Renin angiotensin system molecules and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in chronic kidney disease patients

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and inflammation are related to kidney injury progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate RAAS molecules and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in 82 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed with CKD and patients without a CKD diagnosis. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) were determined, as well as plasma levels of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)1, ACE2, and plasma and urinary levels of CCL2. RESULTS: CCL2 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with CKD compared to the control group. Patients with lower GFR had higher plasma levels of ACE2 and CCL2 and lower ratio ACE1/ACE2. Patients with higher ACR values had higher ACE1 plasma levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD showed greater activity of both RAAS axes, the classic and alternative, and higher plasma levels of CCL2. Therefore, plasma levels of RAAS molecules and CCL2 seem to be promising prognostic markers and even therapeutic targets for CKD.