired LV relaxation in 43.5% patients and pseudonormal pattern in 30.6% patients). After 36 ± 10 months increased LVMI was found in 37.1% patients with CKD 2-4, LV diastolic dysfunction was detected in 75.8% patients (impaired LV relaxation in 43.5% patients and pseudonormal pattern in 32.3% patients). Following independent correlations were found: LVMI was related to PlGF, cholesterol, BNP, systolic blood pressure and serum creatinine. EN-RAGE correlated positively with left atrial diameter and inversely with E/A ratio. During the follow-up we found a significant increase in LVMI and left atrial diameter, whereas a significant decrease in LVEF was noted.
Conclusion:
According to our data, PlGF is independently related to increased LV mass in CKD, whereas EN-RAGE is more likely related to diastolic dysfunction in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management