Fibroblast growth factor 23 and uremic vascular calcification: Is it time to escalate from biomarker status to pathogenic agent?

Abstract

Although epidemiologic associations have been informative, the elucidation of the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires testing with robust experimental models. Jimbo et al. used animal and cell-culture models to query whether FGF23 is a direct 'vasculotoxin.' We discuss the interpretation of their findings. At this juncture, much remains unanswered about the significance of FGF23 elevation in CKD. © 2014 International Society of Nephrology.