Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive loss of renal function and high cardiovascular risk. Microalbuminuria reflects glomerular and endothelial injury and is widely used for risk stratification. Oxidative stress has been implicated in CKD progression, yet the relationship between systemic antioxidant defenses and microalbuminuria across CKD stages requires clearer clinical characterization. Objective: To evaluate stage-wise changes in antioxidant biomarkers and to determine their association with microalbuminuria among CKD patients. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 60 CKD patients spanning stages 1–5. Participants were grouped as early CKD (stages 1–2), moderate CKD (stage 3), and advanced CKD (stages 4–5). Enzymatic antioxidants—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Microalbuminuria was measured using the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR). Stage-wise comparisons, correlation analysis, and multivariate linear regression were performed, adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, and CKD stage. Results: Antioxidant biomarkers showed a significant progressive decline with advancing CKD stage (all p < 0.001), while ACR increased markedly across stages (p < 0.001). TAC demonstrated the strongest inverse correlation with ACR (r = −0.50, p < 0.001), followed by GPx (r = −0.48, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, TAC (β = −0.40, p < 0.001) and GPx (β = −0.35, p = 0.002) remained independent negative predictors of microalbuminuria, whereas CKD stage (β = +0.45, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (β = +0.20, p = 0.01) were positive predictors. Conclusion: Declining antioxidant defense is independently associated with microalbuminuria in CKD, supporting oxidative imbalance as a mechanistic contributor to albuminuric renal injury.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of individuals at increased risk is essential for timely intervention. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, reflects early atherosclerotic changes and has emerged as a reliable, non-invasive marker of systemic atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Aims: To evaluate carotid intima–media thickness as an independent predictor of coronary artery disease and to assess its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational case–control study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, BKL Walawalkar rural medical college, Chiplun, Ratnagiri. The study included 52 angiographically confirmed CAD cases and 26 age- and gender-matched controls without CAD. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical investigations, and carotid ultrasonography for measurement of CIMT, carotid plaque, and degree of carotid stenosis. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between CIMT and CAD. Results: Mean CIMT was significantly higher in CAD cases compared to controls. Carotid plaque was present in 65.38% of cases versus 23% of controls (p < 0.05). CAD cases showed significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, post-prandial blood sugar, and body mass index, with lower HDL-C levels. Moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis was observed exclusively among cases, supporting the role of increased CIMT as an independent predictor of CAD.