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The HEART-FGF Study: Cardiovascular Remodeling and Risk Stratification by FGF-23 in Patients with CKD: An Integrative Cross-Sectional Study of Cardiac, Renal, and Mineral Parameters

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD), driven by mechanisms distinct from the general population. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23), a phosphaturic hormone elevated early in CKD, has been mechanistically linked to left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular dysfunction, and disordered mineral metabolism. This study examines the associations between FGF-23 and key renal, mineral, and cardiovascular parameters and its utility in risk stratification. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 60 adults with CKD stages 1–5. Serum FGF-23 was quantified using ELISA, alongside measures of iPTH, phosphorus, calcium, and eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate). Cardiovascular evaluation included transthoracic echocardiography and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Associations were analyzed using Spearman correlations, ROC analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: FGF-23 levels were significantly associated with declining eGFR (r = –0.288; p < 0.05), elevated iPTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) (r = 0.361; p < 0.05), and serum phosphorus (r = 0.335; p < 0.05). Patients with structural cardiac abnormalities (left atrial enlargement or left ventricular hypertrophy) exhibited higher FGF-23 concentrations (154 vs. 128 pg/mL; p = 0.027). FGF-23 alone predicted high cardiovascular risk with moderate accuracy (AUC 0.70; sensitivity 76%; specificity 67%). A composite model including iPTH and eGFR improved discriminatory power (AUC 0.76). Conclusions: FGF-23 correlates with subclinical cardiovascular remodeling and key mineral abnormalities in CKD. Its integration with iPTH and eGFR enhances cardiovascular risk stratification, supporting its potential as a multidimensional biomarker in early CKD. However, the cross-sectional design and modest correlation strengths limit causal inference and generalizability of the findings.

Source: Journal of Vascular Diseases

DOI: 10.3390/jvd4040039

Authors: Dhruv Jain, Anand Prasad, Harsha Shahi, Nishant Wadhera, Ashish Goel, Yashendra Sethi

Institutions: Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Subharti Medical College, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Parathyroid Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207