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Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Relationship of Dickkopf-1 With Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness in Renal Transplant Recipients
Melahat Coban1, Beyza Algul Durak1, Mine Sebnem Karakan2
1Department of Nephrology, Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Introduction:
Dickkopf wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway inhibitor-1 (DKK-1) is a potent antagonist of the WNT canonical signaling pathway. DKK-1 is a substance that exerts anabolic effects on bone and is also involved in vascular cell regulation. The study aimed to determine the relationship of DKK-1 with atherosclerosis as determined by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) and arterial stiffness (AS) as determined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs).
Methods:
A total of 62 (62%) male and 38 (438%) female RTRs with a mean age of 44.22 ± 10.88 years were included in the study. RTRs were compared with 65 healthy individuals. CA-IMT measurement with ultrasonography was used as a marker of atherosclerosis. The presence of AS was detected with the baPWV device.
Results:
Creatinine, CA-IMT, and baPWV were higher in the RTRs compared to the healthy subjects. No difference was determined between the two groups regarding log10 DKK-1. No difference was noted in the levels of CA-IMT and baPWV in patients with log10 DKK-1 > 3.83 pg/mL compared to patients with ≤3.83 pg/mL. Correlation and multivariate analyses showed no correlation between log10 DKK-1 and CA-IMT and baPWV.
Discussion:
In RTRs, an increased development of atherosclerosis and AS was observed compared to healthy individuals. There was no difference in DKK-1 between the groups based on improved renal function. DKK-1 was not correlated with atherosclerosis and AS.
Insights
Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) did not correlate with atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness in renal transplant recipients. While these conditions were higher in recipients, DKK-1 levels did not differ significantly between groups.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is a WNT signaling inhibitor with roles in bone and vascular regulation.
- Atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness are significant concerns in renal transplant recipients (RTRs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between DKK-1 levels and atherosclerosis (measured by carotid artery intima-media thickness, CA-IMT) and arterial stiffness (measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV) in RTRs.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 62 male and 38 female RTRs was compared with 65 healthy controls.
- Atherosclerosis was assessed using CA-IMT via ultrasonography.
- Arterial stiffness was evaluated using baPWV.
Main Results:
- RTRs exhibited higher creatinine, CA-IMT, and baPWV compared to healthy individuals.
- No significant difference in log10 DKK-1 levels was found between RTRs and controls.
- No correlation was observed between log10 DKK-1 and CA-IMT or baPWV in RTRs.
Conclusions:
- RTRs demonstrate increased atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness compared to healthy individuals.
- DKK-1 levels do not appear to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness in this RTR cohort.
