Renalase, dopamine and norepinephrine biomarkers for hypertension development in CKD Patients: Study

A recent study published in BMC Nephrology found early diagnosis and risk assessment through renalase, dopamine, and norepinephrine underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its strong link to arterial hypertension (HT).

CKD affects millions globally and often leads to irreversible kidney damage. More than 90% of individuals with CKD develop HT, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study included 117 patients across varying stages and treatment types of CKD, and examined how levels of renalase, dopamine, and norepinephrine differ in relation to disease severity and comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

The participants were categorized into 4 patient groups into those undergoing hemodialysis (both before and after sessions), individuals receiving peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant recipients (pre- and post-operation), and conservatively managed patients at stages 2 to 5 of CKD. A control group of 31 healthy individuals was also included for baseline comparison. All biochemical measurements were conducted using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

The results of this study highlighted significant differences in the levels of these three biomarkers among the CKD patient groups when compared to the healthy control group. Renalase, known for its role in degrading catecholamines and regulating blood pressure, showed notably decreased levels in patients suffering from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) accompanied by hypertension. This points to a potential role of renalase deficiency in exacerbating hypertensive outcomes in CKD patients.

Dopamine, which helps regulate renal blood flow and sodium balance, showed the highest levels in patients whose CKD was caused by glomerulonephritis. This could suggest a compensatory mechanism or indicate different pathophysiological trajectories in glomerular-based kidney disease.

Norepinephrine, associated with the body’s stress response and sympathetic nervous system activation, was lowest in patients who had both hypertension and diabetes, which accelerates kidney damage. This depletion may reflect an exhausted adrenergic system in these high-risk patients.

The study illuminates the potential of these biomarkers in not only monitoring CKD progression but also in predicting the onset of cardiovascular complications and creating patient-specific treatment strategies. The ability to stratify risk based on biochemical profiles could revolutionize how CKD and HT are managed, particularly in resource-limited settings where early detection is critical.

Overall, renalase, dopamine, and norepinephrine could soon become essential components of routine diagnostic panels, in guiding nephrologists for early intervention and improving long-term outcomes for CKD patients worldwide.

Source:

Heryć, R., Cecerska-Heryć, E., Serwin, N., Stodolak, P., Goszka, M., Polikowska, A., Ciechanowski, K., & Wiśniewska, M. (2025). Renalase, dopamine, and norepinephrine as markers for the development of hypertension in CKD patients. BMC Nephrology, 26(1), 200. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04114-2