Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:13
Application of Ultrasound and Shear Wave Elastography Imaging in a Rat Model of NAFLD/NASH
Published on: April 20, 2021
Exploring the liver-kidney axis in the Ghanaian population: the RODAM prospective study
Muhulo Muhau Mungamba1,2, Felix Patience Chilunga1, Eva L van der Linden1
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Global Health
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Liver enzyme elevations predict chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk in Ghanaians. This highlights the need for integrated cardiometabolic assessments in sub-Saharan Africa to address early renal injury.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The liver-kidney axis is a recognized pathway linking metabolic issues to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Longitudinal data on this link in sub-Saharan African populations are scarce.
- This study investigates liver biomarkers and incident CKD in a transcontinental Ghanaian cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the association between baseline liver biomarkers and incident CKD.
- To assess the relationship between liver biomarkers and components of CKD, such as albuminuria and decreased eGFR.
- To explore the role of the fatty liver index (FLI) in predicting CKD risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the prospective Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants cohort.
- Assessed baseline liver biomarkers: gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and FLI.
- Employed Poisson regression to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for incident CKD over six years, adjusting for multiple factors.
Main Results:
- Incident CKD occurred in 11% of 1,832 participants over six years.
- Higher baseline GGT, ALT, and AST were independently associated with increased CKD risk.
- Associations were mainly driven by albuminuria; no significant link was found with decreased eGFR.
Conclusions:
- Markers of liver cell injury are associated with elevated CKD risk in the African population.
- Findings support a link between hepatic dysfunction and early renal injury.
- Emphasizes the importance of integrated cardiometabolic risk assessment in sub-Saharan Africa.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
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...
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
01:45Kidney Structure
The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Liver
The liver, the largest gland within the human body, is a firm and reddish-brown organ. This wedge-shaped structure weighs approximately 1.5 kg and occupies a significant portion of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. It extends more to the right of the body's midline than to the left.
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is covered...
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is covered...