Low sex hormone-binding globulin levels and reduced risk of chronic kidney disease in adults

Investigation on the association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and chronic kidney injury are few. However, the evidence supporting this finding is limited and controversial. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects SHBG had on chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 8,742 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2013–2016) were selected in the present study. CKD was viewed as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g.A significant association between SHBG (log2 transform) and the prevalence of CKD was observed based on a full adjustment model (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1. 14- 1.49). For ensuring the robustness of the results, the analysis of subgroups stratified by gender and age, and the results were still stable in a series of sensitive analysis (p for trend < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed of serum SHBG with kidney impairment among both males and females. Causation and potential mechanisms should be further investigated in future prospective cohort studies and basic researches.