Indole-3-acetic acid correlates with monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) in chronic kidney disease patients

Purpose Indole-3-acetic acid is a protein-bound indolic uremic toxin deriving from tryptophan metabolism. Increased levels are associated with higher thrombotic risk and both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. An emerging biomarker of cardiovascular disease is the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the association of indole-3-acetic acid with MHR and other markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We enrolled 61 non-dialysis CKD patients and 6 dialysis patients. Indole-3-acetic acid levels were measured with ELISA technique. Results In the whole cohort of 67 patients, indole-3-acetic acid was directly related to Ca × P ( ρ = 0.256; P = 0.0365) and MHR ( ρ = 0.321; P = 0.0082). In the 40 patients with previous cardiovascular events, indole-3-acetic acid correlated with uric acid ( r = 0.3952; P = 0.0116) and MHR ( ρ = 0.380; P = 0.0157). MHR was related with fibrinogen ( ρ = 0.426; P = 0.0010), arterial hypertension ( ρ = 0.274; P = 0.0251), C-reactive protein ( ρ = 0.332; P = 0.0061), gender ( ρ = − 0.375; P = 0.0017; 0 = male, 1 = female), and CKD stage ( ρ = 0.260; P = 0.0337). A multiple regression analysis suggested that indole-3-acetic acid might be an independent predictor of MHR. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between indole-3-acetic acid and MHR. Prospective studies are required to evaluate if decreasing indole-3-acetic acid concentrations may reduce MHR levels and cardiovascular events and improve clinical outcomes.