Peer-review started: August 31, 2015
First decision: October 27, 2015
Revised: November 17, 2015
Accepted: December 13, 2015
Article in press: December 14, 2015
Published online: January 6, 2016
Processing time: 129 Days and 1.9 Hours
In this review, we focused on the relationship between central blood pressure and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Wave reflection is a major mechanism that determines central blood pressure in patients with CKD. Recent medical technology advances have enabled non-invasive central blood pressure measurements. Clinical trials have demonstrated that compared with brachial blood pressure, central blood pressure is a stronger risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) and renal diseases. CKD is characterized by a diminished renal autoregulatory ability, an augmented direct transmission of systemic blood pressure to glomeruli, and an increase in proteinuria. Any elevation in central blood pressure accelerates CKD progression. In the kidney, interstitial inflammation induces oxidative stress to handle proteinuria. Oxidative stress facilitates atherogenesis, increases arterial stiffness and central blood pressure, and worsens the CV prognosis in patients with CKD. A vicious cycle exists between CKD and central blood pressure. To stop this cycle, vasodilator antihypertensive drugs and statins can reduce central blood pressure and oxidative stress. Even in early-stage CKD, mineral and bone disorders (MBD) may develop. MBD promotes oxidative stress, arteriosclerosis, and elevated central blood pressure in patients with CKD. Early intervention or prevention seems necessary to maintain vascular health in patients with CKD.
Core tip: Wave reflection is a major mechanism that determines central blood pressure in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diminished renal autoregulatory ability characterizes CKD, allowing an increase in proteinuria. Thus, any elevations of central blood pressure accelerate the progression of CKD. The kidney produces oxidative stress compounds due to proteinuria handling and secondary interstitial inflammation. Oxidative stress facilitates atherogenesis, increases arterial stiffness and central blood pressure. Furthermore, even in early stages of CKD, mineral and bone disorder (MBD) is developed. CKD-MBD facilitates to induce oxidative stress and elevation of central blood pressure. To keep vascular health in CKD, early intervention or prevention seems mandatory.