Longitudinal Trajectories of Biomarkers of Kidney Tubular Function in Type 1 Diabetes.

Introduction: Tubular biomarkers may shed insight into progression of kidney tubulointerstitial pathology complementary to traditional measures of glomerular function and damage. Methods: We examined trajectories of tubular biomarkers in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study (DCCT/EDIC Study) of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Biomarkers were measured in a subset of 220 participants across 7 time points over 26 years. Measurements included the following: kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), soluble tumor necrosis factor 1 (sTNFR1) in serum or plasma, epidermal growth factor (EGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) in timed urine, and a composite tubular secretion score. We described biomarker trajectories and examined how these were affected by intensive glucose-lowering therapy and glycemia. Results: At baseline, participants had a mean age of 28 years, 45% were women, and 50% were assigned to intensive glucose-lowering therapy. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 125 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and 90% of participants had a urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) <30 mg/24h. Mean changes in biomarkers over time (percent/decade) were: KIM-1: 27.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.4-33.5), sTNFR1: 16.9% (14.5-19.3), MCP1: 18.4% (8.9-28.8), EGF: -13.5% (-16.7 to -10.1), EGF-MCP1 ratio: -26.9% (-32.2 to -21.3), and tubular secretion score -0.9% (-1.8 to 0.0), versus -12.0% (CI: -12.9 to -11.1) for eGFR and 10.9% (2.5-20.1) for AER. Intensive versus conventional glucose-lowering therapy was associated with slower increase in sTNFR1 (relative difference in change: 0.94 [0.90-0.98]). Higher HbA1c was associated with faster increases in sTNFR1 (relative difference in change: 1.06 per 1% higher HbA1c [1.05-1.08]) and KIM-1 (1.09 [1.05-1.14]). Conclusion: Among participants with T1D and normal eGFR at baseline, kidney tubular biomarkers changed significantly over long-term follow-up. Hyperglycemia was associated with larger increases in serum or plasma sTNFR1 and KIM-1, when followed-up longitudinally.

Challenges and Strategies in Implementing Novel Kidney Protective and Cardioprotective Therapies in Patients With Diabetes and Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent, estimated to affect over 800 million people worldwide. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. Both diabetes and CKD are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and related morbidity and mortality. Over the last several years, there has been a shift in focus toward integrating kidney and cardiovascular care, particularly in diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have rapidly become cornerstones of kidney and cardiovascular risk-focused care in diabetes and CKD. However, present-day use of these agents is low, and disparities in use by race, ethnicity, age, sex, and comorbidities are apparent. Challenges in implementation of kidney protective and cardioprotective therapies include low rates of diabetes and CKD screening, lack of provider comfort and subspecialty reliance, inconsistencies across professional society guidelines, high rates of drug discontinuation, and prohibitive costs. Effective implementation of kidney protective and cardioprotective therapies necessitates a multifaceted approach and active engagement of patients, pharmacists, primary care providers, subspecialty providers, and health care system leaders as key stakeholders. Implementation efforts should be practical and incorporate collaborative, multidisciplinary team-based approaches. Successful implementation of kidney protective and cardioprotective therapies has the potential to improve overall health outcomes and ameliorate health care disparities.

Associations of Kidney Tubular Biomarkers With Incident Macroalbuminuria and Sustained Low eGFR in DCCT/EDIC.

OBJECTIVE: Tubulointerstitial injury contributes to diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression. We tested tubular biomarker associations with DKD development in type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a case-cohort study examining associations of tubular biomarkers, measured across seven time points spanning ∼30 years, with incident macroalbuminuria ("severely elevated albuminuria," urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) ≥300 mg/day) and sustained low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (persistent eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study. Biomarkers included KIM-1 and sTNFR1 in serum/plasma, MCP-1 and EGF in urine, and a composite tubular secretion score reflecting secreted solute clearance. We assessed biomarkers using single values, as mean values from consecutive time points, and as change over consecutive time points, each as time-updated exposures. RESULTS: At baseline, mean diabetes duration was 5.9 years, with mean HbA1c 8.9%, eGFR 125 mL/min/1.73 m2, and AER 16 mg/day. There were 4.8 and 3.5 cases per 1,000 person-years of macroalbuminuria and low eGFR, respectively. Assessed according to single biomarker values, KIM-1 was associated with risk of subsequent macroalbuminuria and low eGFR (hazard ratio [HR] per 20% higher biomarker 1.11 [95% CI 1.06, 1.16] and 1.12 [1.04, 1.21], respectively) and sTNFR1 was associated with subsequent macroalbuminuria (1.14 [1.03, 1.25]). Mean KIM-1 and EGF-to-MCP-1 ratio were associated with subsequent low eGFR. In slope analyses, increases in KIM-1 and sTNFR1 were associated with subsequent macroalbuminuria (per 20% biomarker increase, HR 1.81 [1.40, 2.34] and 1.95 [1.18, 3.21]) and low eGFR (2.26 [1.65, 3.09] and 2.94 [1.39, 6.23]). CONCLUSIONS: Serial KIM-1 and sTNFR1 are associated with incident macroalbuminuria and sustained low eGFR in T1D.

Chronic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes: translation of novel type 2 diabetes therapeutics to individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Current management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 1 diabetes centres on glycaemic control, renin-angiotensin system inhibition and optimisation of risk factors including blood pressure, lipids and body weight. While these therapeutic approaches have significantly improved outcomes among people with type 1 diabetes and CKD, this population remains at substantial elevated risk for adverse kidney and cardiovascular events, with limited improvements over the last few decades. The significant burden of CKD and CVD in type 1 diabetes populations highlights the need to identify novel therapies with the potential for heart and kidney protection. Over the last decade, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have emerged as potent kidney-protective and/or cardioprotective agents in type 2 diabetes. The consistent, substantial kidney and cardiovascular benefits of these agents has led to their incorporation into professional guidelines as foundational care for type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, introduction of these agents into clinical practice has been accompanied by a shift in the focus of diabetes care from a 'glucose-centric' to a 'cardiorenal risk-centric' approach. In this review, we evaluate the potential translation of novel type 2 diabetes therapeutics to individuals with type 1 diabetes with the lens of preventing the development and progression of CKD.

Associations of Biomarkers of Tubular Injury and Inflammation with Biopsy Features in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Whether biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation indicate subclinical structural kidney pathology early in type 1 diabetes remains unknown. METHODS: We investigated associations of biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation with kidney structural features in 244 adults with type 1 diabetes from the Renin-Angiotensin System Study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing effects of enalapril or losartan on changes in glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular parameters from baseline to 5-year kidney biopsies. Biosamples at biopsy were assessed for kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), arginine-to-citrulline ratio in plasma, and uromodulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in urine. We examined cross-sectional correlations between biomarkers and biopsy features and baseline biomarker associations with 5-year changes in biopsy features. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 30 years (SD 10) and diabetes duration 11 years (SD 5); 53% were women. The mean GFR measured by iohexol disappearance was 128 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (SD 19) and median urinary albumin excretion was 5 µ g/min (interquartile range, 3-8). KIM-1 was associated with most biopsy features: higher mesangial fractional volume (0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1 to 0.9] greater per SD KIM-1), glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width (14.2 nm [95% CI, 6.5 to 22.0] thicker), cortical interstitial fractional volume (1.1% [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.6] greater), fractional volume of cortical atrophic tubules (0.6% [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.9] greater), and arteriolar hyalinosis index (0.03 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.05] higher). sTNFR1 was associated with higher mesangial fractional volume (0.9% [95% CI, 0.5 to 1.3] greater) and GBM width (12.5 nm [95% CI, 4.5 to 20.5] thicker) and lower GBM surface density (0.003 µ m 2 / µ m 3 [95% CI, 0.005 to 0.001] lesser). EGF and arginine-to-citrulline ratio correlated with severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial features. Baseline sTNFR1, uromodulin, and EGF concentrations were associated with 5-year glomerular and tubulointerstitial feature progression. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation were associated with kidney structural parameters in early type 1 diabetes and may be indicators of kidney disease risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: Renin Angiotensin System Study (RASS/B-RASS), NCT00143949.

Defining the molecular correlate of arteriolar hyalinosis in kidney disease progression by integration of single cell transcriptomic analysis and pathology scoring.

Arteriolar hyalinosis in kidneys is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, the main cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The underlying molecular mechanisms of protein accumulation in the subendothelial space are not well understood. Using single cell transcriptomic data and whole slide images from kidney biopsies of patients with CKD and acute kidney injury in the Kidney Precision Medicine Project, the molecular signals associated with arteriolar hyalinosis were evaluated. Co-expression network analysis of the endothelial genes yielded three gene set modules as significantly associated with arteriolar hyalinosis. Pathway analysis of these modules showed enrichment of transforming growth factor beta / bone morphogenetic protein (TGFß / BMP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways in the endothelial cell signatures. Ligand-receptor analysis identified multiple integrins and cell adhesion receptors as over-expressed in arteriolar hyalinosis, suggesting a potential role of integrin-mediated TGFß signaling. Further analysis of arteriolar hyalinosis associated endothelial module genes identified focal segmental glomerular sclerosis as an enriched term. On validation in gene expression profiles from the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network cohort, one of the three modules was significantly associated with the composite endpoint (> 40% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney failure) independent of age, sex, race, and baseline eGFR, suggesting poor prognosis with elevated expression of genes in this module. Thus, integration of structural and single cell molecular features yielded biologically relevant gene sets, signaling pathways and ligand-receptor interactions, underlying arteriolar hyalinosis and putative targets for therapeutic intervention.

Present and future directions in diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of kidney failure and is associated with substantial risk of cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. Traditionally, DKD prevention and management have focused on addressing hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity, and renin-angiotensin system activation as important risk factors for disease. Over the last decade, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have been shown to meaningfully reduce risk of diabetes-related kidney and cardiovascular complications. Additional agents demonstrating benefit in DKD such as non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and endothelin A receptor antagonists are further contributing to the growing arsenal of DKD therapies. With the availability of greater therapeutic options comes the opportunity to individually optimize DKD prevention and management. Novel applications of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic/lipidomic technologies, as well as use of artificial intelligence and reinforced learning methods through consortia such as the Kidney Precision Medicine Project and focused studies in established cohorts hold tremendous promise for advancing our understanding and treatment of DKD. Specifically, enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying DKD pathophysiology may allow for the identification of new mechanism-based DKD subtypes and the development and implementation of targeted therapies. Implementation of personalized care approaches has the potential to revolutionize DKD care.

Rates of Cardiovascular Disease and CKD Progression in Young Adults with CKD across Racial and Ethnic Groups.

Background: Significant racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular (CV) and kidney function outcomes in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported. However, little is known about the extent to which these disparities exist in patients with CKD during the foundational period of young adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors and rates of CV disease and CKD progression in young adults with CKD across racial and ethnic groups. Methods: We studied all participants aged 21-40 years of age enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study (n=317). Baseline CV risk factors were described across racial and ethnic groups. Results: Outcomes included CV events or death (first incidence of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke or death) and CKD progression (>50% decline in eGFR from baseline or end stage kidney disease [ESKD]). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were compared as a secondary analysis for participants identifying as Black or Hispanic with those identifying as White or another race and ethnicity. Adjusted models included age, sex, and per APOL1 high-risk allele. CV risk factors were higher in Black and Hispanic participants, including mean SBP, BMI, median UACr, and LDL. Black and Hispanic participants had higher incidence rates of HF (17.5 versus 5.1/1000 person-years), all-cause mortality (15.2 versus 7.1/1000 person-years), and CKD progression (125 versus 59/1000 person-years). Conclusions: In conclusion, we found a higher prevalence of CV risk factors, some modifiable, in young adults with CKD who identify as Black or Hispanic. Future strategies to ameliorate the racial and ethnic inequality in health outcomes earlier in life for patients with CKD should be prioritized.

Prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use among US adults with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To determine national prevalence of sodium-glucose contransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) use among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: We studied adults with T2DM and eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 who participated in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), focusing on the 2017-2020 examination cycle, a key time period prior to widespread dissemination of pivotal trial results and corresponding clinical practice guidelines. We tested prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use among subgroups based on demographic variables and relevant comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We compared use of SGLT2i and GLP1RA to other glucose-lowering medications and assessed trends from prior NHANES cycles. RESULTS: Among 1375 participants studied in 2017-2020, mean age was 60 years, 46% were women, 13% self-identified as non-Hispanic Black, 10% self-identified as Mexican American, 37% had CKD, 8.5% had CHF, and 23% had ASCVD. The prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use was 5.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Among adults with CKD, CHF, or ASCVD, SGLT2i were used by 7.7% and GLP1RA were used by 3.5%. Differences in SGLT2i or GLP1RA use were observed by age, race, ethnicity, health insurance status, body mass index, and by whether a single healthcare provider was identified as responsible for diabetes management. Biguanides, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and insulin were used more frequently than SGLT2i or GLP1RA. Prevalence of SGLT2i but not GLP1RA use increased significantly from 2013-2014 to 2017-2020. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2i and GLP1RA use is low among adults with T2DM, including among those with strong indications. Enhanced implementation of these agents is crucial to improving kidney and cardiovascular outcomes and mitigating health disparities in T2DM.

Urinary Proteomics Identifies Cathepsin D as a Biomarker of Rapid eGFR Decline in Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding mechanisms underlying rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline is important to predict and treat kidney disease in type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study nested within four T1D cohorts to identify urinary proteins associated with rapid eGFR decline. Case and control subjects were categorized based on eGFR decline ≥3 and <1 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively. We used targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure 38 peptides from 20 proteins implicated in diabetic kidney disease. Significant proteins were investigated in complementary human cohorts and in mouse proximal tubular epithelial cell cultures. RESULTS: The cohort study included 1,270 participants followed a median 8 years. In the discovery set, only cathepsin D peptide and protein were significant on full adjustment for clinical and laboratory variables. In the validation set, associations of cathepsin D with eGFR decline were replicated in minimally adjusted models but lost significance with adjustment for albuminuria. In a meta-analysis with combination of discovery and validation sets, the odds ratio for the association of cathepsin D with rapid eGFR decline was 1.29 per SD (95% CI 1.07-1.55). In complementary human cohorts, urine cathepsin D was associated with tubulointerstitial injury and tubulointerstitial cathepsin D expression was associated with increased cortical interstitial fractional volume. In mouse proximal tubular epithelial cell cultures, advanced glycation end product-BSA increased cathepsin D activity and inflammatory and tubular injury markers, which were further increased with cathepsin D siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Urine cathepsin D is associated with rapid eGFR decline in T1D and reflects kidney tubulointerstitial injury.

Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Cardiovascular and Cancer Outcomes by eGFR in VITAL.

Background: Reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) metabolism and secondary hyperparathyroidism are common with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and may contribute to cardiovascular disease and cancer risk. Methods: We assessed for heterogeneity by baseline eGFR of the effects of vitamin D3 on cardiovascular and cancer outcomes in the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL). Participants were randomized to 2000 IU vitamin D3 and/or 1 g Ω-3 fatty acids daily using a placebo-controlled, two-by-two factorial design (5.3 years follow-up). Primary study end points were incident major cardiovascular events and invasive cancer. Changes in serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were examined. Results: Baseline eGFR was available for 15,917 participants. Participants' mean age was 68 years, and 51% were women. Vitamin D3 resulted in higher serum 25(OH)D compared with placebo (difference in change 12.5 ng/ml; 95% CI, 12 to 13.1 ng/ml), without heterogeneity by eGFR (P interaction, continuous eGFR=0.2). Difference in change in PTH between vitamin D3 and placebo was larger with lower eGFR (P interaction=0.05): -6.9 (95% CI, -10.5 to -3.4), -5.8 (95% CI, -8.3 to -3.4), -4 (95% CI, -5.9 to -2.2), and -3.8 (95% CI, -5.6 to -2) pg/ml for eGFR <60, 60-74, 75-89, and ≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on cardiovascular events (P interaction=0.61) and cancer (P interaction=0.89) did not differ by eGFR: HR=1.14 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.79), HR=1.06 (95% CI, 0.75 to 1.5), HR=0.92 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.25), and HR=0.92 (95% CI, 0.66 to 1.27) across eGFR categories for cardiovascular events and HR=1.63 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.58), HR=0.85 (95% CI, 0.64 to 1.11), HR=0.84 (95% CI, 0.68 to 1.03), and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.92 to 1.35) for cancer, respectively. Conclusions: We observed no significant heterogeneity by baseline eGFR in the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation versus placebo on cardiovascular or cancer outcomes, despite effects on 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations.

Circulating Free Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Signature Predicts Early Rapid Kidney Function Decline in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibit modest lipid abnormalities as measured by traditional metrics. This study aimed to identify lipidomic predictors of rapid decline of kidney function in T1D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a case-control study, 817 patients with T1D from three large cohorts were randomly split into training and validation subsets. Case was defined as >3 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), while control was defined as <1 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year decline over a minimum 4-year follow-up. Lipids were quantified in baseline serum samples using a targeted mass spectrometry lipidomic platform. RESULTS: At individual lipids, free fatty acid (FFA)20:2 was directly and phosphatidylcholine (PC)16:0/22:6 was inversely and independently associated with rapid eGFR decline. When examined by lipid class, rapid eGFR decline was characterized by higher abundance of unsaturated FFAs, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-Ps, and PCs with an unsaturated acyl chain at the sn1 carbon, and by lower abundance of saturated FFAs, longer triacylglycerols, and PCs, PEs, PE-Ps, and PE-Os with an unsaturated acyl chain at the sn1 carbon at eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. A multilipid panel consisting of unsaturated FFAs and saturated PE-Ps predicted rapid eGFR decline better than individual lipids (C-statistic, 0.71) and improved the C-statistic of the clinical model from 0.816 to 0.841 (P = 0.039). Observations were confirmed in the validation subset. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct from previously reported predictors of GFR decline in type 2 diabetes, these findings suggest differential incorporation of FFAs at the sn1 carbon of the phospholipids' glycerol backbone as an independent predictor of rapid GFR decline in T1D.

Effects of long-term vitamin D and n-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes: secondary analyses from a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Interventions that reduce inflammation may delay progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications in diabetes. We examined the effects of vitamin D3 and/or n-3 fatty acid supplementation vs placebo on 5 year changes in serum inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This study reports pre-specified secondary outcomes of the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial to Prevent and Treat Diabetic Kidney Disease, in which 1312 US adults with type 2 diabetes and without known cardiovascular disease, malignancy, or end-stage kidney disease were randomised using computer-generated random numbers in blocks of eight to vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) vs placebo and n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]; 1 g/day) vs placebo in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Participants, examiners, and researchers assessing outcomes were blinded to intervention assignment. We measured serum IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at baseline and after 2 and 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 333 participants were randomised to vitamin D3 and placebo n-3 fatty acids, 289 to n-3 fatty acids and placebo vitamin D3, 370 to vitamin D3 and n-3 fatty acids, and 320 to 2 placebos; 989 (75%) and 934 (71%) participants returned blood samples at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Participants had a mean age of 67.6 years (46% women). Overall, baseline geometric means of IL-6, hsCRP and NT-proBNP were 1.2 pg/ml, 1.9 mg/l and 262 ng/l, respectively. After 5 years, mean IL-6 and hsCRP remained within 6% of their baseline values while mean NT-proBNP increased by 55% overall. Compared with placebo, participants assigned to vitamin D3 had a 1.24-fold greater increase in NT-proBNP over 5 years (95% CI 1.09, 1.41; p = 0.003), while IL-6 and hsCRP did not have a significant difference in change. Comparing n-3 fatty acids with placebo, there was no significant difference in change in IL-6, hsCRP or NT-proBNP. No heterogeneity was observed in subgroup analyses accounting for baseline eGFR, urine albumin to creatinine ratio, initial biomarker concentration, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level or EPA+DHA index. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Among adults with type 2 diabetes, supplementation with vitamin D3 or n-3 fatty acids did not reduce IL-6, hsCRP or NT-proBNP over 5 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01684722 FUNDING: The study was funded by grant R01DK088762 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Graphical abstract.

A Targeted Multiomics Approach to Identify Biomarkers Associated with Rapid eGFR Decline in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) demonstrate varied trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline. The molecular pathways underlying rapid eGFR decline in T1D are poorly understood, and individual-level risk of rapid eGFR decline is difficult to predict. METHODS: We designed a case-control study with multiple exposure measurements nested within 4 well-characterized T1D cohorts (FinnDiane, Steno, EDC, and CACTI) to identify biomarkers associated with rapid eGFR decline. Here, we report the rationale for and design of these studies as well as results of models testing associations of clinical characteristics with rapid eGFR decline in the study population, upon which "omics" studies will be built. Cases (n = 535) and controls (n = 895) were defined as having an annual eGFR decline of ≥3 and <1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Associations of demographic and clinical variables with rapid eGFR decline were tested using logistic regression, and prediction was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) statistics. Targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics are being performed using high-resolution mass-spectrometry techniques. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean age was 43 years, diabetes duration was 27 years, eGFR was 94 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 62% of participants were normoalbuminuric. Over 7.6-year median follow-up, the mean annual change in eGFR in cases and controls was -5.7 and 0.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Younger age, longer diabetes duration, and higher baseline HbA1c, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, and eGFR were significantly associated with rapid eGFR decline. The cross-validated AUC for the predictive model incorporating these variables plus sex and mean arterial blood pressure was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.68-0.79; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Known risk factors provide moderate discrimination of rapid eGFR decline. Identification of blood and urine biomarkers associated with rapid eGFR decline in T1D using targeted omics strategies may provide insight into disease mechanisms and improve upon clinical predictive models using traditional risk factors.

Retinal Capillary Nonperfusion on OCT-Angiography and Its Relationship to Kidney Function in Patients with Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease share underlying mechanisms of microvascular damage and are often comorbid in people with diabetes. We evaluated whether there is a relationship between retinal capillary perfusion as measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHOD: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted at the University of Washington among a subset of participants with diabetes and CKD participating in a larger cohort study. Participants were excluded if they were known to have kidney disease from conditions other than diabetes. Ten participants (11 eyes) were included. Retinal nonperfusion (RNP) and vessel density (VD) were measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in 30° and 60° field of view (FOV) regions centered at the fovea. Correlations of RNP and VD with eGFR and albuminuria were analyzed. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 72 years, hemoglobin A1c of 8.1%, eGFR of 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 162 mg/g. Mean (SD) RNP was 6.6% (4.2%) and 16.9% (7.7%) in 30° and 60° FOV regions, respectively. eGFR was negatively correlated to RNP in both the 30° and 60° FOV regions (R = -0.69, p=0.004, and R = -0.46, p=0.057, respectively), and correlations were stronger among a subset of 7 participants with evidence of diabetic retinopathy on exam and fundus photos. The estimated GFR was not significantly correlated with vessel density. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was not significantly correlated with RNP or VD. CONCLUSIONS: Our proof-of-concept study showed that lower eGFR was significantly correlated with retinal nonperfusion in participants with diabetes and CKD. Advanced retinal imaging may enhance the noninvasive evaluation of kidney function in diabetes.