Growth-plate cartilage in chronic renal failure.

Bone growth occurs in the growth-plate cartilage located at the ends of long bones. Changes in the architecture, abnormalities in matrix organization, reduction in protein staining and RNA expression of factors involved in cell signaling have been described in the growth-plate cartilage of nephrectomized animals. These changes can lead to a smaller growth plate associated with decrease in chondrocyte proliferation, delayed hypertrophy, and prolonged initiation of mineralization and vascular invasion. As a result, chronic renal failure can result in stunted body growth and skeletal deformities. Multiple etiologic factors can contribute to impaired bone growth in renal failure, including suboptimal nutrition, metabolic acidosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Recent findings have also shown the tight connection between chondro/osteogenesis, hematopoiesis, and immunogenesis.