Does Vitamin E Influence Oxidative Stress And Renal Anaemia In Haemodialysed Patients

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that oxygen radicals are involved in the progression of renal damage and of uraemic symptoms. Haemodialysis (HD) is known to be one major cause of oxidative stress. Renal anaemia is one of the main complications seen in HD patients and resulting from many pathogenic factors. In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress as a contributing factor in renal anaemia through studying the effect of vit E supplementation as an antioxidant on the markers of oxidative stress as well as on hemoglobin in HD patients. Subjects and methods: Erythrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), selenium (Se), total protein levels, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (Hct %) were measured in 43 haemodialysed patients and compared with 20 healthy, age matched controls. After 12 weeks of vitamin E supplementation in a dosage of 400 mg/day, the baseline parameters were reassessed in the same patients group. Results: Mean plasma level of MDA was significantly higher in HD patients (p<0.0001) than in healthy controls. The erythrocyte activity of SOD, GSH-Px, plasma level of selenium and hemoglobin concentration were significantly lower (p<0.0001). Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between plasma levels of MDA and hemoglobin concentration (r=-0.62, p=0.002). After vit E supplementation there were statistically significant increase in erythrocyte activity of GSH-Px and SOD (p<0.0001), decrease in MDA concentrations (p<0.0001) and non significant increase in selenium level, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit. Conclusions: Redox imbalance in HD patients might be a contributing factor in renal anaemia. Treatment with vit E might decrease radical generation effectively in HD patients with insignificant effect on renal anaemia.