MICROALBUMINURIA IN NONDIABETIC ADULTS - RELATION OF BLOOD-PRESSURE, BODY-MASS INDEX, PLASMA-CHOLESTEROL LEVELS, AND SMOKING - THE GUBBIO POPULATION STUDY

Background: Evidence exists that cardiovascular risk factors influence progression toward end-stage renal failure. We tested the hypothesis that in nondiabetic middle-aged adults without macroalbuminuria, cardi ovascular risk factors are related to urinary albumin excretion and pr evalence of microalbuminuria, a sign of early nephropathy. Methods: Cr oss-sectional analysis of data for 1567 participants in The Gubbio Pop ulation Study (677 men and 890 women), aged 45 to 64 years, without ma croalbuminuria, without diabetes mellitus, and with fasting plasma glu cose levels of less than 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/ dL). Data collection incl uded albumin and creatinine excretion in timed overnight urine collect ion; levels of fasting plasma cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, cre atinine, and uric acid; creatinine clearance; red blood cell sodium-li thium countertransport; blood pressure; weight; height; medical histor y; smoking status; and alcohol intake. Urinary albumin excretion and p revalence of microalbuminuria were the dependent variables. Results: B lood pressure, plasma cholesterol levels, smoking, and body mass index significantly related to urinary albumin excretion and prevalence of microalbuminuria. In analyses with control for multiple variables, rel ative risk for microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion, 20-199 mu g/min) in men and women was 2.51 and 1.62, respectively, with 18 mm Hg higher (1 SD) systolic blood pressure; 2.25 and 2.10, respectively, w ith 1.0-mmol/L (40 mg/dl) higher plasma cholesterol level; 1.99 and 1. 91, respectively, for smokers vs nonsmokers; and 1.83 and 1.33, respec tively, with 4 kg/m(2) higher body mass index. Findings were similar f or microalbuminuria defined as urinary albumin excretion of at least 2 5 mu g/dL glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: Major cardiovascular risk factors are independent correlates of microalbuminuria in nondia betic middle-aged adults.