Lin J, Tang B, Feng Z, et al. - Correlation of decreased CD19(+)CD5(+) and CD19(+)CD5(−) B lymphocytes with atherosclerosis and worse survival was found in this study, suggesting that B lymphocytes might involve in atherosclerosis and associated the prognosis of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD).

• This is an analysis of 219 patients (143 moderate-to-severe CKD patients with stage 3–4 and 76 non-CKD controls) for the potential roles of B lymphocyte populations in subclinical atherosclerosis and prognosis in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.

• Elevated IMT (intima-media thickness) and reduced levels of CD19(+)CD5(+) and CD19(+)CD5(−) B cells were seen in CKD patients.

• Positive correlation of IMT with systolic blood pressure, protein/creatinine ratio and diabetes was found, and IMT was negatively correlated with CD19(+)CD5(+) and CD19(+)CD5(−) B lymphocytes.

• A significant independent link of CD19(+)CD5(−) B cells with IMT was also identified.

• Raised IMT was seen in lower level of total CD19(+) B cells (≤ 0.06 × 10 ⁹ /L) and CD19(+)CD5(−) B cells (≤ 0.05 × 10 ⁹ /L).

• Worse survival and a higher risk of all-cause mortality was noted in those with lower levels of CD19(+)CD5(+) and CD19(+)CD5(−) B cells.