PS-BPC10-5: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN KIDNEY FUNCTION AND CIRCULATING EPHA2 IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Objective: We have previously demonstrated that high circulating levels of progranulin (PGRN) were negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). PGRN binds to Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2). Recently, it has been reported that circulating EphA2 levels serve as a biomarker of kidney function decline in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, we investigated its level correlates with traditional renal measures, eGFR and ratio of proteinuria to creatinine (UPCR), in patients with hypertension. Design and method: EphA2 ELISA for human serum was developed and validated. The serum levels of EphA2 were measured in 80 patients with hypertension. The subjects were stratified according to the eGFR: normal kidney function (eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73m2, n = 16), and declined kidney function (CKD; eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, n = 64). Results: Validation of the in-house EphA2 ELISA showed good recovery and linearity and no cross-reactivity with other Eph receptors. The levels of EphA2 were significantly higher in CKD group compared to normal kidney function group, and correlated significantly with eGFR (r = -0.83) and UPCR (r = 0.61). Conclusions: The high circulating EphA2 level has potential application as a clinical biomarker for presence of CKD in patients with hypertension.