Damaged Kidneys Directly Harm the Heart, New Research Reveals
Table of Contents
A groundbreaking study has identified a key mechanism explaining why heart-related complications are the leading cause of death for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Researchers have discovered that diseased kidneys release harmful substances into the bloodstream that directly damage heart tissue,possibly paving the way for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies.
More than half of the roughly 35 million Americans – over 1 in 7 – affected by chronic kidney disease also have cardiovascular disease. “Kidney and heart disease can develop silently, so they are often discovered only after damage has already been done,” explained a researcher involved in the study. “Our findings can definitely help to identify patients at risk for heart failure earlier, enabling earlier treatment and improved outcomes.”
The link between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease has long been recognized, with more severe kidney damage correlating with poorer heart health. However, pinpointing the precise cause-and-effect relationship has proven challenging, as many patients share common risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure.
A Kidney-Specific Culprit Identified
Until now, scientists lacked evidence of a specific factor originating in the kidneys that directly contributes to heart damage. This new study identifies circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by diseased kidneys as the primary culprit.
These extracellular vesicles are naturally produced by cells throughout the body and typically function as messengers,transporting proteins and other materials between cells. However, in individuals with chronic kidney disease, these vesicles carry a toxic cargo: small, non-coding RNA molecules called miRNA.Researchers found that this miRNA is directly harmful to heart tissue.
Evidence from Lab and Patient Studies
experiments conducted on laboratory mice demonstrated that preventing the circulation of these harmful extracellular vesicles led to significant improvements in heart function and a reduction in signs of heart failure. Further analysis of blood plasma samples confirmed these findings. Harmful extracellular vesicles were detected in patients with chronic kidney disease but were absent in healthy volunteers.
“Doctors always wondered how organs such as the kidney and heart communicate with each other. We show that EVs from the kidney can travel to the heart and be toxic,” a researcher stated. “We are just at the beginning to understand this communication.”
Toward Earlier Detection and Novel Treatments
These findings open the door to the development of a blood test capable of identifying individuals with chronic kidney disease who are at the highest risk of developing serious heart problems.Furthermore, researchers are exploring therapies designed to block or neutralize these damaging extracellular vesicles, mitigating their harmful effects on the heart.
“Our hope is to develop novel biomarkers and treatment options for our kidney patients at risk for heart disease,” the researcher added. “Potentially our work will improve precision medicine for CKD and Heart failure patients, so that each patient gets the exact treatment they need.”
Advancing Extracellular vesicle Research
to accelerate progress in this field, the lead researcher is organizing a hands-on workshop for UVA scientists, beginning February 7, focused specifically on extracellular vesicle research. This initiative aligns with the goals of UVA’s new Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, which aims to expedite the translation of laboratory discoveries into life-saving therapies.
The research findings were published in the scientific journal Circulation and are freely accessible to the public.The study was funded by the National Institute of Health through multiple grants (HL140469, HL124187, HL148786, R01DK125856, 1-INO-2025-1704-A-N, R21AG07848, and R01DK133598). The research team reported no financial conflicts of interest.
