Correlation between Serum Biomarkers and Disease Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Aims/Background The present study aimed to assess the capability of biomarkers, including inflammatory indicators, anaemic markers, lipid markers, and renal function indices, to differentiate between different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Expected to provide a new strategy for monitoring the development of CKD and stratified treatment management, providing valuable insights for future biomarker studies to explore early detection of CKD. Methods The changes in inflammatory markers (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-17A, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2, IL-1 and white blood cells [WBC]), lipid markers (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], and triglyceride [TG]), indicators of kidney injury (serum creatinine [Scr] and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]) in 451 patients with different stages of CKD were examined. Furthermore, these markers were compared between 299 anemic patients and 53 non-anemic patients. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were employed to analyze the association between these biomarkers and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). To identify risk factors associated with the development of CKD, we utilized principal component analysis to evaluate their utility as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for the disease. Results Significant differences were found in IL-6, BUN, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels across CKD stages 2 to 5. Anaemic individuals had elevated levels of IL-6, Scr, and BUN compared to non-anaemic individuals. In addition, the multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that IL-1 (p = 0.022), IL-6 (p = 0.022), Hb (p < 0.001), and BUN (p < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of eGFR. Furthermore, it was discovered that the blood levels of IL-6 (p = 0.012), BUN (p < 0.001), and Hb (p < 0.001) were risk factors associated with the stages of CKD. Conclusion Serum levels of IL-6, BUN and Hb have been associated with the progression of CKD. Using a combination of serum biomarkers is a potential strategy for tracking the development of CKD, facilitating stratified management and early intervention.