Dialysis Enhances Oxidative Stress

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

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

"It is important to prevent reactive oxygen species production by improving the biocompatibility of the hemodialysis system,” observed Dr. Jean-Paul Cristol, M.D., corresponding author of the study and head of the biochemistry department at Lapeyronie University Hospital (Montpellier, France). The study was published in the March 30, 2005, issue of Hemodialysis International.

Antioxidant supplement and ROS modulation by specific or nonspecific 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,” said the authors.