A Novel Player in Atherosclerotic Diseases in Renal Patients: Tumor Necrosis Factor-like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK)

Cardiovascular disease is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Atherosclerosis has a very important role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Tumor Necrosis factor- Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) is a glycoprotein that belongs to the TNF superfamily. TWEAK plays important roles in cellular proliferation, growth, migration, osteoclastogenesis, angiogenesis and apoptosis. In the recent years, TWEAK has been suggested to have a role in atherosclerosis. While it is known that TWEAK levels are decreased in patient with renal failure, its association with atherosclerosis is not well-defi ned. This review focuses on the association of TWEAK with atherosclerosis in patients with renal patients.