The association of serum lipids with renal function: the Korea Medical Institute Study

Abstract

Background: Both serum lipids and renal dysfunction are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Little data are, however, available on the relation of serum lipids and glomerular filteration rates (GFRs) with low levels of serum cholesterol in Asian populations.

Methods: We performed a large cross-sectional study of 93 228 Korean men and women enrolled in the Korea Medical Institute Study. Serum creatinine was used to estimate the GFR through the simplified modification of diet in renal disease equation.

Results: In multivariate logistic regression analysis, those in the highest quartiles of all the lipid biomarkers showed significant associations with the risk of having a GFR of less than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m, compared with those in the lowest quartiles except high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in women. In men, odds ratios (ORs) by triglycerides (TGs) [OR: 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-2.40], and TG/HDL (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.64-2.38) were higher than others. In women, low-density lipoprotein (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.42-2.56) and non-HDL (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.35-2.50) showed the highest ORs. These associations were stronger among male participants with diabetes; total cholesterol (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.04-3.96), TG (OR: 18.08; 95% CI: 2.46-133.13) and TG/HDL (OR: 17.97; 95% CI: 2.44-132.30), respectively.

Conclusion: We conclude that potentially modifiable lipid biomarkers are elevated in the setting of less than 90 ml/min per 1.73 m of GFR and there will be the link between renal insufficiency and the increased risk for cardiovascular events in the Korean population.