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The Association between the Activin A Serum Level and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Chronic Kidney Disease

Ade Yonata1, Zulkhair Ali2, Taufik Indrajaya2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung 35141, Indonesia.

International Journal of Nephrology
|December 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Activin A serum levels correlate with carotid intima-media thickness in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, indicating a link to vascular calcification. Screening for vascular calcification using cIMT is recommended for all CKD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to high mortality, primarily due to cardiovascular issues.
  • Activin A, a homodimer protein, is implicated in CKD-mineral and bone disorder, potentially contributing to vascular calcification.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ultrasound is a noninvasive method to assess vascular calcification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum activin A levels and cIMT in Indonesian CKD patients.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for vascular complications in CKD.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 55 CKD patients at Mohammad Hoesin Hospital.
  • Serum activin A levels measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  • cIMT assessed using B-mode ultrasound imaging.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was found between serum activin A levels and cIMT (r=0.449, p=0.001).
  • Multivariate analysis identified serum activin A, triglyceride, and phosphate levels as significant factors associated with cIMT.
  • Median serum activin A was 236.17 pg/mL and median cIMT was 0.8 mm.

Conclusions:

  • Serum activin A levels are related to cIMT in CKD patients.
  • Vascular calcification assessment via cIMT measurement is crucial for all CKD patients.
Abstract

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