Does elastin deficiency cause chronic kidney disease?

Elastin deficiency in aging and disease is linked to increased vascular stiffness and hypertension, which are both associated with chronic kidney disease. Owens et al. show that alterations in renal arteries and kidney structure precede or are independent of hypertension in elastin haploinsufficient mice. This commentary addresses the authors’ findings in light of the relationships between elastin amounts, vascular stiffness, and pressure wave reflection and transmission in the kidney vasculature.