Glomerular function in relation to circulating adhesion molecules and inflammation markers in a general population

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Inflammation is a key characteristic of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Glomerular expression of vascular adhesion molecules (VCAMs) is stimulated by inflammation.
• The relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and circulating adhesion molecules/inflammation markers in the general population is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between eGFR and circulating adhesion molecules and inflammation markers in a general population.
• To determine which markers are most effective in identifying individuals with reduced eGFR.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of five adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, MCP-1) and seven inflammation markers (CRP, NGAL, TNF-R1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF) were measured.
• 1338 randomly selected individuals (mean age 51.7 years, 50.8% women) were included.
• Multivariable-adjusted analyses were performed to assess associations with eGFR and odds of having eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Main Results:

• Lower eGFR was inversely associated with higher levels of VCAM-1, MCP-1, NGAL, TNF receptor 1, TNF-α, and IL-6.
• VCAM-1, MCP-1, NGAL, TNF-R1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly associated with increased odds of having eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• TNF-R1 demonstrated superior performance in identifying individuals with reduced eGFR compared to VCAM-1 and MCP-1.

Conclusions:

• eGFR is inversely associated with circulating adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, MCP-1) and several inflammation markers in the general population.
• Inflammation markers, particularly TNF-R1 and TNF-α, are more accurate in identifying individuals with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• These findings highlight the role of inflammation and adhesion molecules in kidney function decline.