Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
07:52
A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
Published on: November 7, 2017
20.4K
Kidney Function and Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence from Observational Studies and Mendelian Randomization Analyses.
Wenjun Yang1,2, Xuemei Wu3, Manying Zhao1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200433 China.
Phenomics (Cham, Switzerland)
|October 14, 2024
Summary
Observational studies link reduced kidney function to higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, Mendelian randomization analyses did not support a causal relationship between kidney function and CVD risk.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between declining kidney function and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- The causal nature of this association requires further investigation to differentiate correlation from causation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between kidney function and CVD risk using Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To compare observational associations with genetically informed causal estimates for kidney function and CVD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized individual-level data from UK Biobank (306,246 participants) and summary-level data from FinnGen, CARDIoGRAMplusC4D, and MEGASTROKE consortia.
- Assessed associations of multiple kidney function markers (cystatin C, creatinine, uACR, eGFR) with CVD and subtypes using observational and two-sample MR analyses.
Main Results:
- Observational analyses in UK Biobank showed decreased kidney function was associated with higher CVD risk (e.g., eGFRcys+cre decrease associated with 11% higher CVD risk).
- Two-sample MR analyses found no significant causal associations between genetically instrumented kidney function and CVD risk or its subtypes.
Conclusions:
- The inverse association between kidney function and CVD risk observed in observational studies may not represent a causal relationship.
- Findings from large-scale MR analyses suggest that reduced kidney function is unlikely to be a direct cause of CVD.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
2
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate...
2
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
2
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
2
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
1.9K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
1.9K
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
2
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
2
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
346
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
346
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
2
Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of...
2