Alterations in the Mineral Bone Metabolism of Living Kidney Donors After Uni-Nephrectomy: Prospective Observational Study

We investigated the dynamic change of mineral bone metabolism and explored factors associated with the alteration of mineral bone metabolism in the living kidney donors (LKDs) after uni-nephrectomy. One-hundred forty-four prospective LKDs who underwent kidney donation between May 2016 and September 2018 were enrolled. Laboratory evaluation regarding mineral bone metabolism including intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), renal fractional excretion of phosphate (FEPi), and technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (99mTc-DTPA) scan was performed predonation and 6 months after donation. We divided donors into two groups, the low ΔFEPi and high ΔFEPi groups, according to the change of FEPi after donation, and investigated significant risk factors associated with high ΔFEPi. At 6 months after uni-nephrectomy, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) significantly declined by 30.95 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001), but the measured GFR (mGFR) of the remaining kidney by 99mTc-DTPA scan showed significant increase. Serum phosphorus decreased (p < 0.001), whereas FEPi (13.34–20.23%, p < 0.001) and serum iPTH (38.70–52.20 pg/ml, p < 0.001) showed significant increase. In the high ΔFEPi group, the proportion of preexisting hypertension (HTN) was higher, the baseline FEPi was lower, and the percent decline in eGFR was greater. Moreover, all of these factors were independently associated with high ΔFEPi upon multivariable logistic regression analysis. LKDs showed a significant change in mineral bone metabolism after uni-nephrectomy, especially when the donors had preexisting HTN, lower baseline FEPi, and showed greater loss of kidney function. Hence, strict monitoring of the mineral bone metabolism parameters and bone health may be required for these donors.

The Protein-Independent Role of Phosphate in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Several factors contribute to renal-function decline in CKD patients, and the role of phosphate content in the diet is still a matter of debate. This study aims to analyze the mechanism by which phosphate, independent of protein, is associated with the progression of CKD. Adult Munich-Wistar rats were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx), fed with a low-protein diet, and divided into two groups. Only phosphate content (low phosphate, LoP, 0.2%; high phosphate, HiP, 0.95%) differentiated diets. After sixty days, biochemical parameters and kidney histology were analyzed. The HiP group presented worse renal function, with higher levels of PTH, FGF-23, and fractional excretion of phosphate. In the histological analysis of the kidney tissue, they also showed a higher percentage of interstitial fibrosis, expression of α-actin, PCNA, and renal infiltration by macrophages. The LoP group presented higher expression of beclin-1 in renal tubule cells, a marker of autophagic flux, when compared to the HiP group. Our findings highlight the action of phosphate in the induction of kidney interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to the progression of renal disease. A possible effect of phosphate on the dysregulation of the renal cell autophagy mechanism needs further investigation with clinical studies.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 and its role in phosphate homeostasis in growing children compared to adults

ObjectivesPhosphate is essential for skeletal mineralization, which is regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Serum phosphate is physiologically higher in younger children, but factors that contribute to this physiological state are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate phosphate and its regulators in children compared with adults.Materials and methodsThe participants were children aged 3–11 years and adults older than 20 years of age. Biochemical parameters including calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, FGF23, and vitamin D were measured. Fractional excretion of phosphate was calculated, using serum and urine phosphate and creatinine.ResultsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 children (mean age: 9.0 ± 2.1) and 44 adults (mean age: 38.9 ± 11.1). The children had higher serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and FGF23 (p < 0.001), but fractional excretion of phosphate was greater in adults (14.1 ± 5.7, 11.4 ± 4.4, p = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.7 to −0.2). Of all individuals, 61.8% had vitamin D deficiency. By multiple regression analysis, entering age, calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D level, the only independent predictor of FGF23 was 1, 25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (β: 0.78, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.5–1.1, R2: 0.59 for children, and β: 0.59, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.5–1.4, R2: 0.45 for adults).ConclusionAs far as we know, there is little information regarding the role of FGF23 in physiologic state. In this cross-sectional study no association was found between FGF23 and urinary phosphate excretion in growing children. Further studies with more detail are essential to evaluate phosphate homeostasis during childhood.

P0894OBESITY IMPAIRS THE ACUTE RESPONSE TO AN ORAL PHOSPHATE CHALLENGE

Background and Aims T Obesity is an increasing health problem world-wide. People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of developing chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Factors associated with dysregulated phosphate metabolism have been linked to the presence of vascular calcification in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with normal kidney function. Insulin resistance and abdominal obesity are associated with increased circulating levels of phosphaturic hormones including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Abnormalities in phosphate regulation may not be reflected in single circulating measurements of serum phosphate, but can be revealed by the acute circulating and mineral response to an oral challenge of phosphate. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity and insulin resistance impact the acute capacity to excrete an oral phosphate challenge. Method Community-dwelling people (N=78) free of T2D and symptomatic CVD (∼10 males and ∼10 females from each decade between 40 and 80 years) with normal kidney function were recruited from Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Following a 12-hour fast, participants consumed a 1250 mg phosphate drink (sodium phosphate) where blood and urine were collected at baseline, 1, 2 and 3 hours following the oral challenge. Participants with a high-risk metabolic profile characterized by an elevated waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (&gt; 0.58) were matched by age and sex to participants with a low risk WHtR (&lt;0.5). Results The results reveal a significant impact of obesity on phosphate excretion in response to an oral phosphate challenge. There was an association between WHtR ratio and the level of iFGF-23 (R=-0.34 p&lt;0.01) but not PTH. After adjustment for age and sex, WHtR ratio was inversely correlated with urinary phosphate excretion in response to the phosphate challenge (R=-0.29, p=0.02) and the change in fractional excretion of phosphate (r=-0.34, p=0.007). From the larger cohort, an age- and sex- matched subset was selected for 12 high risk and 12 low risk metabolic profiles with WHtR of 0.66±0.02 and 0.46±0.01, respectively. Kidney function was the same between the two groups (eGFR 92.3±13.1 versus 95.8±13.6 ml/min/1.73m2 respectively) but high risk participants had significantly higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (1.61±0.81 versus 0.68±0.3, p&lt;0.01). Participants with a high risk metabolic profile had a greater increase in serum phosphate from baseline (29% increase in the area under the curve, p=0.04) and a significantly blunted increase in the fractional excretion of phosphate in response to the oral phosphate challenge (35% reduction in area under the curve [AUC], p=0.03) compared to the matched low risk profile participants. Conclusion Overweight/obese individuals demonstrate impaired response to an oral phosphate challenge, whereby phosphate excretion was impaired and there was increased exposure to new circulating phosphate. An impaired acute phosphate response may contribute to the initiation or propagation of vascular calcification. Dysregulated phosphate homeostasis may be an under-recognized cardiovascular risk factor in obese people that could be modified by diet and weight loss. Whether insulin enhances renal phosphate reabsorption requires further study.

Gender, Albuminuria and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Treated Diabetic Kidney Disease

Background: Women are reported to have a lower incidence of renal replacement therapy, despite a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim: To analyze diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression in men and women. Methods: Prospective cohort: n = 261, 35% women, new consecutive nephrology DKD referrals. Results: Women smoked less and better complied with the dietary phosphate and sodium restrictions. Despite a less frequent nephrology referral, women had lower baseline albuminuria. Over a 30 ± 10-month follow-up, albuminuria decreased in women and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss was slower than in men. However, the percentage of rapid progressors was similar in both sexes. The best multivariate model predicting rapid progression in men (area under curve (AUC) = 0.92) and women differed. Albuminuria and fractional excretion of phosphate (FEphosphate) were part of the men multivariable model, but not of women. The AUC for the prediction of rapid progression by albuminuria was higher in men than in women, and the albuminuria cut-off points also differed. In women, there was a higher percentage of rapid progressors who had baseline physiological albuminuria. Conclusions: Female DKD differs from male DKD: albuminuria was milder and better responsive to therapy, the loss of eGFR was slower and the predictors of rapid progression differed from men: albuminuria was a better predictor in men than in women. Lifestyle factors may contribute to the differences.

Efficacy and safety of calcium carbonate in normophosphataemic patients with chronic kidney disease Stages 3 and 4

Background Disordered bone and mineral metabolism are a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Phosphate binders are often prescribed in advanced CKD, when hyperphosphataemia develops. Little is known about the role of these drugs in earlier stages, when serum phosphorus levels are kept in the normal range by increased urinary excretion. Methods A retrospective, controlled observational study was conducted on a cohort of 78 pre-dialysis patients. Subjects had CKD Stage 3 or 4, normal serum phosphorus levels and increased urinary fractional excretion of phosphate. Thirty-eight patients receiving calcium carbonate for 24 months were compared with 40 patients under no phosphate binders, regarding mineral metabolism parameters and vascular calcification scores. Results Calcium carbonate decreased mean urinary fractional excretion of phosphate and median 24-h urine phosphorus, whereas no significant change was seen in the control group. Mean serum phosphorus and median serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) remained stable in treated patients but increased in the control group. Vascular calcification, assessed by Kauppila and Adragão scores, worsened under calcium carbonate with no significant change in the control group. Conclusions Calcium carbonate reduced urinary phosphate excretion and prevented the rise in phosphorus and iPTH serum levels in a cohort of normophosphataemic pre-dialysis patients. However, treatment was associated with increased vascular calcification, suggesting that calcium-based phosphate binders are not a safe option for CKD patients.

Fractional Excretion of Phosphate (FeP) Is Associated with End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with CKD 3b and 5

Background: The perturbation of phosphate homeostasis portends unfavorable outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the absence of randomized clinical trials (RCT) fuels the discussion of whether phosphate or some other phosphorous-related factor(s) such as fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) mediates the cardiovascular and systemic toxicity. We herein test whether the fractional excretion of phosphate (FeP) as a marker of renal stress to excrete phosphorous predicts unfavorable outcomes in CKD patients. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. For current analysis, an historical cohort of 407 records of CKD stage 3b-5 patients attending between January 2010 and October 2015 at the Nephrology Unit of Solofra (AV), Italy were utilized. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were identified through the subjects’ medical records. We tested whether quartiles of FeP are associated with the risk of CKD progression or all causes of death. Parametric as well as non-parametric tests, linear and logistic regression, as well as survival analysis were utilized. Results: Overall, we investigated middle-age (mean 66.0, standard deviation 12.3 years) men and women (male 43%) with CKD stage 3b to 5 (creatinine clearance 32.0 (13.3) mL/min). Older age, lower diastolic blood pressure, poor renal function, as well as higher serum phosphate were associated with FeP. Patients with higher FeP were at an increased risk of starting dialysis or dying (hazard ratio 2.40; 95% confidence interval (1.44, 3.99)). Notably, when the two endpoints were analyzed separately, FeP was associated with renal but not all-cause survival. Conclusion: FeP is associated with ESRD, but not all-cause mortality risk in a large cohort of moderate to advanced CKD patients. Future efforts are required to validate FeP as a marker of nephron stress and risk factor for CKD progression in this high-risk population.