Key result
Higher estimated pulse wave velocity linked to ~2.4-fold higher odds of proteinuria in MASLD.
Why the study?
Studies exploring the association between estimated pulse wave velocity and dipstick proteinuria in patients with MASLD are scarce despite MASLD's link to increased CKD risk.
Is higher estimated pulse wave velocity associated with an increased odds of dipstick proteinuria in young adults with MASLD?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,641)
No
Is higher estimated pulse wave velocity associated with an increased odds of dipstick proteinuria in young adults with MASLD?
Odds Ratio: 2.44 (95% CI 1.2–5.67)
p-value: p=0.002
Higher estimated pulse wave velocity is independently associated with an increased odds of dipstick proteinuria in young adults with MASLD, highlighting a potential link between arterial stiffness and early renal microvascular stress.
Higher ePWV may flag proteinuria risk in young MASLD adults; extends arterial stiffness-renal observations but leaves causal utility open.
Introduction The estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is a non—invasive surrogate measure of arterial stiffness that has been associated with cardiovascular risk and renal abnormalities. However, studies exploring the association between ePWV and dipstick proteinuria in patients with metabolic dysfunction—associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—a condition associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD)—are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association between ePWV and dipstick proteinuria in patients with MASLD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1,641 MASLD patients from a cohort of individuals who underwent health check-ups at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. ePWV was calculated using an established equation based on age and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Participants were stratified based on ePWV tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between ePWV and dipstick proteinuria, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, and comorbid conditions. Subgroup analyses were performed according to sex, diabetes, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, H. pylori infection, and urolithiasis. Results Unadjusted and adjusted models consistently showed that higher ePWV was associated with higher odds of dipstick proteinuria. In the highest ePWV tertile, the odds of dipstick proteinuria were higher compared to the lowest tertile (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.20-5.67, P for trend = 0.002). Subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant interaction by dyslipidemia status, with a stronger association observed among participants without dyslipidemia (OR: 4.59, 95% CI: 2.18-9.76, P = 0.001), while no statistically significant interactions were detected for sex, hyperuricemia, H. pylori infection, diabetes mellitus, or urolithiasis. Discussion Higher ePWV was associated with an increased likelihood of dipstick proteinuria among patients with MASLD. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether ePWV is associated with subsequent urinary protein abnormalities and kidney outcomes.
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Zhang et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (n=1,641). Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) vs. Lowest ePWV tertile (4.96 to <6.57 m/s) was evaluated on Dipstick proteinuria (urinalysis result of ≥ 1+) (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.20-5.67, p=0.002). In young adults with MASLD, the highest tertile of estimated pulse wave velocity was associated with significantly increased odds of dipstick proteinuria (OR 2.44) compared to the lowest tertile.
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