Experimental hemodialysis in diet-induced ketosis and the potential use of dialysis as an adjuvant cancer treatment.

Numerous in vivo studies on the ketogenic diet, a diet that can induce metabolic conditions resembling those following extended starvation, demonstrate strong outcomes on cancer survival, particularly when combined with chemo-, radio- or immunological treatments. However, the therapeutic application of ketogenic diets requires strict dietary adherence from well-informed and motivated patients, and it has recently been proposed that hemodialysis might be utilized to boost ketosis and further destabilize the environment for cancer cells. Yet, plasma ketones may be lost in the dialysate-lowering blood ketone levels. Here we performed a single 180-min experimental hemodialysis (HD) session in six anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats given ketogenic diet for five days. Median blood ketone levels pre-dialysis were 3.5 mmol/L (IQR 2.2 to 5.6) and 3.8 mmol/L (IQR 2.2 to 5.1) after 180 min HD, p = 0.54 (95% CI - 0.6 to 1.2). Plasma glucose levels were reduced by 36% (- 4.5 mmol/L), p < 0.05 (95% CI - 6.7 to - 2.5). Standard base excess was increased from - 3.5 mmol/L (IQR - 4 to - 2) to 0.5 mmol/L (IQR - 1 to 3), p < 0.01 (95% CI 2.0 to 5.0). A theoretical model was applied confirming that intra-dialytic glucose levels decrease, and ketone levels slightly increase since hepatic ketone production far exceeds dialytic removal. Our experimental data and in-silico modeling indicate that elevated blood ketone levels during ketosis are maintained during hemodialysis despite dialytic removal.

Dialysis as a Novel Adjuvant Treatment for Malignant Cancers.

Cancer metabolism is characterized by an increased utilization of fermentable fuels, such as glucose and glutamine, which support cancer cell survival by increasing resistance to both oxidative stress and the inherent immune system in humans. Dialysis has the power to shift the patient from a state dependent on glucose and glutamine to a ketogenic condition (KC) combined with low glutamine levels-thereby forcing ATP production through the Krebs cycle. By the force of dialysis, the cancer cells will be deprived of their preferred fermentable fuels, disrupting major metabolic pathways important for the ability of the cancer cells to survive. Dialysis has the potential to reduce glucose levels below physiological levels, concurrently increase blood ketone body levels and reduce glutamine levels, which may further reinforce the impact of the KC. Importantly, ketones also induce epigenetic changes imposed by histone deacetylates (HDAC) activity (Class I and Class IIa) known to play an important role in cancer metabolism. Thus, dialysis could be an impactful and safe adjuvant treatment, sensitizing cancer cells to traditional cancer treatments (TCTs), potentially making these significantly more efficient.

Developing chlorine-based antiseptic by electrolysis.

The use of Alcohol-based antiseptics is efficient and approved, however it has some limitations. This paper examined the possibility of using hypochlorite water as a chlorine-based antiseptic for handwashing in public buildings and healthcare facilities. The electrolysis method was used, which produces Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from mixing drinking water with small amounts of sodium hydroxide. Hypochlorous acid is usually produced by blood cells to surround pathogens when the skin is cut and exposed to pathogens. The methods used were based on hydrolysing drinking water at a different salt concentration (from 0 up to saline water 0.9% NaCl) under the different power supply. The results showed that 0.005-0.01% hydrochloride water can be a perfect antiseptic that can kill most bacteria and pathogenies within 12 s. In one prototype set up one litter of the prepared solution needed the only 2 g of NaCl, 12 V and 3 amps' power. However, the pH value should be maintained to be around 5-6. The results also showed that the most efficient way was to produce the solution on-site. However, if stored properly it can be used for 7-10 days after production.