Hypertensive nephropathy (HTN), a significant complication of hypertension, often progresses to kidney failure due to delayed diagnosis. This study investigated the potential of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as an early, non-invasive biomarker for detecting HTN.

Fifty-one sex-matched patients aged 18–79 from Negros Oriental were categorized into three groups: non-hypertensive, hypertensive, and hypertensive nephropathy. Serum HIF-1α levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while renal function markers were assessed through colorimetric assays and CKD-EPI calculations.

Results showed significantly higher HIF-1α levels in hypertensive and HTN patients compared to non-hypertensive patients. A significant moderate positive correlation was observed between HIF-1α and creatinine, and a moderate negative correlation with eGFR. However, within groups, HIF-1α did not significantly correlate with renal function markers, suggesting its potential role as an early biomarker of hypertensive nephropathy rather than a direct indicator of kidney function decline. HIF-1α appeared to rise early and plateau as kidney damage advanced, consistent with its function as an early responder to hypoxic injury.

These findings support the potential use of HIF-1α as a supplementary biomarker for early detection of HTN to facilitate timely clinical intervention and prevent progression to kidney failure.