Bone aluminum accumulation in the current era / Acúmulo de alumínio no tecido ósseo na era atual

In the last few years, evidence from the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) has pointed out a high incidence of aluminum (Al) accumulation in the bones of patients with CKD under dialysis. This surprising finding does not appear to be merely a passive metal accumulation, as prospective data from REBRABO suggest that the presence of Al in bone may be independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. This information contrasts with the perception of epidemiologic control of this condition around the world. In this opinion paper, we discussed why the diagnosis of Al accumulation in bone is not reported in other parts of the world. We also discuss a range of possibilities to understand why bone Al accumulation still occurs, not as a classical syndrome with systemic signs of intoxication, as occurred it has in the past.

Nos últimos anos, evidências do Registro Brasileiro de Biópsia óssea (REBRABO) apontaram uma alta incidência de intoxicação por alumínio (Al) no tecido ósseo de pacientes com DRC em diálise. Essa surpreendente informação parece representar não apenas um acúmulo passivo deste metal, visto que dados prospectivos do REBRABO sugerem que a presença de Al no tecido ósseo pode estar independentemente relacionada a eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores. Essas informações contrastam com a percepção mundial do controle epidemiológico dessa condição. Neste artigo de opinião, discutimos por que o diagnóstico de acúmulo ósseo de Al não é relatado em outras partes do mundo, e também discutimos uma gama de possibilidades para entender por que nós acreditamos que o acúmulo de Al no tecido ósseo ainda ocorre, não como se apresentava no passado, ou seja, como uma síndrome com sinais e sintomas sistêmicos de intoxicação.

Skin accumulation of advanced glycation end-products predicts kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes: results from the Brazilian Diabetes Study.

The accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) elicits morphofunctional kidney impairment. AGEs levels can be noninvasively estimated by skin autofluorescence (SAF). We explored whether high SAF predicts kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. The study was conducted as a predefined analysis of the Brazilian Diabetes Study, a prospective single-center cohort of T2D adults. Data from 155 individuals followed for up to 1716 days were considered. The incidence of major adverse kidney events (MAKE) was 9.6%. Individuals with above-median SAF had a higher incidence of MAKEs (4.6% vs. 21%; p = 0.002), with an HR of 3.39 [95% CI: 1.06-10.85; p = 0.040] after adjustment by age and gender. The mean adjusted eGFR change was 1.08 units (SE: 1.15; 95%CI: -1.20, 3.37) in the low SAF and -5.19 units [SE: 1.93; 95%CI: -9.10, -1.29] in the high SAF groups (between-subject difference: F: 5.62, p = 0.019). The high-SAF group had a greater prevalence of rapid decliners than the low-SAF group (36.7% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.028). In conclusion, high SAF was related to increased incidence of MAKEs and faster decline in eGFR among T2D subjects. This should be considered by healthcare providers when identifying individuals more prone to diabetes-related kidney complications.

Renal osteodystrophy and clinical outcomes: a prospective cohort study / Osteodistrofia renal e desfechos clínicos: um estudo de coorte prospectivo

Abstract Introduction: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) refers to a group of bone morphological patterns that derive from distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Whether the ROD subtypes influence long-term outcomes is unknown. Our objective was to explore the relationship between ROD and clinical outcomes. Methods: This study is a subanalysis of the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsies (REBRABO). Samples from individual patients were classified as having osteitis fibrosa (OF), mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), adynamic bone disease (ABD), osteomalacia (OM), normal/minor alterations, and according to turnover/mineralization/volume (TMV) system. Patients were followed for 3.4 yrs. Clinical outcomes were: bone fractures, hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and death. Results: We enrolled 275 participants, of which 248 (90%) were on dialysis. At follow-up, 28 bone fractures, 97 hospitalizations, 44 MACE, and 70 deaths were recorded. ROD subtypes were not related to outcomes. Conclusion: The incidence of clinical outcomes did not differ between the types of ROD.

Resumo Introdução: Osteodistrofia renal (OR) refere-se a um grupo de padrões morfológicos ósseos que decorrem de mecanismos fisiopatológicos distintos. É desconhecido se os subtipos de OR influenciam desfechos em longo prazo. Nosso objetivo foi explorar as relações entre OR e desfechos. Métodos: Este estudo é uma subanálise do Registro Brasileiro de Biópsias Ósseas (REBRABO). As amostras de cada paciente foram classificadas em osteíte fibrosa (OF), osteodistrofia urêmica mista (MUO), doença óssea adinâmica (ABD), osteomalácia (OM), alterações normais/menores, e pelo sistema Remodelação / Mineralização / Volume (RMV). Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3,4 anos. Os eventos clínicos foram: fraturas ósseas, hospitalizações, eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (MACE), e óbito. Resultados: Analisamos 275 indivíduos, 248 (90%) deles estavam em diálise. No acompanhamento, 28 fraturas ósseas, 97 hospitalizações, 44 MACE e 70 óbitos foram registrados. Os subtipos de OR não foram relacionados aos desfechos clínicos. Conclusão: A incidência de desfechos clínicos não diferiu entre os tipos de OR.

Bone aluminum accumulation in the current era.

In the last few years, evidence from the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) has pointed out a high incidence of aluminum (Al) accumulation in the bones of patients with CKD under dialysis. This surprising finding does not appear to be merely a passive metal accumulation, as prospective data from REBRABO suggest that the presence of Al in bone may be independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. This information contrasts with the perception of epidemiologic control of this condition around the world. In this opinion paper, we discussed why the diagnosis of Al accumulation in bone is not reported in other parts of the world. We also discuss a range of possibilities to understand why bone Al accumulation still occurs, not as a classical syndrome with systemic signs of intoxication, as occurred it has in the past.

Renal osteodystrophy and clinical outcomes: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) refers to a group of bone morphological patterns that derive from distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Whether the ROD subtypes influence long-term outcomes is unknown. Our objective was to explore the relationship between ROD and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This study is a subanalysis of the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsies (REBRABO). Samples from individual patients were classified as having osteitis fibrosa (OF), mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), adynamic bone disease (ABD), osteomalacia (OM), normal/minor alterations, and according to turnover/mineralization/volume (TMV) system. Patients were followed for 3.4 yrs. Clinical outcomes were: bone fractures, hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and death. RESULTS: We enrolled 275 participants, of which 248 (90%) were on dialysis. At follow-up, 28 bone fractures, 97 hospitalizations, 44 MACE, and 70 deaths were recorded. ROD subtypes were not related to outcomes. CONCLUSION: The incidence of clinical outcomes did not differ between the types of ROD.

Overview of renal osteodystrophy in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Visão geral da osteodistrofia renal no Brasil: um estudo transversal

Abstract Introduction: The epidemiologic profile of renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is changing over time and cross-sectional studies provide essential information to improve care and health policies. The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) is a prospective, nationalmulticenter cohort that includes patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing bone biopsy. REBRABO aims to provide clinical information on ROD. The main objective of this subanalysis was to describe the profile of ROD, including clinically relevant associations. Methods: From Aug/2015 to Dec/2021, 511 patients with CKD who performed bone biopsy were included in the REBRABO platform. Patients with no bone biopsy report (N = 40), GFR > 90 mL/min (N = 28), without asigned consent (N = 24), bone fragments inadequate for diagnosis (N = 23), bone biopsy indicated by a specialty other than nephrology (N = 6), and < 18 years old (N = 4) were excluded. Clinical-demographic data (e.g., age, sex, ethnicity, CKD etiology, dialysis vintage, comorbidities, symptoms, and complications related to ROD), laboratory (e.g., serum levels of total calcium, phosphate, parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and hemoglobin), and ROD (e.g., histological diagnosis) were analyzed. Results: Data from 386 individuals were considered in this subanalysis of REBRABO. Mean age was 52 (42-60) years; 198 (51%) were male; 315 (82%) were on hemodialysis. Osteitis fibrosa (OF) [163 (42%)], adynamic bone disease (ABD) [96 (25%)] and mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO) [83 (21%)] were the most frequent diagnosis of ROD in our sample; 203 (54%) had the diagnosis of osteoporosis, 82 (56%) vascular calcification; 138 (36%) bone aluminum accumulation, and 137 (36%) iron intoxication; patients with high turnover were prone to present a higher frequency of symptoms. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients were diagnosed with OF and ABD, as well as osteoporosis, vascular calcification and clinical symptoms.

Resumo Introdução: O perfil epidemiológico da osteodistrofia renal (OR) está mudando com o tempo e estudos transversais fornecem informações essenciais para melhorar cuidados e políticas de saúde. O Registro Brasileiro de Biópsia Óssea (REBRABO) é uma coorte nacional multicêntrica prospectiva que inclui pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) submetidos à biópsia óssea. O REBRABO visa fornecer informações clínicas sobre OR. O principal objetivo desta subanálise foi descrever o perfil da OR, incluindo associações clinicamente relevantes. Métodos: De Ago/2015 a Dez/2021, 511 pacientes com DRC que realizaram biópsia óssea foram incluídos na plataforma REBRABO. Excluíram-se os pacientes sem laudo de biópsia óssea (N = 40), TFG > 90 mL/min (N = 28), sem consentimento assinado (N = 24), fragmentos ósseos inadequados para diagnóstico (N = 23), biópsia óssea indicada por especialidade que não a nefrologia (N = 6), e < 18 anos de idade (N = 4). Foram analisados dados clínico-demográficos (por exemplo, idade, sexo, etnia, etiologia da DRC, tempo da diálise, comorbidades, sintomas e complicações relacionadas à OR), laboratoriais (níveis séricos de cálcio total, fosfato, paratormônio, fosfatase alcalina, 25-hidroxivitamina D e hemoglobina), e OR (diagnóstico histológico). Resultados: Dados de 386 indivíduos foram considerados nesta subanálise do REBRABO. A idade média foi 52 (42-60) anos; 198 (51%) eram homens; 315 (82%) estavam em hemodiálise. Osteíte fibrosa (OF) [163 (42%)], doença óssea adinâmica (DOA) [96 (25%)] e osteodistrofia urêmica mista (OUM) [83 (21%)] foram os diagnósticos mais frequentes de OR na amostra; 203 (54%) apresentaram diagnóstico de osteoporose, 82 (56%) calcificação vascular; 138 (36%) acúmulo ósseo de alumínio, e 137 (36%) intoxicação por ferro; pacientes com remodelação óssea aumentada eram propensos a apresentar maior frequencia de sintomas. Conclusões: Uma alta proporção de pacientes foi diagnosticada com OF e DOA, assim como osteoporose, calcificação vascular e sintomas clínicos.

Overview of renal osteodystrophy in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The epidemiologic profile of renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is changing over time and cross-sectional studies provide essential information to improve care and health policies. The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) is a prospective, nationalmulticenter cohort that includes patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing bone biopsy. REBRABO aims to provide clinical information on ROD. The main objective of this subanalysis was to describe the profile of ROD, including clinically relevant associations. METHODS: From Aug/2015 to Dec/2021, 511 patients with CKD who performed bone biopsy were included in the REBRABO platform. Patients with no bone biopsy report (N = 40), GFR > 90 mL/min (N = 28), without asigned consent (N = 24), bone fragments inadequate for diagnosis (N = 23), bone biopsy indicated by a specialty other than nephrology (N = 6), and < 18 years old (N = 4) were excluded. Clinical-demographic data (e.g., age, sex, ethnicity, CKD etiology, dialysis vintage, comorbidities, symptoms, and complications related to ROD), laboratory (e.g., serum levels of total calcium, phosphate, parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and hemoglobin), and ROD (e.g., histological diagnosis) were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 386 individuals were considered in this subanalysis of REBRABO. Mean age was 52 (42-60) years; 198 (51%) were male; 315 (82%) were on hemodialysis. Osteitis fibrosa (OF) [163 (42%)], adynamic bone disease (ABD) [96 (25%)] and mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO) [83 (21%)] were the most frequent diagnosis of ROD in our sample; 203 (54%) had the diagnosis of osteoporosis, 82 (56%) vascular calcification; 138 (36%) bone aluminum accumulation, and 137 (36%) iron intoxication; patients with high turnover were prone to present a higher frequency of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of patients were diagnosed with OF and ABD, as well as osteoporosis, vascular calcification and clinical symptoms.

AGEs accumulation is related to muscle degeneration and vascular calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are affected by dynapenia, sarcopenia, and vascular calcification. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may accumulate in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and favor sarcopenia via changes in collagen cross-linking, muscle protein breakdown, and the calcification of arterial smooth muscle cells via p38-MAPK activation. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between AGEs, muscle degeneration, and coronary artery calcification. METHODS: This was a clinical observational study in patients with CKD undergoing PD, in which serum and skin AGEs (AGEs-sAF), cumulative glucose load, muscle strength and functional tests, muscle ultrasounds with elastography, coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification, and muscle density by multislice computed tomography were measured. RESULTS: 27 patients aged 48±16 years, dialysis vintage of 27±17 months, had AGEs-sAF levels of 3.09±0.65 AU (elevated in 13 [87%] patients), grip strength levels of 26.2±9.2 kg (11 [42%] patients with dynapenia), gait speed of 1.04±0.3 m/s (abnormal in 14 [58%] patients) and "timed-up-and-go test" (TUG) of 10.5±2.2s (abnormal in 7 [26%] patients). Correlations between AGEs-sAF levels and femoral rectus elastography (R=-0.74; p=0.02), anterior-tibialis elastography (R= -0.68; p=0.04) and CAC (R=0.64; p=0.04) were detected. Cumulative glucose load correlated with femoral rectal elastography (R=-0.6; p=0.02), and serum glycated hemoglobin concentrations correlated with psoas muscle density (R= -0.58; p=0.04) and CAC correlated with psoas muscle density (R=0.57; p=0.01) and lumbar square muscle density (R=-0.63; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed associations between AGEs accumulation and lower muscle stiffness/density. Associations that linked muscle degeneration parameters with vascular calcification were observed.

Renal osteodystrophy and clinical outcomes: data from the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsies - REBRABO.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral and bone disorders (MBD) are major complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related adverse outcomes. The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) is an electronic database that includes renal osteodystrophy (RO) data. We aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of RO in a sample of CKD-MBD Brazilian patients and understand its relationship with outcomes. METHODS: Between August 2015 and March 2018, 260 CKD-MBD stage 3-5D patients who underwent bone biopsy were followed for 12 to 30 months. Clinical-demographic, laboratory, and histological data were analyzed. Bone fractures, hospitalizations, and death were considered the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Osteitis fibrosa, mixed uremic osteodystrophy, adynamic bone disease, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and aluminum (Al) accumulation were detected in 85, 43, 27, 10, 77, and 65 patients, respectively. The logistic regression showed that dialysis vintage was an independent predictor of osteoporosis (OR: 1.005; CI: 1.001-1.010; p = 0.01). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that hemodialysis treatment (OR: 11.24; CI: 1.227-100; p = 0.03), previous parathyroidectomy (OR: 4.97; CI: 1.422-17.241; p = 0.01), and female gender (OR: 2.88; CI: 1.080-7.679; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of Al accumulation; 115 patients were followed for 21 ± 5 months. There were 56 hospitalizations, 14 deaths, and 7 fractures during follow-up. The COX regression revealed that none of the variable related to the RO/turnover, mineralization and volume (TMV) classification was an independent predictor of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Hospitalization or death was not influenced by the type of RO, Al accumulation, or TMV classification. An elevated prevalence of osteoporosis and Al accumulation was detected.

Clinical and microbiological effects of dialyzers reuse in hemodialysis patients / Efeitos clínicos e microbiológicos do reúso de dialisadores em pacientes em hemodiálise

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence and is a worldwide public health problem. Reuse of dialyzers is a cost reduction strategy used in many countries. There is controversy over its effects on clinical parameters and microbiological safety. Methods: In this clinical crossover study, 10 patients performed consecutive hemodialysis (HD) sessions divided in two phases: "single use" sessions (N = 10 HD sessions) followed by "dialyzer reuse" sessions (N = 30 HD sessions). Clinical, laboratory, and microbiological parameters were collected in the following time points: "single use", 1st, 6th, and 12th sessions with reuse of dialyzers, including bacterial cultures, endotoxins quantification in serum and dialyzer blood chamber, and detection of hemoglobin and protein residues in dialyzers. Results: Mean age of the sample was 37 ± 16 years, 6 (60%) were men, and 5 (50%) were white. CKD and HD vintage were 169 ± 108 and 47 (23-111) months, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) [4.9 (2.1) mg/mL], ferritin (454 ± 223 ng/mL), and endotoxin levels [0.76 (0.61-0.91) EU/mL] were high at baseline. Comparison of pre- and post-HD variations of serum levels of CRP and endotoxins in the "single use" versus "reuse" phases did not result in differences (p = 0.8 and 0.4, respectively). Samples of liquid in the dialyzer inner chamber were negative for the growth of bacteria or endotoxins. There was no significant clinical manifestation within and between the phases. Conclusion: Dialyzers reuse was safe from a clinical, microbiological, and inflammatory point of view. The dialyzer performance remained adequate until the 12th reuse.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um problema de saúde pública mundial de alta prevalência. O reúso de dialisadores é uma estratégia de redução de custos empregada em muitos países. Seus efeitos sobre parâmetros clínicos e de segurança microbiológica são alvo de controvérsia. Métodos: No presente estudo clínico cruzado, 10 pacientes realizaram sessões consecutivas de hemodiálise (HD) divididas em duas fases: a primeira com sessões de "uso único" (N = 10 sessões de HD) e a segunda com sessões com "reúso de dialisadores" (N = 30 sessões de HD). Parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e microbiológicos foram registrados nos seguintes momentos: "uso único", 1a, 6a e 12a sessões com reúso de dialisadores, incluindo culturas bacterianas, quantificação de endotoxinas no soro e na câmara interna do dialisador e detecção de hemoglobina e resíduos de proteína nos dialisadores. Resultados: A idade média da amostra foi de 37 ± 16 anos seis (60%) eram homens e cinco (50%) eram brancos. Os tempos com DRC e em HD foram de 169 ± 108 e 47 (23-111) meses, respectivamente. Os níveis séricos de proteína C-reativa (PCR) [4,9 (2,1) mg/mL], ferritina (454 ± 223 ng/mL) e endotoxinas [0,76 (0,61-0,91) UE/mL] estavam elevados no início do estudo. A diferença dos níveis séricos de PCR e endotoxinas pré e pós-HD nas fases de "uso único" e "reúso" não foi significativa (p = 0,8 e 0,4, respectivamente). As amostras de líquido retiradas da câmara interna do dialisador foram negativas para crescimento de bactérias e endotoxinas. Não houve registro de manifestações clínicas significativas nas fases do estudo. Conclusão: O reúso de dialisadores foi seguro dos pontos de vista clínico, microbiológico e inflamatório. O desempenho do dialisador permaneceu adequado até o 12º reuso.

Endothelial Microparticles in Uremia: Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are vesicles derived from cell membranes, which contain outsourced phosphatidylserine and express adhesion molecules, such as cadherin, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, and integrins. EMPs are expressed under physiological conditions and continue circulating in the plasma. However, in pathologic conditions their levels increase, and they assume a pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant role via interactions with monocytes; these effects are related to the development of atherosclerosis. Chronic kidney dysfunction (CKD) characterizes this dysfunctional scenario through the accumulation of uremic solutes in the circulating plasma, whose toxicity is related to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the formation of EMPs and their biological effects in the uremic environment. Data from previous research demonstrate that uremic toxins are closely associated with the activation of inflammatory biomarkers, cardiovascular dysfunction processes, and the release of EMPs. The impact of a decrease in circulating EMPs in clinical studies has not yet been evaluated. Thus, whether MPs are biochemical markers and/or therapeutic targets has yet to be established.

Clinical and microbiological effects of dialyzers reuse in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence and is a worldwide public health problem. Reuse of dialyzers is a cost reduction strategy used in many countries. There is controversy over its effects on clinical parameters and microbiological safety. METHODS: In this clinical crossover study, 10 patients performed consecutive hemodialysis (HD) sessions divided in two phases: "single use" sessions (N = 10 HD sessions) followed by "dialyzer reuse" sessions (N = 30 HD sessions). Clinical, laboratory, and microbiological parameters were collected in the following time points: "single use", 1st, 6th, and 12th sessions with reuse of dialyzers, including bacterial cultures, endotoxins quantification in serum and dialyzer blood chamber, and detection of hemoglobin and protein residues in dialyzers. RESULTS: Mean age of the sample was 37 ± 16 years, 6 (60%) were men, and 5 (50%) were white. CKD and HD vintage were 169 ± 108 and 47 (23-111) months, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) [4.9 (2.1) mg/mL], ferritin (454 ± 223 ng/mL), and endotoxin levels [0.76 (0.61-0.91) EU/mL] were high at baseline. Comparison of pre- and post-HD variations of serum levels of CRP and endotoxins in the "single use" versus "reuse" phases did not result in differences (p = 0.8 and 0.4, respectively). Samples of liquid in the dialyzer inner chamber were negative for the growth of bacteria or endotoxins. There was no significant clinical manifestation within and between the phases. CONCLUSION: Dialyzers reuse was safe from a clinical, microbiological, and inflammatory point of view. The dialyzer performance remained adequate until the 12th reuse.

The enigma of aluminum deposition in bone tissue from a patient with chronic kidney disease: a case report.

About four decades ago, the relationship between dialysis-dementia and aluminum (Al) began to be established. The restriction of drugs containing Al and improvements on water quality used for dialysis resulted in the clinical disappearance of Al intoxication. However, high prevalence of Al deposition in bone tissue from Brazilian dialysis patients is still being detected. Through the case report of a patient on hemodialysis (HD) for one year, presenting significant Al deposition in bone tissue, we speculated if this problem is not being underestimated. We used extensive investigation to identify potential sources of Al exposure with a careful review of medication history and water quality controls. Al concentration was measured by different methods, including mass spectrometry, in poly-electrolyte concentrate solutions and solution for peritoneal dialysis, in an attempt to elucidate the possible sources of contamination. The objective of this case report is to alert the medical community about a potential high prevalence of Al deposition in bone tissue and to discuss the possible sources of contamination in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).