Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an established global health problem,
with the increased prevalence of vascular inflammation, accelerated atherogenesis,
and thrombotic risk all contributing to overall cardiovascular risk. The major CKD-specific
risk factor is presumed to be the accumulation of uremic toxins in circulation and
tissues, further accelerating the progression of CKD and its co-morbidities, including
those of bone mineral disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods:
In our narrative review, we focused on non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors,
as they evolve with declined kidney function and are potentially further modulated
by the choice of kidney replacement therapy. Results: Based on the data from the literature
to date, the pre-eminent role of non-traditional risk factors emerges to mediate inflammation
and increased cardiovascular mortality. In particular, patients receiving hemodialysis
(HD) display dramatically increased CVD-mediated mortality. This intensified state
of inflammation may be linked to the direct exposure of the bloodstream to a bio-incompatible
environment in HD; for both complement-mediated and non-complement-mediated reactions,
the possible contribution of neutrophil extracellular traps and complement activation-related
pseudoallergy are reviewed in detail. Conclusions: Our narrative review emphasizes
key elements of a bio-incompatible HD environment that may contribute to increased
cardiovascular mortality in patients receiving HD. Summarizing these results may provide
conceptual opportunities to develop new therapeutic targets.
