Visfatin is not associated with inflammatory markers in patients on hemodialysis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular events are a leading cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.
• Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Visfatin, an adipokine, is recognized as a marker of endothelial inflammation and dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between visfatin levels and established markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
• To explore the relationship of visfatin with fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).

Main Methods:

• Serum and plasma samples were collected from 66 hemodialysis patients (40 males, 26 females).
• Visfatin levels were quantified using ELISA.
• Fibrinogen, CRP, and PAI-1 levels were measured using standard laboratory techniques.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was observed between visfatin levels and fibrinogen in female patients (r = 0.51; p = 0.008).
• Visfatin levels showed a significant positive correlation with time on dialysis specifically in female patients (r = 0.70; p < 0.001).
• No significant correlation was found between visfatin and PAI-1 or CRP in either males or females.

Conclusions:

• Visfatin is associated with fibrinogen and duration of dialysis, but only in female hemodialysis patients.
• These findings highlight a potential sex-specific relationship between visfatin and markers of cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to validate these observations.