The role of fetuin-A in cardiac functions and metabolism in peritoneal dialysis patients

Aim. Fetuin-A is a member of protease inhibitors that act as an inhibitor of vascular calciication. In our study, the relationship of fetuin-A with metabolic and echocardiographic parameters in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has been investigated. Methods. Besides demographic, clinical and laboratory data, fetuin-A level was recorded. Echocardiographic examinations were performed by the same operator. Results. Fifty-Two chronic PD patients (mean age: 52.7±15.4 years) and 31 healthy volunteers (mean age: 41.3±10.7 years) were included. Fetuin-A levels were signiicantly lower in the patient group (57.5±31.5 ng/mL vs. 72.5±34.0 ng/mL, P=0.002). There was a signiicant relation between age and fetuin-A levels (P=0.025). Four patients with chronic heart failure had signiicantly lower fetuin-A levels compared with those without. There was no relation between fetuin-A levels and the presence of diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease. No relationship was detected between fetuin-A level and any echocardiographic parameter. Age and hematocrite were correlated negatively, and serum albumin positively with fetuin-A levels. On linear regression analysis, fetuin-A level was related with age, hematocrite and presence of heart failure. Conclusion. PD patients with heart failure have signiicantly lower fetuin-A levels. Age is a main determinant of fetuin-A level and fetuin-A may act as a negative acute phase reactant in PD patients.