SummaryBackground and objectives Increased arterial stiffness was reported to be associated with decreased estimated GFR (eGFR). Previous studies suggested that arterial stiffness might play a role in renal function progression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was an independent association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, and renal function progression in CKD patients.Design, setting, participants, & measurements This longitudinal study enrolled 145 patients with CKD stages 3 to 5. The baPWV was measured by using an ABI-form device. The change in renal function was estimated by eGFR slope. The study endpoints were defined as commencement of dialysis or death.Results After a stepwise multivariate analysis, the eGFR slope was positively associated with baseline eGFR and negatively associated with hypertension and baPWV (␤ ϭ Ϫ0.165, P ϭ 0.033). Seventeen patients entering dialysis, and eight deaths were recorded. Multivariate forward Cox regression analysis identified that higher baPWV (hazard ratio, 1.001; P ϭ 0.001), lower baseline eGFR, and higher serum phosphate level were independently associated with progression to commencement of dialysis or death. ConclusionsOur results show an independent association between baPWV and renal function decline and progression to commencement of dialysis or death in patients with CKD. Screening CKD patients by means of baPWV may help identify a high-risk group of rapid renal function decline and progression to commencing dialysis or death.

SummaryBackground and objectives Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease in general population. However, the relationship between hyperuricemia with clinical outcomes in CKD remains controversial.Design, setting, participants, & measurements The study investigated the association between uric acid with allcause mortality, cardiovascular events, renal replacement therapy, and rapid renal progression (the slope of estimated GFR was less than 26 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 /y) in 3303 stages 3-5 CKD patients that were in the integrated CKD care system in one medical center and one regional hospital in southern Taiwan.Results In all subjects, the mean uric acid level was 7.962.0 mg/dl. During a median 2.8-year follow-up, there were 471 (14.3%) deaths, 545 (16.5%) cardiovascular events, 1080 (32.3%) participants commencing renal replacement therapy, and 841 (25.5%) participants with rapid renal progression. Hyperuricemia increased risks for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events (the adjusted hazard ratios for quartile four versus quartile one of uric acid Conclusions In stages 3-5 CKD, hyperuricemia is a risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events but not renal replacement therapy and rapid renal progression.

Galectin-3 is a 32- to 35-kDa member of the galectin family of b-galactoside-binding lectins, which is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain. Through its carbohydrate-binding function, it regulates cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. It also plays a complex, context-dependent role in the kidneys. During development, it promotes nephrogenesis and is strongly expressed in the ureteric bud and its derivatives. An increase in the concentration of galectin-3 has been reported to be associated with fibrosis of the kidneys. Elevated levels of plasma galectin-3 are also associated with increased risks of rapid renal function decline, incident chronic kidney disease, and progressive renal impairment, and also with cardiovascular end points, infection, and all-cause mortality in patients with renal function impairment. This review discusses a general survey on galectin-3 expressions in nephrogenesis, kidney injury animal models, clinical renal diseases, renal transplantation and the potential role of galectin-3 for treatment in kidney disease.