Association of metabolic complications with plasma mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin level in stable kidney transplant recipients

•Kidney transplant recipients at least 180 days after transplantation were studied.•Anti-hypertensive treatment intensity and use of lipid-lowering agents are associated with MR-proADM.•MR-proADM may be a useful biomarker for metabolic disorders in stable kidney transplant recipients.

BackgroundRecently, increased plasma mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) concentrations have been demonstrated in patients with chronic renal failure. In this study, we attempted to identify significant clinical factors associated with MR-proADM concentration in stable kidney transplant recipients.MethodsForty-seven Japanese kidney transplant recipients who underwent transplantation > 180 days prior to the study were analyzed. To facilitate comparability of anti-hypertensive regimens across recipients taking different drugs, we calculated the treatment intensity score of anti-hypertensive drugs in each recipient. Morning blood samples were collected and plasma MR-proADM concentrations were measured using an enzyme immunoassay.ResultsMultiple regression analysis identified treatment intensity score for anti-hypertensive drugs, serum albumin, creatinine clearance and use of lipid-lowering agents as significant independent factors associated with plasma MR-proADM concentration. Adjusted coefficient of determination for this model was 0.46.ConclusionApart from indicating lowered renal function, plasma MR-proADM concentration may be a useful biomarker for metabolic disorders, especially hypertension and hyperlipidemia, in stable kidney transplant patients.