Figure 5. Dialysis rescues pathological phenotype in skeletal muscle associated with CKD.

ECM collagen content (A) (n = 32), densely packed collagen (B) (n = 31), loosely packed collagen (C) (n = 31), and total muscle collagen assayed biochemically (D) (n = 29) are lower in subjects who have undergone dialysis compared with patients with advanced CKD. Total satellite cell abundance (E) (n = 33), the distance between satellite cells and their nearest capillary (F) (n = 31), and the CFPE ratio (G) (n = 27) are altered in patients who have undergone dialysis compared with those with advanced CKD, with a restoration toward control values. Data in A–G include only control, CKD stage 4/5, and dialysis patients. CKD stages 4/5 represent a subset of total CKD patients as presented in Figures 1 and 2 who have an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Comparisons made using mixed effects models. Satellite cell abundance is negatively associated with densely packed collagen content (H) (n = 37). Spearman coefficient calculated to test correlation. *P < 0.05 compared with CKD stages 4/5. ^#P < 0.05 compared with control.