A STUDY ON LIPOPROTEINS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as either kidney damage or decreased kidney function for three or more months. Decreased kidney function is defined by GFR below 60mL/min/1.73m².  Lipoprotein abnormalities are considered to accelerate glomerular injury in various forms of renal diseases. Recent studies have also shown a strong genetic basis for the increase in serum Lipoprotein (a) levels in chronic kidney disease. Therefore in our study we have analysed the levels of Lp(a) and lipid profile parameters in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. 50 patients with chronic kidney disease (GFR <60 mL /min/1.73m² for >3 months) in the age group of 30-65 years were selected and the study included both male and female patients. 50 healthy individuals were selected for the study and they formed the control group. Measurement of serum urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides,   HDL-C and LDL-C by using standard enzymatic kits and lipoprotein (a) by immunoturbidimetric method were carried out using Beckmann Coulter auto analyzer. Patients with chronic kidney disease showed a significant increase in Lp(a) levels when compared to the control group. Lp(a) levels in CKD patients were found to correlate negatively with eGFR. It can be speculated that the atherogenic effect of Lp(a) leads to renal ischemia because of increased atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. The variation in the Lp(a) levels in different ethnic groups, should also be considered during analysis of risk factors for nephropathy.