Being Overweight Not Only Hurts Your Heart But Also Your Kidneys!
Jun 03, 2024
The association between obesity and cardiovascular disease has been widely studied, but its relationship with glomerular disease is still unclear. On May 13, 2024, a study published in AJKD aimed to explore the relationship between obesity and cardiorenal outcomes in children and adults with glomerulonephropathy.
Click to Cistanche for kidney disease
Methods
This study adopted a prospective, multicenter, observational study design. The subjects were subjects aged ≥5 years at the time of enrollment in the Curative Glomerulonephropathy Network (CureGN). The study was divided into three groups according to the BMI of the subjects: 20-24 (healthy) vs 25-34 (overweight/grade 1 obesity) vs ≥35 (grade 2/3 obesity); children's BMI percentiles were divided into 5-84 (healthy) vs 85-94 (overweight) vs ≥95 (obese). The primary outcome was defined as a composite renal outcome (eGFR reduction of 40% or renal failure) and a composite cardiovascular outcome (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or death).
Results
A total of 2301 subjects were included in this study, of which 1548 were adults and 753 were children. The incidence of major renal endpoints in adults with grade 2/3 obesity was 90.8/1000 person-years, while it was 58.0/1000 person-years in normal-weight controls.
In univariate analysis, grade 2/3 obesity was associated with major renal outcomes only in adults (HR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.2, p=0.006). However, in multivariate-adjusted analysis, when controlling for baseline eGFR and proteinuria, grade 2/3 obesity was not significant in adults. In the fully adjusted model, the incidence of cardiovascular events in adults with grade 2/3 obesity was 19.7 cases/1000 person-years, and cardiovascular risk was higher (HR 3.9, 95%CI 1.4-10.7, p=0.009).
Conclusion
This study found that grade 2/3 obesity was associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but not renal outcomes, in adult patients with CureGN after adjustment for confounding factors. Therefore, obesity may affect cardiovascular health in patients with glomerular disease. However, because BMI is an imperfect indicator of obesity and residual confounding by socioeconomic factors may also exist, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between obesity and disease outcomes.
How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?
Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.
Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.
Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of mandatory pathways for inflammation, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.
Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.
In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.
