AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThese findings identify PDGF-BB as a potential marker associated with lower current graft function that requires further validation rather than a stand-alone predictor, and warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is a pro-fibrotic growth factor implicated in kidney scarring and allograft injury. This study investigated whether circulating PDGF-BB levels reflect renal allograft function and intrarenal hemodynamics in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional study, stable kidney transplant recipients were evaluated. Serum PDGF-BB, renal function markers (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], creatinine, urea), and Doppler ultrasonography-derived Resistive Index (RI) were measured. Because serum PDGF-BB was right-skewed, associations were assessed with Spearman rank correlation, and multivariable linear regression with log-transformed PDGF-BB identified independent predictors of eGFR. Subgroup analyses by age, donor type, hypertension, and diabetes were performed. Results: Serum PDGF-BB was inversely correlated with eGFR (Spearman ρ=−0.27, p=0.012) and positively with creatinine (ρ=+0.31, p=0.004) and urea (ρ=+0.25, p=0.022), but not with RI (ρ=+0.01, p=0.93). The inverse PDGF-BB–eGFR association was significant in younger, middle-aged, non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, and deceased-donor subgroups. PDGF-BB modestly discriminated eGFR <60 (AUC 0.674). In multivariable regression, PDGF-BB was not an independent predictor of eGFR (β=−0.19, p=0.080); hypertension was inversely associated with graft function (β=−0.27, p=0.019). Correlation on untransformed values was non-significant owing to marked right-skew. Conclusion: Higher serum PDGF-BB levels were associated with poorer renal allograft function (lower eGFR, higher creatinine and urea) but not with intrarenal RI, and PDGF-BB was not an independent predictor after adjustment for clinical factors. These findings identify PDGF-BB as a potential marker associated with lower current graft function that requires further validation rather than a stand-alone predictor, and warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies.