Thrombospondin-4 Levels and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) a condition characterized by atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities is commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, particularly those on dialysis. The investigators conducted detailed biomarkers such as thrombospondin and related inflammatory biomarkers for the risk of developing and presence of PAD. Thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) is an extracellular matrix protein of the vessel wall. Despite bench evidence, its significance in the clinical setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is missing Methods: This is a cross-sectional, single-center study. A cohort of 450 patients aged 20 or over, who have been on HD for at least 3 months prior to enrollment (Dec 1, 2021) will be included. TSP-4 and TSP-1 will be measured in HD patients using a commercially available ELISA. PAD is diagnosed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI) We will measure related blood biomarkers such as serum hs-cTnT, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, s-Klotho and FABP-4.