Kidney Function and Aortic Stiffness, Pulsatility, and Endothelial Function in African Americans: The Jackson Heart...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nephrology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The relationship between vascular stiffness, endothelial function, and kidney function is not well understood in African Americans.
• This study investigates these connections within this specific demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that increased vascular stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria in African Americans.
• To explore the association between hemodynamic parameters and kidney function markers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional cohort analysis of 2,244 participants from the Jackson Heart Study (2012-2017).
• Noninvasive hemodynamic assessment including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and forward wave amplitude.
• Logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze the risk for chronic kidney disease.

Main Results:

• Higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with reduced eGFR (OR, 1.37) and prevalent albuminuria (OR, 1.66).
• Increased forward wave amplitude was significantly associated with prevalent albuminuria (OR, 1.37).
• Reduced eGFR and elevated urinary albumin-creatinine ratio were present in 10.4% of participants.

Conclusions:

• Higher arterial stiffness and pulsatility correlate with increased odds of reduced eGFR in African Americans.
• While causality cannot be determined from this cross-sectional study, findings suggest arterial stiffness as a potential factor in kidney disease progression.
• Future research should examine if interventions targeting arterial stiffness can protect kidney function in African Americans.