Hypertension May Compromise Kidney Function Before Symptoms Emerge: Research

Synopsis

A study highlights the potential of hypertension to damage kidney function prior to the emergence of clinical symptoms, underscoring the need for early detection. Conducted by the Medical University of Vienna, the research found significant podocyte abnormalities linked to high blood pressure, suggesting early intervention could slow kidney disease progression.

Key Takeaways

Hypertension affects kidney function before symptoms appear.
Study from Medical University of Vienna emphasizes early detection.
Podocyte abnormalities linked to high blood pressure.
Early intervention may slow kidney disease progression.
Research published in the journal Hypertension.

New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) Hypertension or high blood pressure can significantly affect kidney function long before clinical symptoms manifest, as revealed by a study emphasizing the necessity of early detection.

The research, spearheaded by a team from the Medical University of Vienna in Austria, discovered that elevated blood pressure can cause abnormalities in the podocytes—specialized cells within the renal filter—without the presence of other pre-existing conditions like diabetes.

“Timely detection and intervention may help slow the advancement of kidney disease and avert long-term harm,” stated researchers Rainer Oberbauer and Heinz Regele from the university.

This study, published in the journal Hypertension, examined kidney tissue from 99 patients, some of whom experienced high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) and type 2 diabetes, while others were free from both conditions. High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.

The investigation was conducted on unaffected renal tissue samples obtained from tumor nephrectomies—a surgical method for removing part or all of a kidney to treat a tumor.

Utilizing advanced imaging and computer-assisted techniques, the team assessed the size and density of podocytes and the volume of renal corpuscles (glomeruli) within the tissue samples.

Podocytes, integral components of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli), play a vital role in the kidney’s filtering functions. Their size and density serve as critical indicators of kidney tissue health.

Artificial intelligence, specifically deep-learning-based image analysis, was employed for the evaluation. A specially trained algorithm automatically analyzed digital tissue sections, accurately capturing the structures of podocytes and glomeruli.

“Findings indicate that patients with hypertension exhibit a lower density of podocytes compared to healthy individuals, with enlarged cell nuclei in contrast to those of healthy controls,” remarked first author Christopher Paschen.

These alterations occurred independently of type 2 diabetes diagnosis and likely mark the initial microscopically visible signs of impaired renal function.

This suggests that high blood pressure can inflict structural damage to the kidneys at an early stage, preceding the onset of clinical symptoms, as explained by the researchers.