Uncovering hidden risks: metabolic and inflammatory insights in normoalbuminuric chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES

While elevated levels of albuminuria beyond 30 mg/g are linked to adverse outcomes, recent studies have revealed an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular events within the normoalbuminuric range (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, UACR < 30 mg/g). This study aims to examine metabolite levels and inflammatory markers among CKD patients in the normal albuminuria groups.

METHODS

We recruited 24 patients diagnosed with CKD exhibiting normoalbuminuria from The Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP). The patients were divided into two groups based on their UACR levels: 0-15 mg/g and 15-30 mg/g. Differential metabolites were identified through Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

The results indicated that patients with CKD and a UACR of 15-30 mg/g exhibited significant pathology, including a higher percentage of tubular atrophy and elevated levels of metabolites. These metabolites were classified into Lipids (60.0%), Amino Acids and Peptides (6.6%), Cofactors and Vitamins (6.6%), and Nucleotides (3.3%), associated with porphyrin metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, lysine degradation, and fatty acid metabolism, contrasting with CKD patients having a UACR of 0-15 mg/g. Noteworthy positive correlations were observed between caprate levels and IL-12p70, gamma-glutamylleucine and IL-10, as well as taurolithocholate and IL-10.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CKD and normal albuminuria, there exist metabolic variances compared to those with high levels of albuminuria, and these metabolites are linked to inflammatory status. This offers a foundation for early detection and proactive measures before reaching the normal threshold in CKD.