RESUMEN
To evaluate the role of hemodialysis [HD] on the correction of hexose monophosphate pathway [HMP] in chronic hemodialyzed patients. Ten end stage renal disease [ESRD] patients on chronic hemodialysis were selected from the nephrology unit of Medical Research Institute. All patients were on maintenance HD. [Three times per week for more than one year]. Hemoglobin [Hb] concentration, lipid peroxides as malonyldialdehyde [MDA], glutathione reductase [GR], glutathione peroxidase [GPX], glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD], oxidized glutathione [GSSG] and reduced glutathione content [GSH] were estimated in erythrocytes. In addition, plasma creatinine was determined. All these parameters were estimated before and after haemodialysis session. Mean plasma creatinine was significantly decreased after haemodialysis. Mean erythrocyte lipid peroxides and GR were significantly increased after haemodialysis while GPX enzymatic activity was significantly decreased after haemodialysis. The above changes may indicate that HD enhances the oxidative-antioxidant defense system, but with no improvement of the anemia or correction of HMP pathway. The use of vitamin E coated membranes in the haemodialyzers and administration of antioxidants to hemodialyzed patients is recommended