Serum cystatin C is a determinant of central pressure augmentation index measured by oscillometric method in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Serum cystatin C (ScysC) may help predicting cardiovascular outcome not only through its ability to detect renal dysfunction but also through its potential connection to others factors that are directly related to cardiovascular diseases. We explored the potential association of ScysC with arterial stiffness - a major contributor to cardiovascular disease - in renal transplant recipients (RTR). METHODS: Traditional and non-traditional cardio-vascular risk factors were collected from 215 stable RTR whom arterial stiffness was evaluated by the measure of the augmentation index of central pressure (AIx) determined by the arteriograph device. Serum creatinine and ScysC were measured the same day using standardized methods. Association between ScysC and AIx was examined in univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, ScysC was strongly associated with AIx. This relationship was not confounded by age, gender, length of time spent on dialysis and transplantation vintage. Adjustment on the level of GFR estimated by the MDRD Study equation attenuated but did not abolish the association between ScysC and AIx. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ScysC is an independent predictor of AIx in RTR. Our data suggest that arterial stiffness may partially mediate the association between ScysC and cardiovascular risk in renal transplantation.