Adiposity and Mineral Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease

Bone homeostasis is balanced between formation and resorption activities and remain in relative equilibrium. Under disease states this process is disrupted, favoring more resorption over formation, leading to significant bone loss and fracture incidence. This aspect is a hallmark for patients with chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) affecting a significant portion of the population, both in the United States and worldwide. Further study into the underlying effects of the uremic microenvironment within bone during CKD-MBD are critical as fracture incidence in this patient population not only leads to increased morbidity, but also increased mortality. Lack of bone homeostasis also leads to mineral imbalance contributing to cardiovascular calcifications. One area understudied is the possible involvement of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) during the progression of CKD-MBD.

BMAT accumulation is found during aging and in several disease states, some of which overlap as CKD etiologies. Importantly, research has found presence of BMAT inversely correlates with bone density and volume.

Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms for BMAT formation and accumulation during CKD-MBD may offer a potential therapeutic avenue to improve bone homeostasis and ultimately mineral metabolism.