Aldosterone is a steroid hormone regulating fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and is known to increase the risk of atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the associations of serum aldosterone ...concentrations with subclinical atherosclerosis and all-cause mortality. This study included 948 adults aged 46 to 88 years from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) with measurements of serum aldosterone and plasma renin activity and not taking antihypertensive medications. Coronary calcification was longitudinally assessed using Agatston coronary artery calcium score from computed tomography scans. All-cause mortality was ascertained from the medical record. The average age (SD) was 62.3 (9.4) years and 53% were male. Among 700 subjects who had follow-up coronary artery calcium score (median follow-up of 6.4 years), higher aldosterone levels (per 100 pg/mL) were associated with higher coronary artery calcium (relative ratio, 1.17 95% CI, 1.04–1.32), with the association being stronger in individuals with suppressed plasma renin activity (≤0.5 μg/L/hr). Systolic or diastolic blood pressure mediated around 45% of the total effect of aldosterone on coronary artery calcium. Over a median follow-up of 12.5 years (120 deaths identified among 948 subjects), aldosterone was associated with the increased risk of all-cause mortality when plasma renin activity was suppressed; hazard ratio per 100 pg/mL, 1.70 (95% CI, 1.10–2.63). In this study, we found that higher aldosterone levels were associated with the increased risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and all-cause mortality particularly when renin was suppressed. Our findings indicate the importance of aldosterone levels (even within the reference range) with respect to the cardiovascular system and overall health.
OBJECTIVE:To determine whether low vitamin D concentrations are associated with an increased risk of incident all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
METHODS:One thousand six hundred fifty-eight ...elderly ambulatory adults free from dementia, cardiovascular disease, and stroke who participated in the US population–based Cardiovascular Health Study between 1992–1993 and 1999 were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from blood samples collected in 1992–1993. Incident all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease status were assessed during follow-up using National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimerʼs Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria.
RESULTS:During a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, 171 participants developed all-cause dementia, including 102 cases of Alzheimer disease. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval CI) for incident all-cause dementia in participants who were severely 25(OH)D deficient (<25 nmol/L) and deficient (≥25 to <50 nmol/L) were 2.25 (95% CI1.23–4.13) and 1.53 (95% CI1.06–2.21) compared to participants with sufficient concentrations (≥50 nmol/L). The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios for incident Alzheimer disease in participants who were severely 25(OH)D deficient and deficient compared to participants with sufficient concentrations were 2.22 (95% CI1.02–4.83) and 1.69 (95% CI1.06–2.69). In multivariate adjusted penalized smoothing spline plots, the risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease markedly increased below a threshold of 50 nmol/L.
CONCLUSION:Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease. This adds to the ongoing debate about the role of vitamin D in nonskeletal conditions.
Diabetes is an important cause of CKD. However, among people with diabetes, it is unclear to what extent CKD is attributable to diabetes itself versus comorbid conditions, such as advanced age and ...hypertension. We examined associations of diabetes with clinical manifestations of CKD independent of age and BP and the extent to which diabetes contributes to the overall prevalence of CKD in the United States.
We performed a cross-sectional study of 15,675 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2009 to 2014. Diabetes was defined by use of glucose-lowering medications or hemoglobin A
≥6.5%. eGFR was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration formula, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio was measured in single-void urine samples. We calculated the prevalence of CKD manifestations by diabetes status as well as prevalence ratios, differences in prevalence, and prevalence attributable to diabetes using binomial and linear regression, incorporating data from repeat eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio measurements to estimate persistent disease.
For participants with diabetes (
=2279) versus those without diabetes (
=13,396), the estimated prevalence of any CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m
; albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, or both) was 25% versus 5.3%, respectively; albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g was 16% versus 3.0%, respectively; albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥300 mg/g was 4.6% versus 0.3%, respectively; eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m
was 12% versus 2.5%, respectively; and eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m
was 2.4% versus 0.4%, respectively (each
<0.001). Adjusting for demographics and several aspects of BP, prevalence differences were 14.6% (
<0.001), 10.8% (
<0.001), 4.5% (
<0.001), 6.5% (
<0.001), and 1.8% (
=0.004), respectively. Approximately 24% (95% confidence interval, 19% to 29%) of CKD among all United States adults was attributable to diabetes after adjusting for demographics.
Diabetes is strongly associated with both albuminuria and reduced GFR independent of demographics and hypertension, contributing substantially to the burden of CKD in the United States.
Elevated levels of circulating pro-atherogenic uremic solutes, particularly trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), have been implicated in cardiovascular disease development in patients with chronic kidney ...disease (CKD). TMAO is generated from trimethylamine (TMA) via metabolism by hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenase isoform 3 (FMO3). We determined the functional effects of three common FMO3 variants at amino acids 158, 308, and 257 on TMAO concentrations in a prospective cohort study and evaluated associations of polymorphisms with CKD progression and mortality. Each additional minor allele at amino acid 158 was associated with a 0.38 μg/mL higher circulating TMAO (p = 0.01) and with faster rates of annualized relative eGFR decline. Participants with 0, 1 and 2 variant alleles averaged an eGFR loss of 8%, 12%, and 14% per year, respectively (p-for trend = 0.05). Compared to participants with the homozygous reference allele, heterozygous and homozygous variant participants had a 2.0-fold (95% CI: 0.85, 4.6) and 2.2-fold (95% CI: 0.89, 5.48) higher risk of mortality, respectively (p-for-trend = 0.04). No associations with clinical outcomes were observed for allelic variants at amino acids 257 or 308. Understanding the contribution of genetic variation of FMO3 to disease progression and all-cause mortality can guide recommendations for diet modification or pharmacotherapy in CKD patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Type 2 diabetes associates with increased risk of mortality, but how kidney disease contributes to this mortality risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes is not completely understood. Here, we ...examined 10-year cumulative mortality by diabetes and kidney disease status for 15,046 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) by linking baseline data from NHANES III with the National Death Index. Kidney disease, defined as urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g and/or estimated GFR ≤60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), was present in 9.4% and 42.3% of individuals without and with type 2 diabetes, respectively. Among people without diabetes or kidney disease (reference group), 10-year cumulative all-cause mortality was 7.7% (95% confidence interval 95% CI, 7.0%-8.3%), standardized to population age, sex, and race. Among individuals with diabetes but without kidney disease, standardized mortality was 11.5% (95% CI, 7.9%-15.2%), representing an absolute risk difference with the reference group of 3.9% (95% CI, 0.1%-7.7%), adjusted for demographics, and 3.4% (95% CI, -0.3% to 7.0%) when further adjusted for smoking, BP, and cholesterol. Among individuals with both diabetes and kidney disease, standardized mortality was 31.1% (95% CI, 24.7%-37.5%), representing an absolute risk difference with the reference group of 23.4% (95% CI, 17.0%-29.9%), adjusted for demographics, and 23.4% (95% CI, 17.2%-29.6%) when further adjusted. We observed similar patterns for cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality. In conclusion, those with kidney disease predominantly account for the increased mortality observed in type 2 diabetes.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived hormone that controls blood phosphate levels by increasing renal phosphate excretion and reducing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 1,25(OH)2D production. ...Disorders of FGF23 homeostasis are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but a fundamental understanding of what regulates FGF23 production is lacking. Because the kidney is the major end organ of FGF23 action, we hypothesized that it releases a factor that regulates FGF23 synthesis. Using aptamer-based proteomics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based (LC-MS-based) metabolomics, we profiled more than 1600 molecules in renal venous plasma obtained from human subjects. Renal vein glycerol-3-phosphate (G-3-P) had the strongest correlation with circulating FGF23. In mice, exogenous G-3-P stimulated bone and bone marrow FGF23 production through local G-3-P acyltransferase-mediated (GPAT-mediated) lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) synthesis. Further, the stimulatory effect of G-3-P and LPA on FGF23 required LPA receptor 1 (LPAR1). Acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases FGF23 levels, rapidly increased circulating G-3-P in humans and mice, and the effect of AKI on FGF23 was abrogated by GPAT inhibition or Lpar1 deletion. Together, our findings establish a role for kidney-derived G-3-P in mineral metabolism and outline potential targets to modulate FGF23 production during kidney injury.
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations separately and in combination with incident cardiovascular ...events and mortality during 14 years of follow-up in the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study). Background Vitamin D deficiency and PTH excess are common in older adults and may adversely affect cardiovascular health. Methods A total of 2,312 participants who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were studied. Vitamin D and intact PTH were measured from previously frozen serum using mass spectrometry and a 2-site immunoassay. Outcomes were adjudicated cases of myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. Results There were 384 participants (17%) with serum 25-OHD concentrations <15 ng/ml and 570 (25%) with serum PTH concentrations ≥65 pg/ml. After adjustment, each 10 ng/ml lower 25-OHD concentration was associated with a 9% greater (95% confidence interval CI: 2% to 17% greater) relative hazard of mortality and a 25% greater (95% CI: 8% to 44% greater) relative hazard of myocardial infarction. Serum 25-OHD concentrations <15 ng/ml were associated with a 29% greater (95% CI: 5% to 55% greater) risk for mortality. Serum PTH concentrations ≥65 pg/ml were associated with a 30% greater risk for heart failure (95% CI: 6% to 61% greater) but not other outcomes. There was no evidence of an interaction between serum 25-OHD and PTH concentrations and cardiovascular events. Conclusions Among older adults, 25-OHD deficiency is associated with myocardial infarction and mortality; PTH excess is associated with heart failure. Vitamin D and PTH might influence cardiovascular risk through divergent pathways.
This study sought to determine the association of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 with death, heart failure (HF), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, as well as the ...influence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this setting.
FGF-23 increases renal phosphorus excretion and inhibits vitamin D activation. In end-stage renal disease, high FGF-23 levels are associated with mortality. The association of FGF-23 with death, HF, and CVD in the general population, and the influence of CKD in this setting, are unknown.
Plasma FGF-23 was measured in 3,107 community-living persons ≥ 65 years of age in 1996 and 1997, and participants were followed through 2008. HF and CVD events were adjudicated by a panel of experts. Associations of FGF-23 with each outcome were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, and we tested whether associations differed by CKD status.
Both lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher urine albumin to creatinine ratios were associated with high FGF-23 at baseline. During 10.5 years (median) follow-up, there were 1,730 deaths, 697 incident HF events, and 797 incident CVD events. Although high FGF-23 concentrations were associated with each outcome in combined analyses, the associations were consistently stronger for those with CKD (p interactions all <0.006). In the CKD group (n = 1,128), the highest FGF-23 quartile had adjusted hazards ratios (HR) of 1.87 (95% confidence interval CI: 1.47 to 2.38) for all-cause death, 1.94 (95% CI: 1.32 to 2.83) for incident HF, and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.02 to 2.18) for incident CVD events compared with the lowest quartile. Corresponding HRs in those without CKD (n = 1,979) were 1.29 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.59), 1.37 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.89), and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.79 to 1.45).
FGF-23, a hormone involved in phosphorous and vitamin D homeostasis, is independently associated with all-cause death and incident HF in community-living older persons. These associations appear stronger in persons with CKD.
Inflammation, cardiac remodeling, and fibrosis may explain in part the excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Growth differentiation factor 15 ...(GDF-15), galectin 3 (Gal-3), and soluble ST2 (sST2) are possible biomarkers of these pathways in patients with CKD.
Observational cohort study.
Individuals with CKD enrolled in either of 2 multicenter CKD cohort studies: the Seattle Kidney Study or C-PROBE (Clinical Phenotyping and Resource Biobank Study).
Circulating GDF-15, Gal-3, and sST2 measured at baseline.
Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization for physician-adjudicated heart failure and the atherosclerotic CVD events of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident.
Cox proportional hazards models used to test the association of each biomarker with each outcome, adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, and kidney function.
Among 883 participants, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 49±19mL/min/1.73m2. Higher GDF-15 (adjusted HR aHR per 1-SD higher, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.53-2.29), Gal-3 (aHR per 1-SD higher, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.36-1.78), and sST2 (aHR per 1-SD higher, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.17-1.58) concentrations were significantly associated with mortality. Only GDF-15 level was also associated with heart failure events (HR per 1-SD higher, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.16). There were no detectable associations between GDF-15, Gal-3, or sST2 concentrations and atherosclerotic CVD events.
Event rates for heart failure and atherosclerotic CVD were low.
Adults with CKD and higher circulating GDF-15, Gal-3, and sST2 concentrations experienced greater mortality. Elevated GDF-15 concentration was also associated with an increased rate of heart failure. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking these circulating biomarkers with CVD in patients with CKD.
This commentary provides a US perspective on the 2009 KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic ...Kidney Disease–Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD–MBD) . KDIGO is an independent international organization with the primary mission of the promotion, coordination, collaboration, and integration of initiatives to develop and implement clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI), recognizing that international guidelines need to be adapted for each country, convened a group of experts to comment on the application and implementation of the KDIGO guideline for patients with CKD in the United States. This commentary puts the KDIGO guideline into the context of the supporting evidence and the setting of care delivered in the United States and summarizes important differences between prior KDOQI guidelines and the newer KDIGO guideline. It also considers the potential impact of a new bundled payment system for dialysis clinics. The KDIGO guideline addresses the evaluation and treatment of abnormalities of CKD-MBD in adults and children with CKD stages 3-5 on long-term dialysis therapy or with a kidney transplant. Tests considered are those that relate to laboratory, bone, and cardiovascular abnormality detection and monitoring. Treatments considered are interventions to treat hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, and bone disease in patients with CKD stages 3-5D and 1-5T. Limitations of the evidence are discussed. The lack of definitive clinical outcome trials explains why most recommendations are not of level 1 but of level 2 strength, which means weak or discretionary recommendations. Suggestions for future research highlight priority areas.
PDF
