Soluble TWEAK levels are independently associated with coronary artery disease severity in patients with stage 2–3 kidney disease

Abstract

Patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greater rate of cardiovascular mortality compared with the general population. The soluble form of TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) plays a role in cellular proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The current study aimed to analyze whether soluble TWEAK levels are associated with the severity of coronary arterial disease (CAD) in CKD patients. Ninety-seven patients diagnosed with CKD stages 2-3 according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate and the presence of kidney injury were included in the study. Plasma sTWEAK concentrations were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Coronary angiographies were performed through femoral artery access using the Judkins technique. Correlation analysis of sTWEAK and Gensini scores showed significant association (p < 0.01, r (2) = 0.287). When patients were divided into two groups with a limit of 17 according to their Gensini score, sTWEAK levels indicated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). Our results indicate a relationship between sTWEAK levels and CAD in CKD stages 2-3 patients.