The study of biological, behavioral, ethnic , environmental, and genetic factors affecting the incidence, progression of CKD, and the risk of developing adverse outcomes in patients with CKD

The worldwide incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. Considering that CKD is a disease associated with a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, a high risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring chronic dialysis, which is a therapy associated with substantial economic burden, early prevention, identification, and management of CKD is imperative. Moreover, given that associations between risk factors and CKD are remarkably complex, from the preventive perspective, identification of potentially preventable risk factors is essential in reducing the economic and clinical burden of CKD.
In the present study, we will utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to study the biological, behavioral, ethnic, environmental, and genetic factors affecting the incidence, progression of CKD, and the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with CKD. Quantitative data will not only include results of laboratory test results, but will also include data related to health outcomes to assess risk of adverse outcomes. In order to examine genetic susceptibility to the development and progression of CKD, we will use genomics data that include single nucleotide polymorphisms, genotype and imputation data. Using the genomics data, we plan to perform genetic risk score-based one, two sample Mendelian randomization analyses in order to test causality. In order to assess behavioral and environmental factors that may affect the incidence and progression of CKD, we will be utilizing qualitative data that include food preferences, mental health, work environment questionnaires, as well as local environment and physical activity measurements. Moreover, considering the possibility that there could be heterogeneity of the study findings across different ethnic populations, we will aim to cross-validate study findings with the Korean genome and epidemiology study (KoGES) cohort data, which is a nationwide, large, prospective cohort study funded by the South Korean government, as well as the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database.
By studying the biological, behavioral, ethnic, environmental, and genetic factors affecting the incidence, progression of CKD and risk of adverse outcomes in patients with CKD, we hope that the results of our research can shed new light on risk factors of CKD and its associated adverse outcomes, and therefore reduce the global health burden of CKD.