Exploring the interplay between kidney function and urinary metabolites in young adults: the African-PREDICT study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Metabolomics
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• Exposure to modifiable risk factors in youth is linked to premature cardiovascular and kidney disease.
• Urinary metabolomics shows promise in predicting kidney function and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary metabolites in young adults with and without CVD risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Included apparently healthy Black and White adults (20-30 years) categorized by CVD risk factors.
• Calculated eGFR using CKD-EPI equations.
• Utilized targeted metabolomics (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) to measure amino acids and acylcarnitines.

Main Results:

• Lower cystatin C-based eGFR was observed in young adults with CVD risk factors and multiple risk clusters compared to controls.
• eGFR positively associated with numerous urinary metabolites, including amino acids (histidine, lysine, glycine) and acylcarnitines (acetylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine).
• Associated metabolites are linked to amino acid metabolism, energy production, and oxidative stress pathways.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest altered metabolite reabsorption or metabolic regulation in young adults with CVD risk factors.
• These metabolic alterations may represent a mechanism to preserve renal health despite early exposure to CVD risk factors.