The Rogosin Institute

Pilot study to probe link between kidney disease and heart disease

Research has shown that people with kidney abnormalities have a dramatically increased risk of heart disease. But by studying blood samples from patients with early-stage kidney disease, researchers hope to better define the connection.

A study is presently ongoing at Rogosin with adults diagnosed with kidney disease and focuses on a condition called endotoxemia, a buildup of toxins in the blood that may affect cardiovascular health. If the researchers’ hypothesis proves correct, the work will lead to follow-up studies to develop therapeutics.

Kidney disease has long been associated with a high incidence of atherosclerosis, or heart disease, but the reasons are not fully known. Certain conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, are often present with kidney disease and have been pinpointed as risk factors for atherosclerosis.

To date, scientists have made a compelling case for endotoxins — natural breakdown products of bacteria — as a cause of atherosclerosis, and patients with end-stage renal failure commonly have high levels of endotoxins in their blood. However, this finding has not been well studied in early-stage kidney disease, which afflicts a much larger portion of the population.

The study, a collaborative effort between Rockefeller University and the Rogosin Institute, analyzes endotoxin levels in blood samples from men and postmenopausal women over the age of 50 who have early chronic kidney disease. In addition to endotoxin levels, the researchers will examine markers of inflammation and thrombosis, vitamin D levels and detailed lipid profiles. If the pilot study supports the hypothesis, we will proceed with interventional trials designed to reduce endotoxin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease