Systemic and vitreous biomarkers - new insights in diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between DR severity and the levels of potential biomarkers in the serum and/or vitreous. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive, controlled, observational study was performed between June 2018 and January 2020. Blood and vitreous samples were collected on the day of vitrectomy in patients without diabetes and in patients with diabetes with epiretinal membrane, macular edema, and indication for vitrectomy. RESULTS: Transthyretin (TTR) was the only blood biomarker with levels statistically higher in patients with diabetes (p = 0.037). However, no correlation with DR severity was observed. Erythropoietin (EPO) was the only blood biomarker whose levels were associated with DR severity (p = 0.036). In vitreous samples, levels of EPO (p = 0.011), interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p < 0.001), IL-17 (p = 0.022), monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) (p < 0.001), and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) (p = 0.005) were significantly higher in patients with diabetes. Additionally, in vitreous, IL-6, IL-8, MIG, and IPL-10 levels were also higher in more severe DR cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied biomarkers, vitreous IL-6, IL-8, MIG, and IP-10 were the ones whose levels had the strongest coherent relationship with DR severity prediction and, thus, have the best potential post-vitrectomy prognostic value.

Metabolic control of T cell immune response through glycans in inflammatory bowel disease.

Mucosal T lymphocytes from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were previously shown to display a deficiency in branched N-glycosylation associated with disease severity. However, whether this glycosylation pathway shapes the course of the T cell response constituting a targeted-specific mechanism in UC remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that metabolic supplementation of ex vivo mucosal T cells from patients with active UC with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) resulted in enhancement of branched N-glycosylation in the T cell receptor (TCR), leading to suppression of T cell growth, inhibition of the T helper 1 (Th1)/Th17 immune response, and controlled T cell activity. We further demonstrated that mouse models displaying a deficiency in the branched N-glycosylation pathway (MGAT5-/-, MGAT5+/-) exhibited increased susceptibility to severe forms of colitis and early-onset disease. Importantly, the treatment of these mice with GlcNAc reduced disease severity and suppressed disease progression due to a controlled T cell-mediated immune response at the intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, our human ex vivo and preclinical results demonstrate the targeted-specific immunomodulatory properties of this simple glycan, proposing a therapeutic approach for patients with UC.

IL-31 and IL-8 in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Looking for Their Role in Itch.

The itch associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), is often severe and poorly responsive to treatment with antihistamines. Recent studies have highlighted the possible role of interleukins in nonhistaminergic itch. We investigated the role of IL-31 and IL-8 in CTCL, concerning disease severity and associated itch. Serum samples of 27 patients with CTCL (17 MF and 10 SS) and 29 controls (blood donors) were analyzed for interleukin- (IL-) 31 and IL-8; correlations with disease and itch severity were evaluated. IL-31 serum levels were higher in CTCL patients than in controls and higher in SS than in MF. Also, serum IL-31 levels were higher in patients with advanced disease compared to those with early disease, and they correlated positively with lactate dehydrogenase and beta 2-microglobulin levels, as well as with the Sézary cell count. Itch affected 67% of CTCL patients (MF: 47%; SS: 100%). Serum IL-31 levels were higher in itching patients than in controls and in patients without itching. There was no association between serum IL-8 and disease severity, nor with itching. Serum IL-8 levels correlated positively with peripheral blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts in CTCL patients. Our study suggests a role for IL-31 in CTCL-associated itch, especially in advanced disease and SS, offering a rational target for new therapeutic approaches. Increased serum IL-8 observed in some patients may be related to concomitant infections, and its role in exacerbating itch by recruiting neutrophils and promoting the release of neutrophil proteases deserves further investigation.

Glycans as Immune Checkpoints: Removal of Branched N-glycans Enhances Immune Recognition Preventing Cancer Progression.

Tumor growth is accompanied with dramatic changes in the cellular glycome, such as the aberrant expression of complex branched N-glycans. However, the role of this protumoral N-glycan in immune evasion and whether its removal contributes to enhancement of immune recognition and to unleashing an antitumor immune response remain elusive. We demonstrated that branched N-glycans are used by colorectal cancer cells to escape immune recognition, instructing the creation of immunosuppressive networks through inhibition of IFNγ. The removal of this "glycan-mask" exposed immunogenic mannose glycans that potentiated immune recognition by DC-SIGN-expressing immune cells, resulting in an effective antitumor immune response. We revealed a glycoimmune checkpoint in colorectal cancer, highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of its deglycosylation to potentiate immune recognition and, thus, improving cancer immunotherapy.

Total lymphocyte count and subpopulation lymphocyte count in relation to blood bicarbonate concentration in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Metabolic acidosis negatively influences dietary intake, increases protein catabolism, and deteriorates nutritional status. In the present study, we evaluated in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients whether parameters of blood acid-base equilibrium influence total and subpopulation lymphocyte counts (TLC, SLCs), which are markers of the immunologic and nutritional status of dialyzed patients. Studies were carried out in 55 patients, mean age 50.9 +/- 12.4 years, treated with PD for a mean of 22.2 +/- 11.4 months. Parameters of blood acid-base equilibrium were measured simultaneously with evaluation of TLC and SLCs. (Antigens CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD19, CD16+56 were determined using flow cytometry.) The study patients showed compensated metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.40 +/- 0.04; HCO3-: 22.9 +/- 2.4 mmol/L). Statistical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations of bicarbonate blood concentration and base excess with TLC and with CD3, CD5, and CD8 cell counts, but not with CD19 and CD16+56 cell counts. The CD4 cell count correlated only with blood bicarbonate level. Patients on PD who show better correction of metabolic acidosis also show higher TLC and CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD8 cell counts. The numbers of B lymphocytes (CD19) and natural killer cells (CD16+56) are not directly related to bicarbonate blood concentration, at least in the examined range.

Total lymphocyte count and subpopulation lymphocyte counts in relation to dietary intake and nutritional status of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Dietary deficiency causes abnormalities in circulating lymphocyte counts. For the present paper, we evaluated correlations between total and subpopulation lymphocyte counts (TLC, SLCs) and parameters of nutrition in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Studies were carried out in 55 patients treated with PD for 22.2 +/- 11.4 months. Parameters of nutritional status included total body mass, lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), and laboratory indices [total protein, albumin, iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)]. The SLCs were evaluated using flow cytometry. Positive correlations were seen between TLC and dietary intake of niacin; TLC and CD8 and CD16+56 counts and energy delivered from protein; CD4 count and beta-carotene and monounsaturated fatty acids 17:1 intake; and CD19 count and potassium, copper, vitamin A, and beta-carotene intake. Anorexia negatively influenced CD19 count. Serum albumin showed correlations with CD4 and CD19 counts, and LBM with CD19 count. A higher CD19 count was connected with a higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Correlations were observed between TIBC and TLC and CD3 and CD8 counts, and between serum Fe and TLC and CD3 and CD4 counts. Patients with a higher CD19 count showed a better clinical-laboratory score, especially less weakness. Patients with a higher CD4 count had less expressed insomnia. Quantities of ingested vitamins and minerals influence lymphocyte counts in the peripheral blood of PD patients. Evaluation of TLC and SLCs is helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of nutrition in these patients.

Chemokine Receptor Expression on Normal Blood CD56(+) NK-Cells Elucidates Cell Partners That Comigrate during the Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses and Identifies a Transitional NK-Cell Population.

Studies of chemokine receptors (CKR) in natural killer- (NK-) cells have already been published, but only a few gave detailed information on its differential expression on blood NK-cell subsets. We report on the expression of the inflammatory and homeostatic CKR on normal blood CD56(+low) CD16(+) and CD56(+high) CD16(-/+low) NK-cells. Conventional CD56(+low) and CD56(+high) NK-cells present in the normal PB do express CKR for inflammatory cytokines, although with different patterns CD56(+low) NK-cells are mainly CXCR1/CXCR2(+) and CXCR3/CCR5(-/+), whereas mostly CD56(+high) NK-cells are CXCR1/CXCR2(-) and CXCR3/CCR5(+). Both NK-cell subsets have variable CXCR4 expression and are CCR4(-) and CCR6(-). The CKR repertoire of the CD56(+low) NK-cells approaches to that of neutrophils, whereas the CKR repertoire of the CD56(+high) NK-cells mimics that of Th1(+) T cells, suggesting that these cells are prepared to migrate into inflamed tissues at different phases of the immune response. In addition, we describe a subpopulation of NK-cells with intermediate levels of CD56 expression, which we named CD56(+int) NK-cells. These NK-cells are CXCR3/CCR5(+), they have intermediate levels of expression of CD16, CD62L, CD94, and CD122, and they are CD57(-) and CD158a(-). In view of their phenotypic features, we hypothesize that they correspond to a transitional stage, between the well-known CD56(+high) and CD56(+low) NK-cells populations.

Polyacrylic acid coated and non-coated iron oxide nanoparticles are not genotoxic to human T lymphocytes.

The use of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes requires a clear favorable risk-benefit ratio. This work was performed with the aim of studying the ability of polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated and non-coated ION to induce genotoxicity in human T lymphocytes. For that purpose, their influence on cell cycle progression and on the induction of chromosome aberrations was evaluated. Blood samples collected from healthy human donors were exposed to PAA-coated and non-coated ION, at different concentrations, for 48h. The obtained results showed that, for all culture conditions, the tested ION are not genotoxic and do not influence the cell cycle arrest. Their possible cumulative effect with the iron-dependent genotoxic agent BLM was also evaluated. Blood samples collected from healthy human donors were exposed to ION, at different concentrations, for 48h, in the presence of a pre-determined toxic concentration of BLM. The obtained results showed that, for all culture conditions, the tested ION do not potentiate the clastogenic effects of BLM.

Results of peritoneal equilibration test during treatment with polyglucose dialysis solution.

BACKGROUND: Results of peritoneal equilibration test (PET) suggest prolonged effect of polyglucose dialysis solution (PG-DS) on peritoneal permeability. OBJECTIVES: An evaluation of dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of urea, DIP creatinine, and D/D0 glucose (ratio of dialysate glucose at designated dwell time to dialysate glucose at 0 dwell time), and mass transfer area coefficients (KBD) of these solutes in PET before introduction, during administration, and after discontinuation of PG-DS hi patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). DESIGN: Single-center prospective study with PG-DS; retrospective selection of the control group. SETTING: Peritoneal dialysis unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Fourteen patients (11 males; age 45.1 +/- 8.5 years) treated with CAPD for 17.5 +/- 9.9 months. 7.5% PG-DS was used for the overnight exchange. After discontinuation of the PG-DS, standard dialysis solutions, as previously used, were reintroduced. The control group was selected to match both CAPO duration and peritoneal permeability of the patients in the PG-DS group at the start of the study. METHODS: Standard PET was carried out at 1.6 +/- 0.8 months before the introduction of PG-DS (study period I, n = 14), after 1.2 +/- 0.6 months' use of PG-DS (study period II, n = 14), after 4.4 +/- 0.8 months' use of PG-DS (study period Ill, n = 11), after 8.8 +/- 2.2 months' use of PG-DS (study period IV, n = 9), and at 2.0 +/- 0.6 months after PG-DS discontinuation (study period V, n = 11). Patients in the control group underwent PET at similar time intervals (control periods I-V). RESULTS: In the PG-DS group, a tendency toward increased peritoneal permeability for urea and creatinine was shown during the consecutive study periods. D/D0 glucose was significantly higher only in the PET performed during use of PG-DS (periods II-IV) compared to results obtained in period I. In the control group, both D/P and KBD of both urea and creatinine remained unchanged, but K90 glucose was higher in the first 2 hours of the PET in control period V compared to respective values in control period III. CONCLUSION: Changes in peritoneal permeability are observed In CAPD patients treated with PG-DS. These changes may be at least partially related to the administration of polyglucose.

Lymphocyte subset counts in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients in relation to administration of recombinant human erythropoietin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Estimation of lymphocyte subset counts (SLCs) is a useful tool in diagnosing nutrition and immune changes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) can influence SLCs. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between rHuEPO and ACEI doses and SLCs in the course of CAPD. In the group of studied patients (n = 55), 34 patients were taking rHuEPO and 38 patients were taking ACEIs. In 35 patients, enalapril was the ACEI used. Seven patients were taking rHuEPO, but not ACEIs; 11 patients were taking ACEIs, but not rHuEPO; 27 patients were taking rHuEPO and ACEIs both; and 10 patients were receiving neither rHuEPO nor ACEIs. Flow cytometry was used to estimate CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD16 + 56 antigens. In the study group, a correlation was seen between dialysis duration and rHuEPO dose (r = 0.395). No correlation was seen between CAPD duration and ACEI dose, but it was seen for total rHuEPO and ACEI doses (r = 0.327). A negative correlation was also seen between dialysis duration and CD19 cell count (r = -0.313). In patients taking only ACEIs (n = 11), a negative correlation was seen between total ACEI doses and CD16 + 56 cell count (r = -0.710). In patients who were not receiving rHuEPO or ACEIs, negative correlations were seen between dialysis duration and total lymphocyte count (r = -0.727), CD3 cell count (r = -0.706), CD4 cell count (r = -0.636), and CD8 cell count (r = -0.764). In conclusion, rHuEPO and ACEIs can influence the total lymphocyte count or lymphocyte subset counts--the natural changes being disturbed with prolongation of CAPD treatment. The possibility of this influence should be taken into account when evaluating lymphocyte counts as indices of nutrition and immune status.

Total and subset lymphocyte counts, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and dialysis duration in younger and older peritoneal dialysis patients.

Disturbances in immunity and nutrition status worsen in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with advancing age. In the present study, we evaluated variations in total lymphocyte count (TLC) and subset lymphocyte counts (SLCs) with respect to the age of PD patients. We carried out the study in two groups of PD patients. Group I patients (n = 12) were less than 40 years of age (35.5 +/- 5.4 years), and their PD duration was 18.2 +/- 9.4 months. Group II patients (n = 14) were more than 60 years of age (67.2 +/- 5.1 years), and their PD duration was 20.6 +/- 11.0 months. In group I, 9 patients were taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs); in group II, 10 patients were taking ACEIs. We used flow cytometry to estimate SLCs (determining CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD16+56 antigens). In both groups, the mean CD19, CD4, and CD8 counts were lower than the normal ranges. In group II, TLC and CD3 count were also lower than normal. In group I, correlations were seen between age and TLC, CD3, CD19, CD4, and CD8. Correlations were also seen between dialysis duration and TLC, CD3, CD19, and CD4, and between total ACEI dose and CD19 count. In group II, correlations were seen between age and TLC, CD3, and CD8. No correlation was observed between PD duration and TLC or SLCs, but a correlation between total ACEI dose and CD8 count was seen. In patients who were taking enalapril as their only ACEI, a correlation was observed between total enalapril dose and TLC, CD3, and CD8. Our results confirm data that indicate worse immunity and nutrition status in older PD patients and demonstrate decreasing values of TLC and SLCs with aging in younger and older PD patients alike. Administration of ACEIs negatively influences SLCs independently of age, but decreases in TLC and SLCs are significantly related to PD duration only in younger patients.

Differences in peritoneal equilibration test results in patients aged above or below 60 years.

Peritoneal permeability, evaluated using the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), indicates that, in an adult population not selected for age, an increase in the transport rate of small solutes usually occurs in the course of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. We evaluated the dialysate-to-plasma ratio of urea (D/P urea), the D/P creatinine, the ratio of dialysate glucose at a designated dwell time to dialysate glucose at 0 dwell time (D/D0 glucose), and the mass transfer-area coefficients (KBDs) of those solutes in PETs performed in patients aged above or below 60 years who were matched for sex, PD duration, and outcome. The single-center, retrospective study was carried out in a peritoneal dialysis unit in a university hospital. Two groups of PD patients were chosen. Mean age of patients in group I (n = 21; 9 women, 12 men) was 67.7 +/- 4.5 years; PD duration was 20.1 +/- 12.1 months. In group II, the patients (n = 21; 9 women, 12 men) had a mean age of 42.8 +/- 9.1 years, and had been treated with PD for 20.7 +/- 12.1 months. A standard PET was performed according to Twardowski et al every 3 months from PD start to PD end. The first results, the mean results representing the entire PD course, and the last results were compared between groups. In addition, the first and the last results were compared within each group. No significant differences were seen between the groups in peritoneal transport in the first PET. In the last PET, the curves for D/P urea and D/P creatinine, and the KBD for urea, were significantly lower in the older patients than the curves obtained at PD start. In consequence, a tendency toward lower D/P ratios or KBDs for urea and creatinine in the last and mean PETs was observed in group I as compared with group II. No significant changes were seen in the peritoneal transfer of glucose in the course of PD or between groups. Older patients may show a reduction in peritoneal permeability from the vascular to the mesothelial side of the membrane in the course of PD treatment; peritoneal transport in the opposite direction remains unchanged during approximately 20 months from the start of PD treatment. The patients under 60 years of age maintain stable bi-directional permeability under a comparable PD duration.

Serum concentration of haptoglobin, adequacy of peritoneal dialysis, and nutrition status of patients with and without diabetes on peritoneal dialysis.

The aim of the present study was to establish a relationship between serum haptoglobin (HTG) concentration, peritoneal dialysis (PD) adequacy, and nutrition status in PD patients with and without diabetes. We measured serum concentrations of HTG, albumin, iron, and cholesterol; platelet count; transferrin saturation (TSAT); weekly Kt/V; and total weekly creatinine clearance (CCr) in 60 patients with and without diabetes who were being treated with continuous ambulatory PD or automated PD. The mean serum HTG concentration in PD patients without diabetes (2.5 +/- 1.2 g/L) was elevated and differed significantly from that in PD patients with diabetes (2.0 +/- 1.1 g/L). In patients without diabetes the correlation of serum HTG concentration with serum albumin level was r = -0.330 (p < 0.030), with platelet count was r = 0.320 (p < 0.040), with serum iron concentration was r = -0.450 (p < 0.002), with TSAT was r = -0.4200 (p < 0.005), and with age was r = 0.337 (p = 0.003). No such relationships were seen in patients with diabetes. In both subgroups, no dependence was seen between serum HTG concentration and weekly Kt/V, total weekly CCr, or serum cholesterol concentration. Serum HTG concentration in PD patients without diabetes may be a valid inflammatory marker. The HTG serum level displays a significant statistical dependence on age, platelet count, and markers of nutrition such as serum albumin level, iron, and TSAT. It does not depend on markers of dialysis adequacy (weekly Kt/V, total weekly CCr) or on serum cholesterol concentration. The serum HTG concentration in PD patients with diabetes is lower than that in patients without diabetes, and it is not related to examined factors of inflammation, nutrition, or adequacy of dialysis.

Possible factors contributing to similar peritoneal dialysis outcome in patients over 60 years of age and the younger ones.

The aim of studies was a comparison of dialysis adequacy, nutritional parameters, results of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and selected standard clinical and laboratory data in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with different age, but comparable PD duration and outcome. Two groups of patients were examined: group I (n = 21, 9 F, 12 M) - age 67.7 +/- 4.5 yrs, PD duration 20.1 +/- 12.1 months; group II (n = 21, 9 F, 12 M) - age 42.8 +/- 9.1 yrs, PD duration 20.7 +/- 12.1 months. Parameters of PD adequacy, results of PET, markers of nutrition and standard laboratory measures were determined every 3 months to the end of PD treatment. First obtained values, mean values representing the entire PD course and last values obtained before the end of PD therapy were compared in group I and II. Differences in results obtained at the beginning and at the end of PD therapy were also compared in each group. At the beginning of PD therapy the older patients showed higher total fat mass (TFM) expressed as % of total body mass (TBM), lower lean body mass (LBM), lower serum levels of iron, phosphorus and creatinine as well as lower transferrin saturation. When mean values representing the entire PD course were compared, the older patients showed higher TFM as % of TBM and serum ferritin level, whereas lower values were observed for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), LBM, serum creatinine, phosphorus and iron. At the end of PD therapy TFM as % of TBM and serum ferritin level remained higher in older patients as well as lower both DBP and LBM were maintained. Additionally, serum cholesterol level and residual renal function (RRF) became at the end of PD treatment higher in the older individuals compared to the younger ones. The difference in RRF between the two groups was caused by the decline in RRF in the younger patients with relatively stable values of RRF in the older ones. Nutritional parameters improved in the course of PD only in the younger group. In conclusion, the older patients reach similar PD outcome parameters compared to the younger ones while they show higher TFM as % of TBM, stable RRF and more satisfactory DBP. However, elderly patients show a greater progress in the deterioration of indices of both inflammation and atherosclerosis and therefore are not able to improve nutritional parameters.

Circulating endothelial cells in patients with venous thromboembolism and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) may be a biomarker of vascular injury and pro-thrombotic tendency, while circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEP) may be an indicator for angiogenesis and vascular remodelling. However, there is not a universally accepted standardized protocol to identify and quantify these cells and its clinical relevancy remains to be established. OBJECTIVES: To quantify CEC and CEP in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), to characterize the CEC for the expression of activation (CD54, CD62E) and procoagulant (CD142) markers and to investigate whether they correlate with other clinical and laboratory data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with VTE, 17 patients with MPN and 20 healthy individuals were studied. The CEC and CEP were quantified and characterized in the blood using flow cytometry, and the demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from hospital records. RESULTS: We found the CEC counts were higher in both patient groups as compared to controls, whereas increased numbers of CEP were found only in patients with MPN. In addition, all disease groups had higher numbers of CD62E+ CEC as compared to controls, whereas only patients with VTE had increased numbers of CD142+ and CD54+ CEC. Moreover, the numbers of total and CD62+ CEC correlated positively with the white blood cells (WBC) counts in both groups of patients, while the numbers of CEP correlated positively with the WBC counts only in patients with MPN. In addition, in patients with VTE a positive correlation was found between the numbers of CD54+ CEC and the antithrombin levels, as well as between the CD142+ CEC counts and the number of thrombotic events. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that CEC counts may reveal endothelial injury in patients with VTE and MPN and that CEC may express different activation-related phenotypes depending on the disease status.

[Nutritional status of peritoneal dialysis patients and parameters of dialysis adequacy]. / Stan odzywienia chorych leczonych dializa otrzewnowa a wskazniki adekwatnosci dializy.

The aim of our study was to evaluate relations between peritoneal dialysis (PD) adequacy and nutritional parameters of PD patients. Patients (n = 124), who finished PD treatment, were separated on 2 groups according to the mean total Kt/V for the entire PD course being below 2.0 (group I) or over 2.0 (group II). Adequacy parameters, daily intake of food products and nutritional indices were evaluated in each patient every 3-6 months during the entire PD course. Mean values of examined parameters were used for comparison of differences observed between both groups. Group I included 63 men, 16 women, age 50.3 +/- 13.8 years, PD duration 13.2 +/- 10.1 months. Group II consisted of 12 men, 33 women, age 49.1 +/- 14.9 years, PD duration 8.8 +/- 6.0 months. Due to a significant difference in sex distribution, dialysis duration and ideal body mass (IBM) between groups, statistical analysis was performed with adjustment of results to these parameters. Absolute amounts of daily intake of food components were higher in group I for animal protein, sodium, retinol, niacin, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. When daily food intake was normalized to IBM, group II showed higher both protein nitrogen appearance (I - 0.92 +/- 0.25, II - 1.12 +/- 0.45 g/kg IBM, p = 0.005) and intake of vegetable protein (I - 0.29 +/- 0.10, II - 0.34 +/- 0.09 g/kg IBM, p = 0.040), carbohydrates (I - 3.30 +/- 1.08, II - 3.80 +/- 1.34 g/kg IBM, p = 0.029), potassium (I - 33.2+/-10.6, II - 38.3 +/- 13.2 mg/kg IBM, p = 0.034), calcium (I - 5.81 +/- 2.46, II - 7.20 +/- 3.54 mg/kg IBM, p = 0.028), magnesium (I - 2.86 +/- 0.86, II - 3.41 +/- 1.36 mg/kg IBM, p = 0.004), beta-carotene (I 22.4 +/- 15.8, II - 34.9 +/- 29.1 mg/kg IBM, p = 0.002) as well as calorie delivered from protein (I - 0.22 +/- 0.04, II - 0.26 +/- 0.07%, p = 0.001) and carbohydrates (I - 0.79 +/- 0.15, II - 0.94 +/- 0.21, p = 0.000) in relation to total amount of ingested calorie. Group I showed significantly lower serum levels of albumin (I - 2.45, 1-3, II - 2.83, 1-3 scores, p = 0.023) and cholesterol (I - 5.54 +/- 1.06, II - 6.35 +/- 1.63 mmol/l, p = 0.009), but higher serum iron (I - 16.7 +/- 4.4, II - 15.8 +/- 5.2 micromol/l, p = 0.042) and ferritin (I - 615, 28-5113, II - 377, 24-3376 ng/ml, p = 0.021) concentrations as well as transferrin saturation (I - 31.1 +/- 9.2, II - 28.5 +/- 9.2%, p = 0.032). We conclude that PD patients with Kt/V over 2.0 as compared to those with Kt/V below 2.0 show tendency for better nutritional indices excluding serum iron parameters.