The effect of an iron supplement on serum aluminum level and desferrioxamine mobilization test in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The serum aluminum (Al) measurement with desferrioxamine (DFO) mobilization is a screening test for uremic patients with an Al overload. In these patients, body iron status is one of the factors affecting the serum Al level. This study is designed to elucidate the effects of iron supplements on the serum Al and the DFO mobilization test. METHODS: Our study featured ten hemodialysis patients with iron deficiency anemia. The iron supplement was given intravenously with saccharated ferric oxide, 40 mg three times weekly, at the end of each hemodialysis. The total amount of iron supplement was 1,000 mg. All the patients underwent a DFO test at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The same test was repeated two weeks after completion of the iron supplement. RESULTS: After the iron supplement, patients' iron deficiency anemia improved with a serum ferritin elevation from 312.4 +/- 589.5 to 748.2 +/- 566.2 microg/L (p < 0.01), and iron saturation from 21.6 +/- 20.3 to 41.1 +/- 21.7% (p = 0.06). The basal serum Al level decreased from 34.3 +/- 13.8 to 21.8 +/- 8.5 microg/L (p = 0.01). In the DFO mobilization test, the peak serum Al level decreased from 63.4 +/- 19.3 to 50.7 +/- 20.5 microg/L (p < 0.01). The amount of Al increment (deltaAl) in DFO test was not changed (29.1 +/- 12.0 vs. 28.9 +/- 15.9 microg/L, p = 0.86). The change in basal Al level tended to negatively correlate with the percentage of increment in iron saturation (r = -0.628, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results in this study suggest that iron supplements may significantly reduce the basal serum Al and peak Al in DFO mobilization test, without significant change of the mean deltaAl. The data presented indicate that in the interpretation of serum aluminum levels the iron status should be taken into account.     

Effect of body iron stores on serum aluminum level in hemodialysis patients.

To evaluate the influence of body iron stores on the serum aluminum (Al) level, we studied the correlation between iron status (the serum ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation) and serum Al levels in 68 severely anemic hemodialysis patients. Among them, 36 underwent the desferrioxamine (DFO) mobilization test. These 68 patients were divided into three groups according to their serum ferritin level. The basal Al level in the patient group was 41.4 +/- 37.4 micrograms/l (control, 4.1 +/- 2.4 micrograms/l). The serum Al level after DFO infusion of the patient group was 111.1 +/- 86.8 micrograms/l. A significantly higher basal Al and peak Al level after DFO infusion were found in group 1 patients (serum ferritin less than 300 micrograms/l) when compared to group 2 (serum ferritin 300-1,000 micrograms/l) and group 3 (serum ferritin greater than 1,000 micrograms/l) patients. A significant negative correlation between serum ferritin and basal serum Al (r = -0.544, p = 0.0001), as well as peak serum Al after DFO infusion (r = -0.556, p = 0.0001), was noted. Similarly, a negative relationship between serum Al (both basal and peak) and either serum iron or transferrin saturation was noted. However, there was no correlation between the serum Al level and the dosage of aluminum hydroxide. In conclusion, serum ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation were inversely correlated with serum Al in our hemodialysis patients. Iron deficiency may probably increase Al accumulation in these patients.     

Lipid Peroxidation Products Formation with Various Intravenous Iron Preparations in Chronic Kidney Disease

The role of intravenous iron in contributing to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is debatable. The present study assessed differences in fasting plasma malondialdehyde (pMDA) levels 30 minutes before and after intravenous infusion of low molecular weight iron dextran (ID) (n = 19), iron-sucrose (IS) (n = 20), and sodium ferrigluconate complex (SFGC) (n = 20) in stage 3 and 4 CKD patients. Post-infusion pMDA levels were significantly raised with respect to baseline (p < 0.001). pMDA was significantly higher in the SFGC group vs. IS (3.02 ± 0.84 μmol/L vs. 2.82 ± 0.44 μmol/L, p = 0.034) or SFGC vs. ID (3.02 ± 0.84 μmol/L vs. 2.92 ± 0.20 μmol/L, p = 0.048). There was no difference between IS vs. ID (2.82 ± 0.44 μmol/L vs. 2.92 ± 0.20 μmol/L, p = 0.21). To conclude, all forms of parenteral iron, especially SFGC, significantly raise pMDA levels in the immediate post-transfusion period.     

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Southern Chinese Renal Transplant Recipients

Vitamin D deficiency is common globally. There is evidence that vitamin D status may be related to immune function and cardiovascular disease. The vitamin D status of Chinese kidney transplant recipients has never been investigated. We performed a cross-sectional study and measured the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in 94 Chinese renal transplant recipients with stable allograft function. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were detected in 43.6% and 54.2% of patients, respectively. About 53.2% of the patients also had elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The level of 25(OH)D was lower in kidney transplant recipients compared with healthy controls matched for age and sex (52.5 ± 15.6 nmol/L vs. 57.5 ± 19.0 nmol/L, p = 0.05), but the level of serum creatinine was higher in kidney transplant recipients (120.3 ± 48.5 μmol/L and 78.3 ± 15.3 μmol/L, p < 0.01). The level of 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with that of PTH (p = 0.001). The latter was associated with serum creatinine (p = 0.001) and duration of dialysis (p = 0.001). Patients with a history of acute rejection showed lower levels of 25(OH)D (45.3 ± 11.9 nmol/L vs. 54.2 ± 16.0 nmol/L, p = 0.003). We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Chinese renal transplant recipients. In view of the potential immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D, the relationship between vitamin D level and rejection and the effect of vitamin D supplementation in renal transplant recipients warrant further investigations.     

Efficacy of low‐dose i.v. iron therapy in haemodialysis patients

Aim: i.v. iron therapy is more effective in maintaining adequate iron status in haemodialysis (HD) patients than oral iron therapy (OIT). However, data on lower doses of i.v. iron therapy are insufficient. Methods: A non‐randomized, open‐label study was performed to compare the efficacy of low‐dose (≤50 mg/week of iron sucrose) i.v. iron therapy (LD‐IVIT) with OIT in HD patients with 100–800 µg/L serum ferritin levels over 4 months. Results: Eighty‐nine patients in the LD‐IVIT group (40 men, 49 women; aged 61 ± 13 years) and 30 patients in the oral iron therapy group (17 men, 13 women; aged 59 ± 7 years) were evaluated. After 4 months of each treatment, serum ferritin levels increased from 398 ± 137 to 529 ± 234 µg/L in the LD‐IVIT group (P < 0.01) but decreased from 351 ± 190 to 294 ± 175 µg/L in the OIT group (P < 0.01). In the LD‐IVIT group, transferrin saturation (from 28% ± 11% to 30% ± 14%, P = 0.49), weekly doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (from 5822 ± 2354 to 5636 ± 2306 IU/week, P = 0.48) and haemoglobin (from 101 ± 9 to 103 ± 9 g/L, P = 0.15) levels remained stable. Conclusion: LD‐IVIT may be one of the regimens that may be considered for maintaining iron status in HD patients. However, efficacy of LD‐IVIT should be verified by further randomized study.     

Pentoxifylline improves haemoglobin and interleukin‐6 levels in chronic kidney disease

Aim: To assess whether pentoxifylline improves anaemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) via suppression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and improved iron mobilization. Background: CKD patients may have elevated IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels. These cytokines can increase hepcidin production, which in turn reduces iron release from macrophages resulting in reduced availability of iron for erythropoiesis. In experimental models, pentoxifylline was shown to reduce IL‐6 expression. Methods: We studied 14 patients with stages 4–5 CKD (glomerular filtration rate <30mL/min per 1.73 m²) due to non‐inflammatory renal diseases. None of the patients had received immunosuppressive or erythropoietin‐stimulating agents or parenteral iron. Patients had weekly blood tests for iron studies and cytokines during a control run‐in period of 3 weeks and during 4 weeks of pentoxifylline treatment. Results: Ten patients (eGFR 23 ± 6 mL/min) completed the study. At the end of the run‐in period average haemoglobin was 111 ± 5 g/L, ferritin 92 ± 26 µg/L, transferrin saturation 15 ± 3% and circulating IL‐6 10.6 ± 3.8 pg/mL. Tumour necrosis factor alpha values were below threshold for detection. Treatment with pentoxifylline reduced circulating IL‐6 (6.6 ± 1.6 pg/mL, P < 0.01), increased transferrin saturation (20 ± 5%, P < 0.003) and decreased serum ferritin (81 ± 25 µg/L, P = NS). Haemoglobin increased after the second week of pentoxifylline, reaching 123 ± 6 g/L by week 4 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Pentoxifylline reduces circulating IL‐6 and improves haemoglobin in non‐inflammatory moderate to severe CKD. These changes are associated with changes in circulating transferrin saturation and ferritin, suggesting improved iron release. It is hypothesized that pentoxifylline improves iron disposition possibly through modulation of hepcidin.     

去铁胺对输血相关性铁过载患者骨密度的影响

目的观察输血相关铁过载患者在使用去铁胺(DFO)降铁治疗后骨密度的变化,探讨去铁胺对铁过载骨质疏松患者辅助治疗的应用前景。方法回顾性研究22例输血相关铁过载患者临床资料,检测患者DFO降铁治疗前后的骨密度和血清生化指标。采用配对样本t检验、Wilcoxon非参数检验分析研究患者DFO降铁治疗前后骨密度以及血清生化指标的变化。结果进行DFO有效的铁螯合治疗后,患者血清铁蛋白(Fer)明显下降,由基线水平的2019.95±630.77 ng/m L降至843.61±91.01 ng/m L(P0.05);股骨颈和腰椎的骨密度明显增加,分别由基线水平的0.73±0.12 g/cm2、0.92±0.14 g/cm2增加至0.77±0.09 g/cm2、0.94±0.14 g/cm2(P0.05);骨量正常、骨量减少和骨质疏松患者分别由治疗前的4、12、6例变为治疗后的10、11、1例(P0.05)。结论 DFO降铁治疗可改善输血相关铁过载患者的低骨量状态。本研究为DFO可能用于伴有铁过载的骨质疏松症的辅助治疗提供了有意义的支撑。     

The Association between Serum Adiponectin Levels and Nutritional Status of Hemodialysis Patients

Adiponectin plays an important role in the regulation of body weight, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response. Adiponectin is elevated in hemodialysis patients. We investigated the association between altered serum adiponectin levels and the nutritional–inflammation status of hemodialysis patients. Forty-four hemodialysis patients (21 men and 23 women; mean age 53.9 ± 9.2 years) were enrolled and 32 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Serum adiponectin was measured using a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. Serum albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, urea, creatinine, transferrin, lean body mass, fat mass, body mass index (BMI), the subjective global assessment (SGA) score, and the malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS) were measured in all patients. Adiponectin levels were significantly elevated in the hemodialysis patients compared with the healthy subjects (24.8 ± 10.4 μg/mL and 6.8 ± 4.2 μg/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001). Serum adiponectin correlated positively with SGA (r = 0.47) and MIS (r = 0.38), and negatively with BMI (r = ?0.34), triglyceride (r = ?0.53), and glucose levels (r = ?0.42). Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in malnourished patients than in well-nourished patients when assessed with SGA (20.5 ± 10.4 μg/mL and 29.0 ± 8.7 μg/mL, respectively, p = 0.005). In conclusion, serum adiponectin levels reflect the nutritional–inflammation status of hemodialysis patients. Adiponectin may also be associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory response in these patients.     

Relationships between Brain Natriuretic Peptide,Troponin I and QT Dispersion in Asymptomatic Dialysis Patients

Objectives. The relationships between increased wall stress, myocyte death, and ventricular repolarization instability in patients with heart failure were reported. Design and Methods. The relationships between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a predictor of increased wall stress of hearth; troponin I (cTnI), a predictor of myocyte death; and QT dispersion (QT_d), a reflection of ventricular repolarization instability were evaluated in age- and sex-matched asymptomatic 29 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 26 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and the finding were compared. Results. Serum BNP and cTnI levels in HD patients (722.9 ± 907.9 pg/mL, 0.05 ± 0.07 μg/L, respectively), just before HD, were significantly higher than those of PD patients (255.4 ± 463.7 pg/mL, 0.02 ± 0.02 μg/L, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups with regard to corrected QT_d and maximum and minimum QT intervals (p > 0.05). Serum cTnI levels were significantly and positively correlated with serum BNP levels in both dialysis groups (r = 0.447, p = 0.048). No relationship was found between plasma BNP and ECG parameters studied in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Increased serum cTnI levels were associated with elevated BNP levels in both dialysis groups. The increases in BNP and troponin I are more likely to reflect hypervolemia. Although CAPD patients were receiving dialysis daily and HD patients were more hypervolemic, CAPD patients have similar QT_dc and accordingly a similar tendency toward arrhythmias. This suggests that factors other than electromechanical interaction may be important in determining the QT interval length in patients on dialysis.     

The effects of zinc supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled trial

This study was performed to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer. The current randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients (aged 40–85 years old) with grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (30 participants in each group) to take either 220 mg zinc sulfate supplements containing 50 mg elemental zinc or placebo daily for 12 weeks. After the 12‐week intervention, compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation was associated with significant reductions in ulcer length (?1.5 ± 0.7 vs. ?0.9 ± 1.2 cm, p = 0.02) and width (?1.4 ± 0.8 vs. ?0.8 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.02). In addition, changes in fasting plasma glucose (?40.5 ± 71.0 vs. ?3.9 ± 48.5 mg/dl, p = 0.02), serum insulin concentration (?8.0 ± 15.4 vs. +1.1 ± 10.3 µIU/ml, p = 0.009), homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (?3.9 ± 7.1 vs. +0.8 ± 5.9, p = 0.007), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.03 vs. ?0.002 ± 0.02, p = 0.04) and HbA1c (?0.5 ± 0.8 vs. ?0.1 ± 0.5%, p = 0.01) in the supplemented group were significantly different from the changes in these indicators in the placebo group. Additionally, significant increases in serum HDL‐cholesterol (+4.1 ± 4.3 vs. +1.1 ± 5.1 mg/dl, p = 0.01), plasma total antioxidant capacity (+91.7 ± 213.9 vs. ?111.9 ± 188.7 mmol/L, p < 0.01) and total glutathione (+68.1 ± 140.8 vs. ?35.0 ± 136.1 µmol/L, p = 0.006), and significant decreases in high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (?20.4 ± 24.6 vs. ?6.8 ± 21.3 µg/ml, p = 0.02) and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations (?0.6 ± 0.9 vs. ?0.2 ± 0.7 µmol/L, p = 0.03) were seen following supplementation with zinc compared with the placebo. Zinc supplementation for 12 weeks among diabetic foot ulcer patients had beneficial effects on parameters of ulcer size and metabolic profiles.     

Assessment of baseline rates of functional and absolute iron deficiency in bariatric surgery candidates: a retrospective study

BackgroundPreoperative optimization of iron status is a priority in candidates for bariatric surgery. Inflammation is strongly associated with obesity, and as a consequence, functional iron deficiency (ID) is potentially an underreported issue in surgical candidates.ObjectivesIn light of updated practice guidelines, to retrospectively review preoperative iron status in an Irish cohort of bariatric surgery candidates, taking account of the relative incidence rate of functional ID.SettingA tertiary care obesity service with bariatric surgery referral in Ireland.MethodsBaseline nutritional biochemistry records were reviewed between February 2017 and February 2020 in a hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Absolute ID was defined as serum ferritin <30 μg/L; functional ID was defined as ferritin, 30 to 100 μg/L, in the presence of C-reactive protein >5 mg/L. Anemia was indexed with reference to hemoglobin and qualified by vitamin B12 and folate status to rule out anemia unrelated to primary ID.ResultsThe analysis included 120 patients, 68% female, 49.6 ± 9.3 years, and body mass index, 52.0 ± 9.6 kg/m². The prevalence of absolute and functional ID was 11.7% and 30.8%, respectively (P = .0003). Anemia was associated with absolute ID and functional ID in 14.3% and 10.8% of patients (P = .29). Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency occurred in <5% of patients.ConclusionIn patients seeking bariatric surgery for severe obesity, the prevalence of baseline functional ID is substantial and can be associated with anemia. These findings raise queries with regard to how best to optimize preoperative iron status in the context of ongoing inflammation.     

Correlation of Serum Lead Levels with Inflammation,Nutritional Status,and Clinical Complications in Hemodialysis Patients

The aim of this study was to determine blood lead level (BLL) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and their relation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and albumin which are inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, respectively, and clinical complications. A total of 93 patients, who were dialyzed at least for 3 months, were included in the study. Blood samples were collected before HD and BLL was measured and categorized as three equal groups: low normal (BLL < 8 μg/dL), middle normal (BLL = 8–10.6 μg/dL), and high normal (BLL > 10.6 μg/dL). All patients had normal BLL, 9.7 ± 3.4 g/dL. Patients with abnormal hsCRP level (>3 mg/L) had higher BLL than other patients (16.4 ± 0.8 vs. 11.5 ± 2.7 mg/L, p = 0.003). Patients with BLL > 10.6 μg/dL had significantly lower hemoglobin, ferritin, iron, and albumin levels and higher hsCRP and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels than the patients with BLL < 8 μg/dL. In addition, BLL revealed a significant positive correlation with duration of dialysis. We concluded that BLL associated to inflammation, malnutritional status, iron-deficiency condition, and high iPTH level in HD patients.     

Enoxaparin Effect on Malondialdehyde Levels in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study was established to assess the effects of low dose enoxaparin on plasma malondialdehyde levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a model of ischemia–reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomized into two groups of 25 patients in each. In enoxaparin group, patients had 20 mg/0.2 ml subcutaneous (sc) enoxaparin 2 hr before surgery. Blood samples were obtained for malondialdehyde, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, measurements before the insufflation, 1 min before deflation, and 20 min after deflation. Results: Plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were insignificant between enoxaparin and control groups before insufflation (1.64 ± 2.66 vs. 2.45 ± 4.42 μmol l^?1; p = 0.44) and 1 min before deflation (1.55 ± 2.61 vs. 3.66 ± 5.68 μmol l^?1; p = 0.38). Malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in control group 20 min after deflation in respect to enoxaparin group (1.52 ± 2.67 vs. 6.04 ± 7.85 μmol l^?1), (p = 0.049). In control group, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations increased significantly compared with initial level throughout the study (p = 0.001). Within enoxaparin group, no statistically significant change was observed (p = 0.28). Plasma alanine transferase and aspartate transferase levels increased similarly in both groups during the study (p > 0.05). Alanine transferase and aspartate transferase increases within each group were statistically significant for all times (p < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusions: As a conclusion, mini dose of enoxaparin used sc'ly 2 hr before the operation, prevented the malondialdehyde increase during reperfusion period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without causing any bleeding disorder while having no effect on serum alanine transferase, aspartate transferase increase.     

Desferrioxamine improves burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) proliferation in haemodialysis patients

Background: In chronic renal failure, desferrioxamine (DFO) may improve erythropoiesis independent from its aluminium (Al) chelating effect. The mechanism of this action is still unknown. Methods: To verify whether DFO influences proliferation of erythropoietic precursors, we studied 10 patients on chronic haemodialysis, free from malignancies or other haematological diseases, iron deficiency, bone marrow fibrosis, and Al toxicity. Al accumulation was excluded by the DFO test. Peripheral blood samples were drawn for basal burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) assay. Mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation with Ficoll-Hypaque, and incubated for 15 days with three different experimental conditions: (a) low-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) (3 U/ml); (b) high dose rHuEpo, (30 U/ml); (c) both DFO (167 &mgr;g/ml) and rHuEpo (3 U/ml). We determined TIBC, transferrin, ferritin, reticulocytes, hypochromic erythrocytes, soluble transferrin receptor (sTR), haemoglobin (Hb), and haematocrit (Hct) at baseline and then every 14 days. Patients received 5 mg/kg DFO infused during the last hour of each dialysis session for 6 weeks; six patients remained in the study for an additional 6 more weeks. BFU-E assays were set up after 6 and 12 weeks of DFO therapy. Results: At baseline DFO had small effect on BFU-E proliferation (33.9±25 vs 30.4±25.9) and high-dose rHuEpo had a significant effect (45.15±27 vs 30.4±25.9, P<0.01). After 6 weeks of DFO therapy a significant increase in BFU-E proliferation was observed in all culture conditions (78.25±32 vs 30.45±25.9 standard culture, P<0.01; 110.9±30 vs45.15±27 high dose rHuEpo, P<0.01; 98.75±32 vs 45.15±27 DFO culture, P<0.01). Moreover, the increase in BFU-E proliferation was significant greater with DFO culture than standard culture (P<0.01). The same trend was found at the third BFU-E assay, performed in only six patients, when all culture conditions showed a further increase of erythroid precursor proliferation. However, the DFO culture was not significantly greater than the standard culture, while the high-dose rHuEpo was significantly greater than the DFO culture. Patients in group 1 (n=10), had a significant increase in reticulocytes (1.5±0.6 vs 1.72±0.3, P<0.01) and of hypochromic erythrocytes (HE) (5.6±5.1 vs 14.4±12.7, P<0.01), while sTR, Epo, Hb, and Hct were only minimally increased. Ferritin decreased significantly (448±224 vs 196±215, P<0.01) and TIBC and transferrin were unchanged. Conclusions: Thus DFO increases erythroid activity by BFU-E proliferation and increases reticulocytes in haemodialysis patients. Such an effect may be related to increased iron utilization. DFO may be a useful tool for anaemic patients with good iron stores and without Al overload. Key words: desferrioxamine; erythroid progenitors; erythropoiesis; haemodialysis      

L-Carnitine inhibits eryptosis induced by uremic serum and the related mechanisms

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether L-carnitine (LC) inhibits eryptosis induced by uremic serum and the related mechanism. Methods: One percent erythrocyte suspension was cultured by three kinds of mediums in vitro, which was included in the control group (Group C, phosphate buffered saline [PBS]), the uremic serum group (Group U, 30% uremic serum?+?70% PBS) and the LC group (Group L, 30% uremic serum?+?70% PBS?+?200?umol/L LC), respectively. Erythrocytes were collected at 24 and 48?h, respectively. Phosphatidylserine (PS) was estimated from Annexin-V-binding and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow cytometry, glutathione (GSH) was estimated from Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) by Microplate reader. Results: Eryptosis in Group C increased as the incubating time extended (3.43?±?0.37 at 24?h, 4.21?±?0.44 at 48?h). Eryptosis increased in Group U compared with Group C (6.5 1?±?0.71 at 24?h, p?<?0.01; 8.55?±?0.76 at 48?h, p?<?0.01), while decreased in Group L compared with Group U (5.80?±?0.69 at 24?h, p?<?0.05; 7.87?±?0.76 at 48?h, p?<?0.05). Meanwhile, ROS of erythrocytes increased in Group U compared with Group C (33.12?±?1.61 versus 14.83?±?2.22 at 24?h, p?<?0.01; 42.06?±?1.81 versus 20.94?±?1.78 at 48?h, p?<?0.01), and GSH decreased in Group U compared with Group C (25.66?±?0.32 versus 31.27?±?0.38 at 24?h, p?<?0.01; 8.53?±?0.59 versus 17.29?±?0.54 at 48?h, p?<?0.01). ROS of erythrocytes decreased in Group L compared with Group C (26.29?±?1.69 at 24?h, p?<?0.01; 36.21?±?2.00 at 48?h, p?<?0.01). GSH increased in Group L compared with Group U (27.54?±?0.60 at 24?h, p?<?0.01; 15.18?±?0.42 at 48?h, p?<?0.01). Conclusions: LC inhibits eryptosis induced by uremic serum, which possibly relates to oxidative stress in part.     

Biochemical Evidence of Metabolic Bone Disease in Women Following Roux-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Twenty-six female patients were recalled for examination 10 years after a Roux-Y gastric bypass (RGB) procedure for morbid obesity, to determine whether there was biochemical and/or bone densitometry evidence of metabolic bone disease. These patients were compared with seven control patients who had achieved weight loss by dietary restriction. The serum calcium (4.3 ± 0.03 vs 4.6 ± 0.06 mEq/l; p = 0.002) was decreased in the RGB group. Both the serum alkaline phosphatase level (121.0 ± 7.6 vs 87.3 ± 8.3 U/l; p = 0.018) and the serum osteocalcin (12.6 ± 1.2 vs 9.5 ± 1.9 mug/ml; p = 0.078) level increased in the RGB group. The 1,25(OH) vitamin D level (50.5 ± 2.5 vs 40.5 ± 4.9 pg/ml; p = 0.152) was similar for both groups; the 25(OH) vitamin D level (24.3 ± 1.6 vs 35.9 ± 3.4 ng/ml; p = 0.008) was decreased in the RGB group as compared with the control group. Bone mineral density was elevated in three of the lumbar measurement sites, and marginally decreased (0.90 ± 0.02 g/cm₂ vs 1.03 ± 0.06 g/cm₂; p = 0.067) in the femoral neck of the RGB group compared with the controls. This biochemical pattern suggests the development of metabolic bone disease following the RGB.     

Effect of Two‐Year Caloric Restriction on Bone Metabolism and Bone Mineral Density in Non‐Obese Younger Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Although caloric restriction (CR) could delay biologic aging in humans, it is unclear if this would occur at the cost of significant bone loss. We evaluated the effect of prolonged CR on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy younger adults. Two‐hundred eighteen non‐obese (body mass index [BMI] 25.1 ± 1.7 kg/m²), younger (age 37.9 ± 7.2 years) adults were randomly assigned to 25% CR (CR group, n = 143) or ad libitum (AL group, n = 75) for 2 years. Main outcomes were BMD and markers of bone turnover. Other outcomes included body composition, bone‐active hormones, nutrient intake, and physical activity. Body weight (–7.5 ± 0.4 versus 0.1 ± 0.5 kg), fat mass (–5.3 ± 0.3 versus 0.4 ± 0.4 kg), and fat‐free mass (–2.2 ± 0.2 versus –0.2 ± 0.2 kg) decreased in the CR group compared with AL (all between group p < 0.001). Compared with AL, the CR group had greater changes in BMD at 24 months: lumbar spine (–0.013 ± 0.003 versus 0.007 ± 0.004 g/cm²; p < 0.001), total hip (–0.017 ± 0.002 versus 0.001 ± 0.003 g/cm²; p < 0.001), and femoral neck (–0.015 ± 0.003 versus –0.005 ± 0.004 g/cm²; p = 0.03). Changes in bone markers were greater at 12 months for C‐telopeptide (0.098 ± 0.012 versus 0.025 ± 0.015 μg/L; p < 0.001), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (0.4 ± 0.1 versus 0.2 ± 0.1 U/L; p = 0.004), and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) (–1.4 ± 0.4 versus –0.3 ± 0.5 U/L; p = 0.047) but not procollagen type 1 N‐propeptide; at 24 months, only BSAP differed between groups (–1.5 ± 0.4 versus 0.9 ± 0.6 U/L; p = 0.001). The CR group had larger increases in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, cortisol, and adiponectin and decreases in leptin and insulin compared with AL. However, parathyroid hormone and IGF‐1 levels did not differ between groups. The CR group also had lower levels of physical activity. Multiple regression analyses revealed that body composition, hormones, nutrients, and physical activity changes explained ～31% of the variance in BMD and bone marker changes in the CR group. Therefore, bone loss at clinically important sites of osteoporotic fractures represents a potential limitation of prolonged CR for extending life span. Further long‐term studies are needed to determine if CR‐induced bone loss in healthy adults contributes to fracture risk and if bone loss can be prevented with exercise. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Acute Sodium Chlorite Poisoning Associated with Renal Failure

Background and Objectives: Different techniques of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) might have different effects on azotemic control. Accordingly, we tested whether continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) or continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) would achieve better control of serum creatinine and plasma urea levels. Design: Retrospective controlled study. Setting: Two tertiary Intensive Care Units. Patients: Critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF) treated with CVVHDF (n = 49) or CVVH (n = 50). Interventions: Retrieval of daily morning urea and creatinine values before and after the initiation of CRRT for up to 2 weeks of treatment. Measurements and Results: Before treatment, serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower in the CVVH group than in CVVHDF group (urea: 31.0 ± 15.0 mmol/L for CVVHDF and 24.7 ± 16.1 mmol/L for CVVH, p = 0.01, creatinine: 547 ± 308 µmol/L vs. 326 ± 250 µmol/L, p < 0.0001). These differences were still significant after 48 h of treatment (urea: 20.1 ± 8.3 mmol/L vs. 14.1 ± 6.1 mmol/L; p = 0.0003, creatinine: 360 ± 189 µmol/L vs. 215 ± 118 µmol/L; p < 0.0001). Throughout the duration of therapy, mean urea levels (22.3 ± 9.0 mmol/L for CVVHDF vs. 16.7 ± 7.8 mmol/L for CVVH, p < 0.0001) and mean creatinine levels (302 ± 167 vs. 211 ± 103 µmol/L, p < 0.0001) were better controlled in the CVVH group. Conclusions: CRRT strategies based on different techniques might have a significantly different impact on azotemic control.     

Very low doses of direct intravenous iron in each session as maintenance therapy in hemodialysis patients

Background: Intravenous (IV) iron supplementation is widely used in hemodialysis (HD) patients to treat their periodic losses. However, the ideal dose and frequency is unknown. The goal of the study is to see if a 20?mg dose of iron IV at the end of each session of HD as iron maintenance is better than the iron prior therapy. We analyze the erythropoiesis activity (EA) and functional iron (FI) after four weeks of treatment.

Methods: In 36 patients, we measure reticulocyte count and content of hemoglobin reticulocyte (CHr) as EA and FI markers, respectively, before and after the treatment. Before the study, 23 patients received another different therapy with IV iron as maintenance therapy.

Results: Reticulocyte count: 49.7?±?23.8?×?10³ before and 47.2?±?17.2?×?10³ after the treatment (p=?0.51). The CHr: 34.8?±?3.7?pg and 34.4?±?3.5?pg, respectively, (p=?0.35), showing an excellent correlation with the other FI markers (serum iron r?=?0.6; p?=?0.001; saturation transferrin r?=?0.49; p?=?0.004); that is not shown with the serum ferritin (r?=?0.23; p?=?0.192) or the hepcidin levels (r?=?0.22; p?=?0.251). There was not a correlation between the C-Reactive Protein, reticulocyte count, and CHr. The 13 patients who did not receive the iron prior to the study showed high FI levels, but not an increased of the serum ferritin or the serum hepcidin levels.

Conclusions: The administration of a small quantity of iron at the end of every HD session keeps the EA and the FI levels and allows reducing the iron overload administered and/or decreasing the iron stores markers in some patients.     

The Effect of Seventy-Two-Hour Continuous Infusion of Long-Acting Natriuretic Peptide on Acute Ischemic Renal Failure in the Rat

Objectives. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP_1-28) protects the kidneys against acute renal failure in animals; however, its use in humans has been disappointing. Long-acting natriuretic peptide (LANP_1-30) has natriuretic and diuretic actions similar to ANP_1-28, but it has a longer half-life and a different receptor site. Therefore, this study's aim was to determine if LANP_1-30 has better renal protection than ANP_1-28, which may make it useful in the treatment of acute renal failure. Subjects/Methods. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, each with a body weight between 250-300 gm. Group 1 (ischemia only, n = 6) had a right nephrectomy followed by 30 minutes of left renal pedicle clamping. Group 2 (LANP Peptide treated, n = 7) had renal ischemia similar to Group 1, followed by an intraperitoneal bolus of 10 μg of LANP_1-30 and the placement of mini-osmotic pumps delivering LANP_1-30 at a rate of 1μg/hr for 72 hours. Group 3 (controls, n = 6) was used to measure the baseline creatinine level and had no renal ischemia or surgery. Results. Seventy-two hours post-renal ischemia, the weight loss in the ischemia group was similar to the peptide treated group (7.65 ± 1.14% and 10.03 ± 0.9% body weight loss, respectively, p?=?0.126). The ischemia group had significantly higher creatinine levels compared to the controls (66.3 ± 5.3 versus 30.1 ± 0.9 μmol/L, p?=?0.002). The peptide-treated group had higher creatinine (174.1 ± 77.8 versus 66.3 ± 5.3 μmol/L, p?=?0.035) and LANP_1-30 levels (673.14 ± 69.64 versus 45.83 ± 8.45 pg/mL, p?=?0.001) than the ischemia group. Conclusion. Prolonged use of LANP_1-30 has no renal protective effect.