Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Lipoprotein(a) Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent global health issue, affecting 10% of the adult population worldwide, with a 29.3% increase in prevalence from 1990 to 2017. This condition is associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early identification and prevention of CKD are crucial.

Hong Zhang et al., in a recent study published in BMC Nephrology, have found that higher Lp(a) levels in Chinese people (middle-aged and elderly) have an association with an increased risk of mildly reduced eGFR, revealing the importance of evaluating and managing Lp(a) for early renal dysfunction detection.

One thousand sixty-four participants aged 40 years or older from Yonghong Community, China, were enrolled. eGFR levels between 60 and 90 mL/min/1.73m² were considered mildly reduced eGFR. Lipoprotein (a) and eGFR data were collected through standardized questionnaires and biochemical measurements. The lipoprotein(a) concentration was determined using the latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric test.

Key Findings of the Study

• Study participants included 370 men, constituting 34.8% of the mean age of 66.
• There was an association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of mildly reduced eGFR.
• Following adjustments for confounders, individuals with the highest tertile of Lp(a) had higher odds of mildly reduced eGFR with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.80 compared to the lowest tertile of Lp(a).
• Multivariable logistic regression of studies with continuous Lp(a) variables showed consistent results with an adjusted OR of 1.23.

Our community-based cross-sectional study found a significant association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of mildly reduced eGFR. We would collect more information about diet and medication history in the follow-up, the authors write.

Study Limitations

Our study has limitations, including a cross-sectional design, multiple subtypes of Lp(a), and unclear relationships between subtypes and mildly reduced eGFR, including only middle-aged and elderly Chinese participants and albuminuria, was not included in our study, they said.

Reference

Zhang et al. Association between serum lipoprotein(a) and mildly reduced eGFR: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nephrol 24, 364.