ABSTRACT
Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on oxidant-antioxidant balance in chronic renal failure patients treated by hemodialysis. Study Design: The study utilized a randomized experimental design. The experimental intervention consisted of vitamin E supplementation Place and Duration of Study: 40 patients on hemodialysis (M/W=22/18; 36±12 years) received nutritional councils based on the NKF K/DOQI (National Kidney Foundation- Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) guidelines. Patients were randomized into 2 groups:one was used as control and the second group was treated by vitamin E supplementation (100mg/day=146IU/d) during 30 days. Methodology: Pro-oxidant status was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides and carbonyls analysis. Antioxidant defence was performed by the analysis of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione reductase activities and Vitamin E amounts. Results: At 30 days of supplementation, in treated patients compared to controls, levels of triacylglycerols and total cholesterol were unchanged. Hydroperoxides concentrations were decreased (p<0.001) while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations were unchanged. Carbonyls levels were decreased (p<0.001). High concentrations of vitamin E were noted in treated group (p<0.01). Similar superoxide dismutase activity was noted. However, an increase in vitamin E concentrations, catalase and glutathione reductase activities were observed in treated group (p<0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, in hemodialysis patients, vitamin E supplementation was without effect on lipid profile. However, vitamin E exerts a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases by decreasing radical attack of biological molecules and increasing antioxidant defense.