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The relationship between the concentration of plasma homocysteine and chronic kidney disease: a cross sectional study of a large cohort

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Abstract

Background

High concentrations of homocysteine are considered a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of homocysteine in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of individuals examined at a screening center in Israel between the years 2000–2014. Cross sectional analysis was carried out on 17,010 subjects; 67% were men.

Results

Significant differences were observed between four quartiles of homocysteine concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)—the higher the homocysteine concentration, the lower the eGFR (p < 0.0001). In subjects with CKD, homocysteine plasma levels were correlated with the stage of renal impairment. Mean (SD) homocysteine concentrations in subjects with eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 compared to subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were: 16.3 (5.9) vs. 11.5 (5.5) μmol/L respectively. These findings remained significant after adjustment for age, smoking status, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001). Compared to subjects with homocysteine concentrations less than 15 μmol/L, those with homocysteine concentrations equal and above 15 μmol/L, had a significantly higher odds ratio (95% CI) of having an eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2; non adjusted model, 8.30 (6.17–11.16); adjusted model for age smoking status, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 7.43 (5.41–10.21).

Conclusion

Plasma homocysteine concentrations are higher in subjects with CKD. This may contribute to an increased risk for developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine F-Recanati, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel

    Eytan Cohen, Ili Margalit, Elad Goldberg & Ilan Krause

  2. Statistical Counselling Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel

    Tzippy Shochat

  3. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel

    Eytan Cohen, Elad Goldberg & Ilan Krause

  4. Department of Medicine F-Recanati, and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel

    Eytan Cohen

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Correspondence to Eytan Cohen.

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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

All procedures performed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Helsinki Ethics Committee of Rabin Medical Center, Israel and in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Since all the ID numbers of all the participants were changed into coded numbers before any analysis was performed, the Helsinki Ethics Committee of the Rabin center did not request an informed consent from the participants.

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Cohen, E., Margalit, I., Shochat, T. et al. The relationship between the concentration of plasma homocysteine and chronic kidney disease: a cross sectional study of a large cohort. J Nephrol 32, 783–789 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-019-00618-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-019-00618-x

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