Kidney Function and Arterial Calcification in Major Vascular Beds.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Kidney function decline is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Arterial calcification is a marker of vascular damage and a predictor of CVD.
• The interplay between kidney function, arterial calcification, and CVD incidence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between kidney function and arterial calcification in major arteries.
• To determine if arterial calcification mediates the relationship between kidney function and CVD incidence.

Main Methods:

• The Rotterdam Study cohort (2241 participants) was analyzed.
• Kidney function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).
• Arterial calcification was quantified using computed tomography in the coronary arteries, aortic arch, and carotid arteries. Mediation analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Lower eGFR and higher UACR were associated with greater arterial calcification in all studied vascular beds.
• CVD incidence was higher in participants with reduced eGFR and arterial calcification.
• Arterial calcification did not mediate the association between kidney function and CVD after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular risk factors partially explain the link between impaired kidney function and increased arterial calcification.
• Arterial calcification does not appear to mediate the association between kidney function and CVD incidence independently of established cardiovascular risk factors.