ENDOCRINE DISORDERS AND KIDNEY HEALTH: EXPLORING HORMONAL PATHWAYS IN RENAL DYSFUNCTION

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease, which impacts on the functioning of the kidneys and usually ends up causing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The CKD is often linked to endocrine diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and adrenal malformations. It is believed that these hormonal imbalances have a role to play in the deterioration of the kidney functions. Still, the contribution of particular endocrine pathways to the development of CKD has not been studied thoroughly. Hormonal profiling was done to determine aldosterone and cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen). The renal functioning was measured with serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). The statistical analysis was conducted based on Pearson correlation model and multiple regression model in order to assess the relationship between hormonal imbalances and renal functioning. There were also negative correlations between GFR and thyroid hormones (T3, T4). The most common abnormalities in hormones were elevated aldosterone and cortisol, with 68 and 62% of CKD patients experiencing the abnormalities, respectively. Also, fifty % of male CKD patients had low testosterone levels. Endocrine dysfunction has a huge role to play in the development of CKD. An increase in aldosterone, cortisol and thyroid dysfunction is related to the progression of renal biopsy and increased incidence of complication. These results can be used to argue that hormonal imbalances need to be included among critical therapeutic areas in the management of CKD to enhance patient outcomes.