Race modifies the association between adiposity and inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease: findings from the CRIC study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the race-specific association of inflammation with adiposity and muscle mass in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD). DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma concentration of IL-1β, IL-Receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β, hs-CRP, fibrinogen, and serum albumin were measured in 3,939 Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study participants. Bioelectric impedance analysis was used to determine body fat mass (BFM) and fat free mass (FFM). RESULTS: Plasma levels of hs-CRP, fibrinogen, IL-1RA, IL-6, and TNF-α increased and serum albumin decreased across the quartiles of body mass index. In multivariable analysis, BFM and FFM were positively associated with hs-CRP, fibrinogen, IL-1β, IL-1RA and IL-6. One standard deviation (SD) increase in BFM and FFM was associated with 0.36 (95% CI 0.33, 0.39) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.22, 0.30) SD increase in log transformed hs-CRP, respectively (p<0.001). Race stratified analysis showed that the association between biomarkers and BFM and FFM differed by race, with Caucasians demonstrating a stronger association with markers of inflammation than African Americans. CONCLUSION: BFA and FFM are positively associated with markers of inflammation in patients with CKD. Race stratified analysis showed that Caucasians have a stronger association with markers of inflammation compared to African Americans.