Implication of serum growth differentiation factor-15 level in patients with renal diseases

Background: The synthesis of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is induced by inflammation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress and is receiving great interest as a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease. However, its detailed impact on patients with renal disease remains uncertain. Methods: Patients who underwent renal biopsy for evaluation of renal disease between 2012 and 2017 in our institute were prospectively included. Serum GDF-15 levels were measured and its association with baseline characteristics and its impact on the 3-year composites of renal prognosis (composites of > 1.5 folds of serum creatinine and renal replacement therapy) were investigated. Results: A total of 110 patients (64 [42, 73] years old, 61 men) were included. The median serum GDF-15 level at baseline was 1885 (998, 3496) pg/mL. A higher serum GDF-15 level was associated with comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, anemia, renal impairment, and pathologic features including crescent formation, hyaline degeneration, and interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.05 for all). Serum GDF-15 level was a significant predictor of 3-year composite renal outcomes with an odds ratio per 100 pg/mL of 1.072 (95% confidence interval 1.001–1.103, p = 0.036) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions: Serum GDF-15 levels were associated with several renal pathological features and renal prognosis in patients with renal diseases.