BAX and chronic kidney disease: There was no significant difference in the LV expression of selected apoptosis-associated markers (Bcl-2 Associated X-protein [Bax], B-Cell CLL/lymphoma-2 apoptosis regulator [Bcl2], Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and caspase-7 [Casp7]) between the CKD-only and sham groups (Fig. 7a–d).