Pathways of oxidative stress and inflammation integration in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Vascular and cardiac calcification is an important contributor to cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with oxidative stress and persistent low-grade inflammation. However, the interactions between these processes and their contribution to cardiovascular remodeling across different stages of CKD remain incompletely understood. THE

Aim

to investigate the role of oxidative stress and persistent low-grade inflammation, as well as their interaction, in vascular calcification and cardiovascular remodeling across different stages of CKD. PATIENTS AND

Methods

The study included 110 patients with CKD across different stages, aged 20–69 years; 51 (46.4 %) were male. Markers of oxidative stress, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were assessed. Parameters of mineral and bone metabolism, as well as structural and functional characteristics of the heart and aorta, were also evaluated.

Results

Significant alterations in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were observed. These changes became more pronounced with advancing CKD and were associated with the degree of left ventricular and aortic remodeling.

Conclusion

Increased oxidative stress and persistent low-grade inflammation, as well as their interaction, may contribute to cardiovascular remodeling and complications in patients with CKD.