Hemodialysis Causes Antioxidant Loss Leading To Long-term Complications

Oxidative stress, an imbalance between toxic compounds and defense mechanisms, and prevalent in the dialysis process, has been linked to numerous adverse complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The imbalance is caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or toxic compounds, and lack of antioxidants to fight these toxins. In fact, the hemodialysis process can cause loss of these necessary antioxidants.

Many ESRD and hemodialysis patients are in a state of chronic inflammation induced by the dialysis process which further enhances oxidative stress. This state is strongly associated with long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, poor outcome and low survival.

"It is important to prevent reactive oxygen species production by improving the biocompatibility of the hemodialysis system," states Dr. Jean-Paul Cristol, corresponding author. Antioxidant supplementation and ROS modulation by specific or non-specific drugs, such as statins, are possible solutions outlined in the article.

"Correction of OS imbalance appears to be a basic requisite to prevent complications in long-term dialysis patients" and is "a promising avenue of research."

This study is published in Hemodialysis International. 

About the Author
Jean-Paul Cristol, MD is Head of the Biochemistry Department atLapeyronie Universitary Hospital in Montpellier, France. His experience in this field includes characterization of oxidative stress during uremia and hemodialysis, modulation of reactive oxygen species production by statins, and involvement of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis including animal models and clinical studies. 

About Hemodialysis International
Formerly, the journal was published three times a year and contained the Proceedings of the International Symposium on Hemodialysis held in conjunction with the Annual Dialysis Conference. Beginning in 2005, Hemodialysis International is published quarterly and contains original papers on clinical and experimental topics related to Hemodialysis. The Proceedings of the Annual Dialysis Conference are now published as a supplement to HI. Hemodialysis International is a must-have for Nephrologists, Nurses and Technicians worldwide. Quarterly issues of Hemodialysis International are included with the membership to the International Society for Hemodialysis (ISHD). The journal contains original articles, review articles, educational articles, commentary and latest news to keep readers completely updated in the field of hemodialysis. Edited by international and multidisciplinary experts, Hemodialysis International disseminates critical information in the field.

About the International Society for Hemodialysis
The International Society for Hemodialysis is an international and interdisciplinary society of nephrology physicians, critical care physicians, vascular surgeons, renal fellows, nurses, and other health professionals interested in Hemodialysis. Membership of the International Society for Hemodialysis is open to any individual who is interested in the field of hemodialysis. Patients, patients' relatives, technologists, social workers, dietitians, administrators, sales experts, nurses, scientists, journalists, physicians, industrialists, and philanthropists are all welcome. The Society can be joined on their website www.ishd.net.

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