Low grade inflammation renal transplanted (Tx) patients enhances atherogenesis. Cystatin C (CysC) is a sensitive marker of glomerular filtration rate, furthermore inhibits cysteine proteases, therefore anti-atherogenic. Previous studies found elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and CysC levels in renal transplant recipients. Arterial stiffness parameters such as aortic augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are established markers of cardiovascular mortality in these patients. However, the association between inflammatory markers, CysC levels and arterial stiffness has not been studied.

131 Tx patients and 63 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (C) were enrolled in the study. Lipid parameters, CRP and CysC serum levels were measured. Arterial stiffness parameters (Aix, PWV, pulse pressure (PP), systolic and diastolic area indexes (SAI and DAI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were determined by arteriograph (Tensiomed).

Significantly higher levels of CRP and CysC levels were found in patients compared to controls. Significantly higher MAP, PP, AIx and PWV, while significantly lower DAI and SAI were detected in Tx patients compared to C subjects. Significant positive correlations were found between CRP and PWV, and between CRP and MAP, while there was a significant negative correlation between CRP and DAI in TX patients. We found a non-significant correlation between CysC and PWV. Significant positive correlation was showed between CRP and LDL-C levels.

Chronic low grade inflammation and decreased glomerular characterized by CysC level may contribute to increased arterial stiffness in renal transplant recipients.