Relation of Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors (Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1) to Left Ventricular Mass Index in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It predicts poor prognosis. Several inhibitors regulate Wnt canonical pathways like Dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1) and sclerostin. Objectives. To investigate the relationship between serum sclerostin, Dkk-1, left ventricular mass (LVM), and LVM index (LVMI) in HD patients. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study including 65 HD patients in our HD unit. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVMI (group 1 with LVMI < 125 gm/m2 (N = 29) and group 2 with LVMI > 125 gm/m2 (N = 36)). Echocardiographic evaluation of the LVM, aortic, and mitral valves calcification (AVC and MVC) was done. Serum levels of sclerostin and Dkk-1 and patients’ clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Results. Group 2 showed significantly higher age, blood pressure, AVC, and MVC and significantly lower hemoglobin, sclerostin, and Dkk-1 levels. LVM and LVMI had a significant linear negative correlation to both serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 (r = −0.329 and −0.257, P = 0.01 and 0.046 for LVM; r = −0.427 and −0.324, P = 0.001 and 0.012 for LVMI, resp.). Serum Dkk-1 was an independent negative indicator for LVM and LVMI in multiple regression analyses ( P = 0.003 and 0.041 with 95% CI = −0.963 to −0.204 and −0.478 to −0.010, resp.). Conclusion. Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 were significantly lower in HD patients with increased LVMI > 125 gm/m2, and both had a significant linear negative correlation with LVM and LVMI. Dkk-1 was a significant negative independent indicator for LVM and LVMI in HD patients.