Plasma levels of endothelin-1 and renal function among young and healthy adults.

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictive and pro-inflammatory peptide, is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association of plasma ET-1 levels and renal function among young and healthy adults. Methods: Individuals aged 25–41 years were enrolled in a population-based cohort study. Main exclusion criteria were established kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and a body mass index > 35 kg/m2. Fasting venous plasma samples were used to measure creatinine, cystatin C and ET-1. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the creatinine based chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess interrelationships of plasma ET-1 with parameters of renal function. Results: Median age of the 2139 participants was 37 years, 47% males. Median creatinine and eGFR were 67 μmol/L and 112 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Using quartile one as the reference group, the β-coefficients (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for eGFR were 0.06 (− 1.22 to 1.35), − 0.66 (− 1.95 to 0.62) and − 1.70 (− 3.01 to − 0.39) for quartiles 2–4 (p-for-trend = 0.0056), respectively and β-coefficients (95% CIs) for cystatin C were 0.002 (− 0.01 to 0.02), 0.02 (0.003–0.03) and 0.03 (0.01–0.04) for quartiles 2–4 (p-fortrend < 0.0001), respectively. Using ET-1 as a continuous variable, the β-coefficient (95% CI) for eGFR per 1-unit increase was − 1.82 (− 3.19 to − 0.44, p = 0.0095) and 0.02 (0.01–0.04, p = 0.0003) for cystatin C. Similar results were found between creatinine and ET-1 levels. Conclusions: ET-1 levels are strongly associated with parameters of renal function among young and healthy adults, suggesting an important role of ET-1 and endothelial function in the regulation of kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]