Background: In chronic kidney disease the contribution of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) versus enhanced inflammation to cause insulin resistance (IR) is controversial.
Aim: This pilot observational study examines, therefore, the prevalence of IR after kidney donation and factors that may determine its level.
Methods: Insulin, proinsulin, adiponectin, malondialdehyde, and hsCRP were measured by conventional techniques in 14 previous kidney donors and 25 healthy volunteers.
Results: Estimated GFR from Cockcroft-Gault formula of 76.42 + or - 19.39 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in the nephrectomized group was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than that in the control group of 125 + or - 32.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Fasting serum insulin of 16.57 + or - 16.86 mU/l and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of 4.86 + or - 5.11 in the nephrectomized group were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the insulin level of 6.02 + or - 4.06 mU/l and HOMA-IR of 1.5 + or - 1.06 in the control group. There was no significant difference in levels in inflammatory mediators between the two groups. None of the tested inflammatory mediators correlated significantly with IR.
Conclusion: Reduced GFR alone in previous kidney donors is associated with increased IR.
Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.