Effects of omega-3 administration on homocysteine serum concentration in renal transplant recipient

It has been shown that serum total homocysteine [HC] is a risk factor for vascular disease which characterizes endothelial damage in the general and in the End-Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] population as well. Whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease homocysteine [Hcy] level has been a subject of controversy. Renal transplant patients were randomized in 2 groups and received 6 months of dietary supplementation with 6 g/day of Fish oil or placebo. Homocysteine level and total cholesterol level were measured. In 40 renal transplant recipients, increase in homocysteine level was greater after Fish oil administration but not significantly, total cholesterol was decreased significantly. Based on these data omega3 fatty acids supplementation doesn't decrease serum homocysteine in renal transplant recipients but decreases total cholesterol level.

[Comparison and evaluation of proteinuria in 8-and 24 hour urine samples in patients with diabetic nephropathy]

Diabetic nephropathy is the most important disease which often results in renal failure. Proteinuria is an important parameter which predicts progression of diabetic nephropathy. Gold standard method for protein measuring is collecting 24 hour urine. Instead of that, in several studies around the world, measuring level of urine protein in 24 hours of the day has been carried out. In this study, we intended to specify the relation between quantitative amount of 8 hour and 24 hour urine protein in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The study population included 50 patients with diabetic nephropathy before ESRD We obtained the following samples: 1] 8-h urine, and 2] 24-h urine. We measured serum creatinine concentration, creatinine clearance, urine volume, urinary protein and creatinine concentration. Our statistic method of analysis was Pierson's correlation method. Age mean was 53 +/- 14 years old and diabetes duration mean was 13 +/- 4.10 years. The mean of nocturnal 8hr urine protein and 24 hr one were 24.20 +/- 42, 33.35 +/- 43, 71.26 +/- 84 mg, respectively. There was a direct significant correlation between 8hr and 24hr urine protein [r=0.8, p=0.001]. A significant correlation was also detected between nocturnal 8hr urine protein and daily one with 24hr urine protein. There was a significant and direct relationship between 8hr urine protein [daily and nightly] and 24hr urine protein. This might be used for urine protein collection in patients with diabetic nephropathy to improve the compliance

Correlation between heat-shock protein 27 serum concentration and common carotid intima-media thickness in hemodialysis patients

Cardiovascular disease is a major factor in the deterioration of the health and the death of hemodialysis patients. Previous studies have mainly shown a decreased level of heat shock protein 27 [HSP27] in patients with cardiovascular disease. We conducted this study to investigate whether HSP27 correlates with common carotid intima-media thickness [CCIMT] and if it has a potential to be a biomarker for cardiovascular disease. In this cross-sectional study, the correlation between HSP27 serum concentration and CCIMT was investigated in 42 hemodialysis patients. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure HSP27 level in the plasma of the patients, and a high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography was applied to measure CCIMT. There was an inverse significant correlation between serum concentration of HSP27 and CCIMT only in patients that had hypertension as their only cardiovascular risk factor [r = 0.61, P = .02]. According to our results and the fact that HSP27 has been shown to be expressed in atherosclerotic plaques of both experimental animals and humans, we suggest that circulatory HSP27 concentration has a potential of being used as a marker for cardiovascular events

[Evaluation of depression and anxiety in hemodialysis patients]

Depression and anxiety are among the principal manifestations of chronic illness and play a central role in patients' experience with life-limiting disease. Chronic renal insufficiency is a clinical condition with a huge impact on patient quality of life. Hemodialysis patients must confront the burdens of long-term illness and numerous treatment-associated stressors. The purpose of this study was to determine the depression and anxiety in chronic haemodialysis patients. This descriptive survey performed at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences during the year 2007. A total of 150 patients regularly treated with hemodialysis were chosen through sensor sampling. This study was approved by the local committee of Medical Ethics. Depression was measured using CES-D [The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale] and anxiety was studied by Eshpil Berger standard questionnaire. Data analyzed by SPSS software. This study revealed that prevalence of depression was 64.5 percent in hemodialysis patients [Cut-off value was 16]. This group had 51.4 percent prevalence of State Anxiety and 49.0 percent of Trait Anxiety. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there was a meaningful correlation between depression and history of grail failure [p<0.04], dialysis duration [p<0.01], family income [p<0.001] and working status [p<0.002]. However, there was no significant correlation between depression scales and demographic factors including age, gender, frequency of dialysis and marital status. Our study showed that a substantial number of hemodialysis patients experienced depression and anxiety. Regarding this problem, necessity for having consulting and psychotherapy center in hemodialysis ward is emphasized