Cystatin C and Other Biochemical Indices of Renal Function in Apparently Healthy Undergraduate Students of a Public University in Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, with inadequate research attention on its pathogenesis in adolescents. Early identification of CKD risk factors could help in averting the onset of the disease as well as its timely management. Aim and Objective: This study was designed to determine serum levels of cystatin C and certain biochemical indices of renal function in apparently healthy undergraduate students of Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: One hundred apparently healthy undergraduate students aged 15 and 24 years were randomly enrolled into this cross-sectional study. They comprised 45 males and 55 females. Blood pressure and anthropometry indices, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference (HC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR), were determined by standard methods. Serum obtained from 5 ml of fasting venous blood of each participant was used for the determination of cystatin C, creatinine, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), uric acid, and total protein. Data were analyzed using Student’s t -test and Pearson correlation coefficient, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: BMI, HC, WHR, pulse pressure, and GGT were significantly higher in females in comparison to males ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of cystatin C in both genders. Cystatin C correlated positively with weight in both male and female participants. Cystatin C also correlated positively with BMI in males, as well as HC in females in this study. Conclusion: The nonsignificant difference in cystatin C levels in the male and female participants may be due to their apparently healthy status. The correlation of cystatin C with weight, BMI, and HC supports its association with general and central obesity.