Artery Research (Nov 2013)
P4.11 SERUM UREA IS A NEW BIOMARKER OF CELLULAR AND VASCULAR AGING
Abstract
Objective: Large arteries stiffness is a feature of arterial aging and a predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The length of telomere (TL) in leukocytes is widely considered as a biomarker for cellular aging, cardiovascular aging and cardiovascular diseases. High concentrations of urea is known to increase oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to determine whether the indicators of renal function are associated with TL and arterial stiffness, evaluated by measuring aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: The study group included 150 subjects free of known cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, anti-diabetes, antihypertensive and lipid lowering medications. PWV was measured with the help of SphygmoCor (AtCor Medical). Telomere length has been determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Renal function was assessed by creatinine clearance calculated with the MDRD formula . Microalbuminuria (MAU) and urea levels were determined using routine laboratory methods. Results: Pearson’s correlations are demonstrated in the table 1 and table 2. TL Age r= −0,2860 p= 0,0003 Creatinine clearance (ml/min) r= −0,4267 p= 0,0167 MAU (mg/l) r= −0,2718 p= 0,0175 Urea (mmol/l) r= −0,2521 p= 0,0098 PWV Age r= 0,5223 p= 0,0001 TL r= −0,2657 p= 0,0096 Creatinine clearance (ml/min) r= 0,1964 p= 0,2814 MAU (mg/l) r= 0,0186 p= 0,8544 Urea (mmol/l) r= 0,1784 p= 0,0384 In conclusion, even physiological concentrations of plasma urea contribute to cellular and vascular aging. TL may play a role in kidney function. The relationship between TL and kidney repair and regeneration needs increasing studies.