[Prevalence, age and gender features of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus].

AIM: To study the prevalence, age and gender characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a case-control study, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed in 683 patients with DM (4.6% of patients with type 1 DM and 95.4% with type 2 DM) and kidney damage. The indicators of anthropometry, hemodynamics and biochemistry were studied. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. RESULTS: The proportion of middle-aged and elderly patients with CKD was the most numerous, amounting to 39 and 38%, respectively. At the same time, anemia was more common in young people, and hypercholesterolemia (35.0%), proteinuria (47.5%) and signs of renal failure (45.0%) - in middle-aged patients with CKD. 47.0% study participants had C1 and C2 categories of changes in renal function. Mean levels of systolic blood pressure (BP), the prevalence of proteinuria were statistically significantly higher in women. When evaluating the correlations, we found statistically significant relationships between the calculated GFR and the level of body mass index, systolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb in the subgroup of men. Among females, a significant relationship between the calculated GFR value was revealed with indicators of systolic and diastolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb concentration. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate the existence of differences in the prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors for the progression of renal failure, depending on gender differences and living conditions of patients. In urban residents, CKD was most often associated with arterial hypertension and renal failure, while overweight, obesity, and proteinuria were significantly more common in rural areas. The incidence of proteinuria and mean levels of systolic BP were significantly higher in females. Further study of the issue under discussion seems promising from the standpoint of a personalized approach and the search for a new preventive strategy to combat both end-stage renal failure and its complications.

[New data on the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke: epigenetic mechanisms in focus]. / Novye dannye o patofiziologii ishemicheskogo insul'ta: v fokuse epigeneticheskie mekhanizmy.

Epigenetics is a branch of molecular biology that studies modifications able to change gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. These heritable and modifiable gene changes can be caused by lifestyle and dietary factors. In recent years, epigenetic changes have been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, renal pathology and various types of cancer. They were also associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. In this regard, it is important to note that since epigenetic modifications are reversible processes, they can help in the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat human diseases. This mini-review presents the latest data on the influence of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke obtained both in animal models and in patients.

[Vascular endothelial growth factor in elderly and senile age: clinical and pathogenetic relationships.]

The aim of the study was to study the role of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and to determine its clinical significance in elderly and senile patients. The study included 124 people (40 men and 84 women) aged 60 to 89 years, the average age was 68,8±7,4 years. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied in the work; blood lipid spectrum parameters, indicators of acute phase blood proteins: C-reactive protein (C-RP), fibrinogen; glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to the CKD-EPI formula based on serum creatinine and according to the F. Hoek method using cystatin C. In general, 15,3% of the examined individuals had elevated serum levels of VEGF, more often in elderly patients. It was found that serum levels of VEGF are positively associated with the concentration of CRP (r=0,411), the number of platelets in peripheral blood (r=0,358) and positive with the concentration of serum cystatin C (r=0,211). In the subgroup of patients with an elevated serum VEGF level, the platelet count, the concentration of C-RP, fibrinogen, and cystatin C were significantly higher, and the calculated GFR according to F.Hoek was significantly lower. Patients with an elevated serum VEGF level, as a pro-inflammatory and prothrombogenic potential, especially if it is associated with the development of kidney dysfunction in the elderly and senile, should be considered as a risk group for atherothrombotic cardiovascular events.

[Urolithiasis in HIV-positive patients: prevalence and risk factors].

Today, the total number of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 43.8 million. From the moment of infection to the terminal stage of the disease, the risk of stone formation progressively increases. A prevalence and role of individual risk factors for urolithiasis in patients with HIV are reviewed in the article. It is shown that in HIV-positive individuals, urolithiasis takes a leading position among renal diseases, with a prevalence ranging from 8 to 27%. The main risk factors for urolithiasis in HIV are: dietary factors, age, comorbid pathologies, use of protease inhibitors, changes in the ionic composition of urine, etc.

[Chronic cerebral ischemia in therapeutic hospital patients]. / Khronicheskaya ishemiya mozga u patsientov terapevticheskogo statsionara.

OBJECTIVE: To study the features of clinical and functional manifestations of the syndrome of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) in therapeutic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n=577) in therapeutic departments were selected by random sampling. Of these, 277 patients had verified CCI. RESULTS: Patients with CCI, compared with the control group, were older (61.7±9.6 years and 43.3±12.2 years, p<0.05), had a significant increase in body mass index (28.5±5.1 and 26.9±5.7 kg/m2, p<0.05), systolic level (140±20 and 127±17 mmHg, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (87±10 and 82±11 mm Hg, p<0.05), platelet count in peripheral blood (278.0±70.7·109/l and 259.1±80.8·109/l, p<0.05), venous blood glucose (7.11±3.8 and 5.31±1.7 mmol/l, p<0.05), triglycerides (1.37 (1.01; 1.97) mmol/l and 1.34 (0.96; 1.96) mmol/l, p<0.05), uric acid (0.425±0.12 and 0.374±0.14 mmol/l, p<0.05), creatinine (82.7 (68.0; 114.0) µmol/l and 72.3 (61.8; 93.0) µmol/l, p<0.05) and cystatin C (1.24 (1.08;1.62) mg/l and 1.01 (0.87; 1.32) mg/l, p<0.05). Statistically significant decrease in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.0±0.28 mmol/l and 1.2±0.32 mmol/l, p<0.05), serum magnesium (0.90±0.15 and 0.94±0.13 mmol/l, p<0.05) and estimated GFR (57.9±24 and 72.6±26.8 ml/min, p<0.05) were characteristic of patients with CCI. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and anemia were significantly more common in these patients. A close correlation was found between the concentrations of uric acid (r=0.786; p<0.001) and cystatin C (r=0.587; p<0.005) in blood serum and the thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid arteries. CONCLUSION: In patients of a therapeutic hospital, CCI is associated with older age, weight gain, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, anemia, inflammation, hypomagnesemia, hyperuricemia, thickening of the intima-media complex of the carotid arteries, and a decrease in the functional state of the kidneys.

[Functional state of kidneys and cardiovascular risk in patients with urolithiasis in an outpatient setting].

AIM: To analyze the functional state of the kidneys and vascular stiffness in patients with urinary stone disease in an outpatient setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 110 patients with urinary stone disease aged 17-72 years were included in the study. The stone size was 2,67 (1,90-3,49) mm. A clinical examination included evaluation of vascular stiffness, serum level of creatinine, cystatin C, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, uric acid and total cholesterol. The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on the formulas CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) and MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) and Hoek's equations using creatinine and cystatin C, respectively. RESULTS: Most often, urinary stone disease was associated with arterial hypertension (75%), a sedentary lifestyle (66.3%), hypercholesterolemia (53.6%), obesity (47.2%), hyperuricemia (44.5%) and smoking (40.9%). The median and interquartile range of eGFR according to CKD-EPI, MDRD and Hoek's equations was 100.00 (78.00;113.00) ml/min, 96.00 (71.00;106.00) ml/min and 77.65 (61.50; 93.60) ml/min, respectively. The normal GFR was significantly more often detected by the formula CKD-EPI (66.3%) in comparison with the Hoek's equations (52.7%), p<0.05. A decrease in mild GFR was found in 21 (19.0%) patients according to CKD-EPI and 33 (30.0%) according to Hoek's equations (p<0.05). In the subgroup of patients with a mild to moderate decrease in GFR according to the Hoek's equations, stiffness index and resistive index were significantly higher than in the similar subgroup of patients with decrease of GFR measured using the CKD-EPI formula (p<0.05). A negative correlation between GFR calculated using three formulas and Augmentation Index was established. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with urinary stone disease, potential cardiovascular risk factors are very common. The study of serum cystatin C level with calculation of GFR according to Hoek's equations in individuals with urolithiasis allows to evaluate total renal nitrogen excretion, as well as the level of the cardiovascular risk in the early stages of the disease.

The bi-directional effect of markers of inflammation and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease.

The aim of the study was to analyze and evaluate the relationship between the cytokine profile, C-reactive blood protein, fibrinogen, and glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study involved individuals (n = 816) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from the 1st to 5th stage of the disease, aged 20 to 76 years. The male to female ratio was 48% and 52%, respectively. All examined individuals underwent a comprehensive clinical and laboratory study evaluating the concentration of interleukins (IL, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α) and acute phase inflammation proteins (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen) in the blood. CKD categories were evaluated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration). In individuals with CKD, significantly high concentrations of IL-10 and IL-6 were observed at stage 3b of the disease. Systolic blood pressure, median TNF-α, blood fibrinogen, and the number of individuals with high CRP were significant at stage 4 of CKD. A statistically significant correlation was found between the estimated GFR with the level of IL-6, CRP, blood fibrinogen at the 2nd stage of the disease and the concentration of IL-10 at 3b and TNF-α at the 4th stage of CKD. At the initial stage of CKD, there is a significant relationship between a decrease in estimated GFR and an increase in the level of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, as well as an increase in CRP and blood fibrinogen, which becomes pronounced at stages 3b and 4 of CKD.

[Modern biomarkers of renal dysfunction in the elderly and senile age: clinical and prognostic significance.]

In the presented work, the role of modern biomarkers of kidney dysfunction in elderly (n=97) and senile (n=18) patients was investigated. A clinical and laboratory examination was performed with an assessment of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the CKD-EPI formula. Serum levels of cystatin C and metabolism of beta-2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) were assessed. In the presented sample, the prevalence of a decrease in GFR <60 ml/min was 30,4% of cases. The frequency of individuals with elevated serum cystatin C, depending on the GFR category (CKD-EPI), was as follows: C1 - in 79,9%; C2 - in 77,6%; C3A - in 74%; C3B - in 80,6%; C4 - in 100%; C5 - in 100%. An increase in the serum level of ß2-MG was observed in 51,8 and 58,4% of patients, respectively, on C1 and C2 gradations of renal function. An increase in urinary ß2-MG excretion was found in 40,7% of patients at C1 and 41,5% at C2 gradations of renal function. The number of patients who had elevated levels of ß2-MG excretion in the urine at C3B and C4 gradations of GFR reduction was 75 and 88,6%, respectively. At the terminal stage of CKD, almost every patient showed an increase in ß2-MG excretion in the urine. A statistically significant relationship between the metabolism of ß2-MG and the nitrogen excretion function of the kidneys was established. In elderly and senile people, the determination of serum levels of cystatin C and ß2-MG makes it possible to detect a decrease in the filtration function of the kidneys at an earlier stage compared with the assessment of GFR calculated from the level of blood creatinine. Elevated levels of cystatin C and ß2-MG are additional risk factors for cardiovascular complications.

[Inflammatory markers, lipid metabolism and renal functional state in young, middle, elderly and senior patients with high cardiovascular risk.]

With increasing age in the human body, various pathophysiological changes are observed in response to the effects of various factors, taking into account the genetic predisposition. Among the possible factors causing an increase in cardiovascular risk in the general population are the level of blood pressure, changes in lipid metabolism and inflammation markers, as well as the magnitude of the filtration function of the kidneys. This publication examined inflammatory markers, lipid metabolism, and renal function in 269 (136 males and 133 females) young, middle, elderly, and senile patients at high cardiovascular risk. It was shown that among the elderly, the frequency of overweight was 31%. The prevalence of obesity of the 1st degree was relatively higher in patients of middle (25,4%) and elderly (28,7%) age. In senile (62,5%) and young (48,3%) people, the most frequently recorded increase in heart rate was ≥80 beats per minute. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 31,6% in young people and 59,4% in middle-aged people. The number of patients with hypertension increased among the elderly and senile participants, 68,9 and 62,5% respectively. Systolic blood pressure levels were higher in the elderly compared to young and old people. The diastolic blood pressure and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower among elderly patients. Levels of total cholesterol, cholesterol of low density lipoproteins and triglycerides were significantly higher in middle-aged people. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as C-reactive protein, were significantly higher among elderly patients. A significant decrease in the filtration function of the kidneys was observed among elderly and senile patients.

[Bidirectionality of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with urolithiasis: current state of the problem].

The most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease and urolithiasis are presented in the article. Data on the prevalence of urolithiasis are discussed, as well as the pathogenetic mechanisms of stone formation in patients with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. The bi-directional relationship of cardiovascular risk factors and urolithiasis is generalized. The role of calcium, uric acid, citrate, changes in urine pH and an increase in body weight in the formation of kidney stones is shown.

[Cerebrovascular complications in patients with malignant neoplasms]. / Tserebrovaskulyarnye oslozhneniya u bol'nykh so zlokachestvennymi novoobrazovaniyami.

Patients with malignant neoplasms have an increased risk of cerebrovascular complications (intratumoral hemorrhage, invasion of arterial and venous sinus by tumor mass or leptomeningeal infiltrates, and tumor embolism). The review discusses the role and importance of cisplatin and radiation therapy in the occurrence of cerebrovascular complications in patients with malignant neoplasms that may occur before, during or years after treatment. Descriptions of individual clinical observations of the lesions of the central nervous system in the treatment of cancer are provided. The type and mechanism of stroke, as well as the stage and pathology of the neoplasm, dictate the use of a multidisciplinary approach, which ensures proper management and helps to outline the prognosis in this category of patients.

[Correlations between parameters of central hemodynamics and cytokine profile in chronic kidney disease in combination with cerebrovascular diseases]. / Vzaimosviaz' parametrov tsentral'noi gemodinamiki i tsitokinovogo profilia pri khronicheskoi bolezni pochek v sochetanii s tserebrovaskuliarnymi zabolevaniiami.

AIM: To study the relationship between central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness indicators with cystatin C, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-(IL)-10 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in combination with cerebrovascular diseases (CEV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients, aged from 19 to 81 years, with signs of chronic renal dysfunction, including 73 with CKD (1st group) and 47 with CKD in combination with CEH (group 2), were examined. 'AngioScan' (Russia) was used to study indices of arterial rigidity. Blood plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-10 and cystatin C were determined by the enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: There is a significant increase (p<0.05) in the systolic, diastolic, central levels of arterial pressure, augmentation index, the index of increase at a pulse rate of 75 per min, the age index, the age of the vascular system and cystatin C content in the patients with CKD in combination with CEV compared to the patients with CKD without accompanying CEH. In the group of patients with CKD in combination with CEV, a correlation was found between the level of TNF-alpha and arterial stiffness index on one side (r=0.318; p<0.05) and the augmentation index on the other (r=0.299; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the fact that there is a significant increase in the level of plasma cystatin C and a decrease in GFR in patients with CKD in combination with CEV. Correlations were found between the level of TNF-alpha, augmentation index and deterioration of parameters of central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in CKD in combination with CEH.

[Molecular mechanisms of aging: the role of oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications.]

Aging is a multifactorial process characterized by the gradual loss of physiological functions, which leads to increased vulnerability of the organism to age-related diseases and, finally, to death. To explain the nature of aging, several theories have been proposed, one of which relates aging to damage to cell structures and DNA caused by free radicals. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that molecular mechanisms of aging are also associated with epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, non-coding RNA and histone changes. In this review, we will analyze the significance of the results of these studies and show how the interrelated effects of oxidative stress and epigenetics can explain the cause of the extinction of physiological functions during aging.

[Bilateral impact of cardiorenal relationships in the nephrotic syndrome.]

To study and analyze the cardiorenal relationships in nephrotic syndrome, taking into account sex differences. A total of 272 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) aged 16 to 65 years were examined. All patients underwent general clinical examination, electro-and echocardiography, assessment of peripheral and biochemical blood counts. NS was determined with daily proteinuria of more than 3.5 g/1.73 m2 per day, hypoalbuminemia (albumin less than 30 g/l) and hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol more than 5.1 mmol/l). The duration of the National Assembly ranged from 3 months or more. Depending on the gender, the total sample (n=272) was divided into two subgroups: the 1st subgroup - patients with female NS (n=88), the 2nd subgroup - males with NS (n=184). The mean systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial pressure (BP) were significantly higher in male NS patients (p<0.05). Supraventricular and ventricular ectopic activity was significantly more common in males. In the subgroup of women with NA, sinus tachycardia was significantly more frequently detected, a slowing down of the impulse conduction along the bundle of His, a violation of the processes of repolarization of the LV (p<0.05). The final systolic and diastolic sizes of the left ventricle (LV), the thickness of the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle, the diameter of the aorta, the longitudinal size of the left atrium and the right ventricle were significantly larger in the group of males with NA. Significantly lower concentrations of hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte counts were observed in the subgroup of females with NS compared with men (p<0.05). In the cohort of men with HC, there was a significant decrease in the content of total serum protein (44.8±11.0 g/l versus 49.2±11.2 g/l; p=0.003) as compared with females. In the male subgroup of HC, serum creatinine concentration [97 (81;143) mmol/l versus 86 (68;123) mmol/l; p=0.005] and the degree of daily protein excretion [6,490 (4,865;9,661) g versus 5,585 (4,168;7,625) g; p=0.034] with urine were significantly higher compared with the female subgroup (Table 2). At the same time, in the cohort of men with HC, there was a significant decrease in the calculated GFR [62.3 (46.2; 114.9) ml/min versus 87.0 (67.7;127.5) ml/min; p=0.002]. In case of NS in females, factors of deterioration of cardiorenal interrelations are anemia, sinus tachycardia, slowing down of impulse conduction along the bundle of His. Whereas in the NA subgroup of men, negative factors of cardiorenal interrelations are hypoproteinemia, increased systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean blood pressure, creatinine concentration and daily proteinuria, which was accompanied by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and an increase in the linear dimensions of the heart.

Pentoxifylline and nephroprotection: effects on renal dysfunction and cardiovascular risks.

Generalized data on nephroprotective efficacy of pentoxifylline in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are presented. The potential of this drug in treating people suffering from CKD and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with a high risk of developing the terminal stage of renal dysfunction is considered. Antiproteinuric, antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of pentoxifylline significantly reduce the risk of progression of CKD and joining of CVD in the future. Efficacy in preventing the onset of the uremic stage of CKD, safety andapplicability at all stages of renal dysfunction development make pentoxifylline a very appealing drug not only for nephrologists but also for physicians. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, progression, pentoxifylline, nephroprotection, cardiovascular diseases.

Hypolipidemic Therapy and Chronic Kidney Disease: Effects on Cardiovascular Risks and Renal Dysfunction.

Steady increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem, since CKD potentially leads to the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that requires high-cost replacement therapy and is closely associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the cause of death in most patients. Progression of renal dysfunction and development of CVD are significantly affected by hyper- and dyslipidemia. This review contains results of studies evaluating the effect of hypolipidemic therapy on reduction of cardiovascular risk and slowdown of renal dysfunction in patients with CKD at pre-dialysis and dialysis stages of renal failure, as well as in patients with kidney transplant. In addition, recommendations on nutrition and new therapeutic approaches to lipid-lowering therapy in patients with CKD, as well as prospects for the usage of new hypolipidemic drugs are also presented.

[The relationship of hypertriglyceridemia and left ventricular remodeling types in patients with chronic kidney disease].

AIM: To assess the relationship between hypertriglyceridemia (THG) and left ventricular remodeling types in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 patients with CKD from stages 1 to 3 were examined, 98 of them with CKD without THG (subgroup 1) and 54 with CKD and THG. All patients were assessed for the parameters of anthropometry, hemodynamics, lipid spectrum, uric acid, calcium, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum cystatin C measurement with calculation of glomerular filtration rate. The parameters of vascular stiffness (augmentation index and stiffness) and echocardiography are analyzed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the 2nd subgroup (CKD + THG), the number of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, a stable form of coronary heart disease, gout, and their combination with hypertension, as well as cerebrovacular disorders and hyperuricemia was significantly higher compared with patients with CKD without GTG (p.

[Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers of chronic kidney disease].

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a supra - nosological term that reflects the progressive nature of chronic kidney diseases, which are based on the mechanisms of nephrosclerosis. Diagnosis of CKD at the earliest stages is of great importance, because it allows, by using therapeutic agents, to slow the progression of renal dysfunction and the development of cardiovascular complications. However, the currently available methods for diagnosing renal function impairment, including the determination of endogenous creatinine clearance, can detect renal dysfunction too late, when around 40-50% of the renal parenchyma is already reversibly or irreversibly damaged. In this regard, there is an active search for new, more sensitive and specific biomarkers for early diagnosis of CKD. Recent studies in cellular and animal models of CKD have demonstrated the important role of microRNA, a new class of posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, in physiology and pathophysiology of kidneys. In particular, it has been shown that their expression profile in blood or urine can reflect changes in cells involved in a particular pathological process, since these cells can secrete a specific population of microRNAs, for example, through secretion of microRNA-containing exosomes. This gave grounds for considering increased or decreased expression of individual microRNAs in renal tissue or biological fluids (including urine) as new biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of CKD. This review presents the results of recent experimental and clinical studies on these issues.

[Evaluation of nephrocerebral risk with the use of cystatin C in patients with chronic kidney disease]. / Otsenka nefrotserebral'nogo riska s ispol'zovaniem tsistatina S u bol'nykh khronicheskoi bolezn'iu pochek.

AIM: To study a role of cystatin C in the nephrocerebral risk in chronic kidney disease at the initial stage of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients (63 men and 65 women) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were examined at the pre-dialysis stage of the disease. All patients underwent a complex clinical and laboratory examination with determination of the lipid spectrum, uric acid, fibrinogen, calcium and cystatin C, and subsequent calculation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). To assess structural changes in carotid arteries, ultrasound dopplerography was performed. Depending on the thickness of the intima-media (TIM), the entire sample is divided into CKD groups with no signs of carotid atherosclerosis (SC), n=70 and on CKD with SC, n=58. RESULTS: Patients of the second group (CKD with SC), had higher body mass index (p<0.05), systolic (p<0.05) and central (p<0.05) arterial pressure (BP) and blood cystatin C (p<0.05). In the same group, there was a significant decrease in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05) compared with those of the first group (CKD). The age of patients and the content of cystatin C (p<0.05) influenced the increase in TIM. Significant positive correlations between cystatin C content and TIM, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05), and a negative correlation cystatin C content and GFR were noted in patients of the second group. CONCLUSION: The increase in the level of cystatin C in blood plasma in CKD indicates the development of structural changes in the carotid arteries, the increase in the levels of systolic and central arterial pressure, the decrease in the concentration of HDL cholesterol, which is associated with significant inhibition of GFR.

[Relationship of Remodeling of Carotid Arteries and Left Ventricular Geometry in Patients With Chronic Glomerulonephritis].

PURPOSE: to study clinical-functional features of remodeling of carotid arteries and its relation to restructuring of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis at pre-dialysis stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 269 patients (189 men, 80 women) with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) aged 17-71 years, at pre-dialysis stages of the disease. We analyzed biochemical parameters of peripheral blood with the determination of daily proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). For identification of structural changes of carotid arteries (CA) and LV we used Doppler ultrasound and echocardiography. RESULTS: Atherosclerotic changes of CA were found in 79 patients (29.3 %). Four patients (1.4 %) had history of acute disturbance of cerebral circulation. Concentric type of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was significantly more prevalent among patients with CA remodeling compared with those without (37.84 vs. 18.75 %; p=0.006). Eccentric variant of LVH was significantly more prevalent among patients without atherosclerotic lesions in CA compared with those with CA remodeling (81.25 % vs. 62.16 %; p=0.001). Increased CA intima media thickness positively correlated with body mass index (r=0.273; p=0.014) and negatively - with GFR (r= -0.222; p=0.048). Statistically significant relationships were also found between the presence of carotid atherosclerosis and structural rearrangements of the heart. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a clear relationship between GFR, restructuring of CA and concentric type of change of LV geometry, regardless of the presence of traditional risk factors.