Circulating TNF receptor 2 is closely associated with the kidney function in non-diabetic Japanese subjects

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular events. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and/or its receptors have been postulated to be involved in renal pathophysiology. It is unclear whether an increased TNF system activity is present before the development of apparent CKD.

Four hundred and twenty non-diabetic Japanese subjects with an estimated GFR (eGFR) greater than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were recruited for measurement of the HbA1c, insulin, TNF system activity (TNF-α, soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) and sTNF-R2) levels and various parameters, including the lipid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin and leptin levels. The subjects were stratified according to the eGFR: the G1 level (eGFR ≧90 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and the G2 level (90 ＞eGFR ≧60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)).

Whereas no significant differences were observed in gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, insulin, TNF-α, hsCRP, HMW adiponectin or leptin between the two groups, the values for age, HbA1c, triglycerides, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were significantly higher in the subjects with a G2 level of eGFR than in those with a G1 level. In contrast, the HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the subjects with a G2 level than in those with a G1 level. Linear negative correlations were also observed between eGFR and age, BMI, HbA1c, triglycerides, sTNF-R1 and sTNFR2, respectively. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only sTNF-R2 was associated with the presence of a G2 level of eGFR (Odds ratio 1.092, 95% CI 1.013-1.177, P=0.021).

The circulating sTNF-R2 level is closely associated with the kidney function in non-diabetic Japanese subjects.