Hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress during dialysis treatment

Background/Aims. The concomitant presence of hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress may represent a determinant factor for the occurrence of vascular alterations and cardiac diseases, the main cause of death among dialysis patients. The aim was to analyze the occurrence of hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress and their possible relationship in dialysis patients. Methods. Antioxidant substances, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 were determined in blood from 32 patients on hemodialysis (HD), 21 patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 12 healthy individuals. Results. Different degrees of hyperhomocysteinemia were observed in all HD patients and in 95% of the PD patients (45.30 +/- 24.89 muM in HD and 35.50 +/- 26.53 muM in PD). Oxidative stress defined as an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant forces was observed in all dialysis patients, but was more intense in HD individuals. In this group, lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation were associated with lower concentrations of antioxidants such as erythrocyte vitamin E and vitamin C. Conclusions. Hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress occur in both types of dialysis treatment, possibly contributing to the establishment of complications in these patients.