Authors: Efstratiadis, Georgios; Tziomalos, Konstantinos; Mikhailidis, Dimitri P.; Athyros, Vasilios G.; Hatzitolios, Apostolos

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 6, Number 2, April 2008 , pp. 93-107(15)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and particularly kidney failure, is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and approximately a 20-fold increased risk of cardiovascular death. The majority of these patients die from complications directly attributed to atherosclerosis and their life expectancy is decreased. Established risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. Age, gender, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus are among the established risk factors. Inflammation, qualitative lipid disorders (e.g. small dense low density lipoprotein), vascular calcification and oxidative stress represent emerging risk factors. The precise mechanism of atherosclerosis in patients with kidney failure is not yet known.

CKD might represent a clinical model of atherogenesis. Thus, the evidence obtained from investigating “renal” atherogenesis could be of interest in improving our understanding of this disease process in the non-renal population.

We review the relationship between “renal” and non-renal atherosclerosis focusing on pathogenesis, risk factors and clinical events and how they interact with treatment options. Overall, the “later” stages of CKD may eventually be considered as a coronary heart disease equivalent condition.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; calcification; oxidative stress; inflammation; hypertension; glomerulosclerosis; chronic kidney disease; vascular disease

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108783955374

Publication date: 2008-04-01

More about this publication?

• Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials.
  
  Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardio thoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Current Vascular Pharmacology will publish reviews to update all those concerned with the treatment of vascular disease. For example, reviews commenting on recently published trials or new drugs will be included. In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Current Vascular Pharmacology is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing research.
  
  Debates will also be encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.

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• In this Subject: Cardiovascular Medicine ,  Pharmacology
• By this author: Efstratiadis, Georgios ;  Tziomalos, Konstantinos ;  Mikhailidis, Dimitri P. ;  Athyros, Vasilios G. ;  Hatzitolios, Apostolos

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