Association of bone turnover markers and arterial stiffness in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in CKD and leads to increased vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors include abnormal bone turnover and/or dysregulation of the calcification inhibitors, although their relative contribution remains unclear. We investigated the association between bone turnover, the calcification inhibitors (matrix gla protein; MGP and Fetuin-A), and the phosphate regulating hormone; fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and arterial stiffness in pre-dialysis CKD patients. One hundred and forty-five patients with CKD stages 1–4 (74 M, 71 F) aged (mean [SD]) 53 [14] years were studied. Bone turnover markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)) and MGP, Fetuin-A and FGF-23 were determined. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), forearm (FARM) and total hip (TH). Arterial stiffness was assessed by contour analysis of digital volume pulse (SIDVP). There was a significant positive correlation between TRACP:BALP ratio and SIDVP ( r = 0.19, p = 0.023). Following multi-linear regression analysis, significant associations were seen between serum BALP (p = 0.037), TRACP (p = 0.009) and TRACP:BALP ratio (p = 0.001) and SIDVP independently of traditional CVD risk factors. No significant relationship between SIDVP and MGP, Fetuin-A and FGF-23 was observed. A significant negative correlation was seen between BMD at the FARM and SIDVP in CKD stage 4 (r = − 0.35, p = 0.024). The association remained significant following correction for age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.029). Our data suggest a link between imbalances in bone turnover and arterial stiffness in pre-dialysis CKD. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of these bone turnover markers as predictors of CVD in CKD.

Research Highlights
► Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
► We investigated the link between bone abnormalities and vascular stiffness.
► Bone turnover markers were significantly associated with arterial stiffness.
► The maintenance of normal bone turnover may be important in the prevention of CVD.