Hypertension can cause structural changes in the kidneys even without additional type 2 diabetes, latest research has revealed.
A new study from the Medical University of Vienna has found that high blood sugar can lead to abnormalities in the podocytes – cells that line the outer surface of glomerular capillaries in the kidneys.
Early detection and consistent treatment of hypertension is critical in order to combat the development of kidney damage, experts have said.
As part of the trial, the team of researchers examined the kidney health of 99 adults, some of whom had arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
They analysed unaffected renal tissue samples taken from tumour nephrectomies – surgery to remove a kidney or in part to treat a kidney tumour.
To measure the size and density of the podocytes and the volume of the renal corpuscles in the tissue samples, the scientists used modern imaging and computer-assisted methods.
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Podocytes form a crucial part of the glomerular filtration barrier and playing a vital role in filtering blood, with their size and density highlighting the health of the kidney tissue.
Senior author Christopher Paschen said: “The results show that patients with hypertension have a reduced density of podocytes compared to healthy controls and that their cell nuclei are enlarged compared to those of healthy controls.”
Fellow authors Rainer Oberbauer and Heinz Regele said: “Early detection and treatment could help to slow the progression of kidney disease and prevent long-term damage.”
Chronic kidney disease is commonly caused by hypertension and type 2 diabetes, research has reported.
Read the full study in the journal Hypertension.
