To investigate the relationship between physical activity, serum irisin levels, and vascular calcification in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Approach:
Study Design: Cross-sectional study involving 326 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Assessment Methods: Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; serum irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Statistical Analysis: Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to examine associations; causal mediation analysis estimated the mediation effect of irisin.
Key Findings:
Patients with severe vascular calcification had significantly lower physical activity levels and serum irisin compared to those without severe calcification.
Higher physical activity and higher irisin levels were independently associated with lower odds of severe vascular calcification.
Irisin mediated approximately 60.8% of the total association between physical activity and severe vascular calcification.
Interpretation:
The study identifies independent links between physical activity, higher irisin levels, and lower severe vascular calcification risk in hemodialysis patients, with irisin mediating a significant portion of this association.
Limitations:
Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Study conducted at a single center may affect generalizability.
Potential confounding factors not fully accounted for.
Conclusion:
Further longitudinal and interventional research is needed to confirm causality and underlying mechanisms.
