Inflammatory biomarkers in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized not only as a state of declining renal function but also as a complex systemic disorder characterized by a persistent, low-grade inflammatory state. This chronic inflammation is now understood to be a central pathogenic driver that actively contributes to the progression of kidney damage, the high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and overall poor patient survival. The investigation of the role of inflammatory biomarkers has therefore become a critical area of nephrology research, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, improve risk stratification, and identify novel therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of inflammatory biomarkers in CKD, covering established markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as a growing array of emerging markers. This study synthesizes evidence from human observational studies and preclinical models to evaluate their associations with key clinical outcomes, including disease progression, cardiovascular events, and mortality, and critically examines their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.