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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Hypovitaminosis D is associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease
Qing-Yan Zhang1, Chun-Ming Jiang, Cheng Sun
1Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhong Shan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
Insights
Low vitamin D levels (hypovitaminosis D) are linked to impaired blood vessel function (endothelial dysfunction) in chronic kidney disease patients. This association highlights a potential target for improving cardiovascular health in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a major concern in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Both hypovitaminosis D and endothelial dysfunction are prevalent in CKD patients and are linked to cardiovascular risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and endothelial dysfunction in individuals with non-dialysis-dependent CKD.
Main Methods:
- Endothelial function was assessed in 117 non-dialysis CKD patients using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and sE-selectin.
- Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured.
Main Results:
- Lower FMD and higher levels of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were observed in patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency compared to those with sufficient levels.
- A significant positive correlation was found between FMD and 25(OH)D levels (r=0.556, p<0.001).
- Significant negative correlations were observed between sVCAM-1 (r=-0.549, p<0.001) and sE-selectin (r=-0.360, p<0.001) and 25(OH)D levels, even after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions:
- Hypovitaminosis D is associated with endothelial dysfunction in non-dialysis CKD patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for improving endothelial function and reducing cardiovascular events in this patient group.
Objective:
Cardiovascular events are highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypovitaminosis D and vascular endothelial dysfunction are risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and they both are common in CKD patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between hypovitaminosis D and endothelial dysfunction in non-dialysis CKD patients.
Methods:
In 117 non-dialysis CKD patients, we assessed endothelial function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and sE-selectin. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.
Results:
Brachial artery FMD was lower in vitamin D-deficient and -insufficient versus vitamin D-sufficient groups, with the lowest value observed in the vitamin D-deficient group. Conversely, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were higher in vitamin D-deficient and -insufficient groups versus vitamin D-sufficient, and the highest value was observed in the vitamin D-deficient group. There was a positive association between FMD and 25(OH)D (r = 0.556, p < 0.001) and negative correlations between both sVCAM-1 (r = -0.549, p < 0.001) and sE-selectin (r = -0.360, p < 0.001) and 25(OH)D. These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions:
Hypovitaminosis D is associated with endothelial dysfunction in non-dialysis CKD patients. Further studies are needed to confirm whether vitamin D supplementation can improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular events in these patients.
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