Morning blood pressure surge in renal transplant recipients: Its relation to graft function and arterial stiffness.

BACKGROUND: When the blood pressure rises before awakening in the morning, it is called as morning blood pressure pulse (MBPS). MBPS is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between MBPS, graft function, arterial stiffness and echocardiographic indices in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Among 600 renal transplant recipients, 122 patients who had a history of hypertension and were taking at least one antihypertensive medication were enrolled in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWv), and echocardiographic indices were assessed. 24 h ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for all patients. MBPS was calculated by subtracting morning systolic blood pressure from minimal asleep systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Mean morning, day time and asleep systolic blood pressure values were 171.2 ± 23.9, 137.9 ± 18.1, and 131.7 ± 18.9, respectively. Nondipper hypertension status was observed in 93 patients. Mean MBPS was 35.6 ± 19.5 mm Hg, means PWv was 6.5 ± 2.0 m/s. Patients with MBPS ≥ 35 mm Hg, had significantly lower eGFR and higher proteinuria, PWv. higher left atrium volume and LVMI. In regression analysis, day time systolic blood pressure, asleep systolic blood pressure, morning blood pressure surge, nondipper status and left ventricular mass index were detected as the predictors of graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Increased morning blood pressure surge is associated with graft dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness and LVMI that contribute to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipients.

Effect of nutritional support on nutritional status and inflammation in malnourished patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Protein energy wasting/malnutrition is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We aimed to compare the effects of oral and/or intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) support on nutritional and inflammatory parameters in malnourished patients with MHD. METHODS: This is an observational study of 56 malnourished patients on MHD. We offered combined oral nutritional support (ONS) and IDPN for 12 months to all patients. Depending on patient choices for treatment, they were classified into four groups: group 1 (ONS only), group 2 (IDPN only), group 3 (both ONS and IDPN), and group 4 (patients who refused artificial nutrition support and only followed dietary advice). Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), and body composition (fat mass [FM], muscle mass [MM]) were assessed monthly. FINDINGS: The mean serum albumin levels of groups 2 and 3 significantly increased with the intervention, whereas that of group 4 significantly decreased. The mean nPCR levels of groups 2 and 3 significantly increased. Group 3 had the most significant positive change in serum albumin and nPCR levels. Mean serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of groups 1, 2, and 3 decreased, whereas those of group 4 increased. A ∆ in CRP was only identified in group 3. The MIS of groups 1, 2, and 3 significantly decreased whereas that of group 4 significantly increased. The ∆% in FM was 1.1, 1.9, 9.1, and -2.9 for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and that in MM was -0.6, 4.4, 6.9, and -7.9 for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. DISCUSSION: Compared to monotherapy or nutritional counseling, the choice of ONS plus IDPN is associated with improved nutritional status and decreased inflammation in malnourished patients on MHD. Nonetheless, interventional studies must be conducted to confirm these observations.

Dietary Fiber Intake: Its Relation With Glycation End Products and Arterial Stiffness in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the relationship between the effect of total dietary fiber intake on C-reactive protein (CRP) and on oxidative stress parameters such as serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs), superoxide dysmutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWv) in maintanace hemodialysis (MHD) patients. METHODS: Among 650 MHD patients, 128 were selected according to inclusion criteria. The dietary survey was performed with a 3-day dietary history. Dietary fiber level was adjusted for total energy intake by the residual method. Patients were stratified by quartiles of adjusted dietary fiber (ADF) level as group 1 (n = 32) (ADF: <8.86 g/day), group 2 (n = 35) (ADF: 8.86-12.50 g/day), group 3 (n = 31) (ADF: 12.51-15.90 g/day), and group 4 (n = 30) (ADF: ≥15.91 g/day). Monthly assessed biochemical parameters including serum hemoglobin, albumin, CRP, calcium, phosphorus, and lipid profile levels were recorded. Serum AGEs, SOD, and malondialdehyde levels were determined by ELISA method. The PWv was determined from pressure tracing over carotid and femoral arteries. RESULTS: Patients in group 3 and 4 had significantly lower CRP and AGE than those in group 1 and 2. Mean serum SOD level and PWv were significantly higher in group 4. In regression analysis, ADF intake was the unique predictor for both AGE (r2 = 0.164, P = 0.017) and CRP levels (r2 = 0.238, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Present data show that dietary fiber intake is independently correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, decreased fiber intake results in impaired arterial stiffness. Thus, adequate fiber intake could prevent cardiovascular events and inflammatory processes in patients undergoing MHD.

Factors Influencing Hemoglobin Variability and Its Association with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the factors influencing hemoglobin variability with inflammatory and nutritional parameters and its associations with all-cause mortality among hemodialysis patients. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients during the entire 12 months were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum iron, serum iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were analyzed. We defined six groups: low, target range, high, low-amplitude fluctuation with low hemoglobin levels, low-amplitude fluctuation with high hemoglobin levels, and high-amplitude fluctuation. Body mass index (BMI), malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index were evaluated. RESULTS: Hemoglobin variability was significantly correlated with age, platelet count, and number of hospitalization instances and inversely correlated with erythropoietin dose per body surface area. The coefficient of variation of hemoglobin showed a correlation with MIS and ferritin. The absolute level of hemoglobin showed a negative correlation between PTH, CRP, MIS, number of hospitalization instances and a positive correlation with albumin and BMI. High, low, and target-range groups showed survival advantage compared to the other three groups. In regression analysis, age, CRP levels, MIS, and BMI were the predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Inflammation and duration of anemia were the major predictors of hemoglobin variability. High-amplitude fluctuation predicts high mortality; on the contrary low-amplitude fluctuations is related to better survival. MIS was independently associated with mortality. This trial is registered with NCT03454906.

Hand-Grip Strength Is Associated With Serum Testosterone and Albumin Levels in Male Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: In kidney transplant recipients, reduced muscle mass and hand-grip strength are associated with impaired nutritional status. Serum testosterone is highly associated with muscle strength in the general population. Here, we aimed to determine the associations among serum testosterone, hand-grip strength, and nutritional and inflammatory parameters, as well as graft function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 144 stable male kidney transplant recipients from our renal transplant outpatient clinic. All patients were evaluated for clinical parameters (age, duration of hemodialysis, and posttransplant time), biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, C-reactive protein, albumin, creatinine), and serum testosterone levels. Body composition was analyzed with the bioimpedance spectroscopy analysis technique using a body composition monitor that estimates body mass index and percent fat. Hand-grip strength was analyzed by using a dynamometer (ProHealthcareProducts.com, Park City, UT, USA). We calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease-4 equation. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, duration of dialysis before transplant, biochemical parameters, and estimated glomerular filtration rates were similar among study patients. Mean (standard deviation) serum testosterone was 588.0 (55.5) ng/dL, mean body mass index was 26.8 (0.6) kg/m2, and mean hand-grip strength was 42.2 (1.7) mm2. Serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with hand-grip strength (r = 0.445; P = .033) and serum albumin (r = 0.399; P = .05) and negatively correlated with serum C-reactive protein (r = -0.454; P = .05) and age. In linear multiple regression analysis, serum albumin (P = .033) and testosterone levels (P = .038) were shown to be predictors of hand-grip strength. However, we could not show a significant correlation between graft function and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: Serum testosterone level is correlated with hand-grip strength and C-reactive protein and albumin levels, which may indicate that testosterone affects nutritional status and inflammation in male renal transplant recipients.

FGF23, NGAL, and Endostatin: the Predictors of Allograft Function in Renal Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Increased circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and endostatin are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Here, we evaluated correlations among these parameters and graft dysfunction and their relation with arterial stiffness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 73 maintenance kidney transplant patients with stable allograft function who had received the transplant at least 36 months previously. We calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Pulsewave velocity was determined. Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23, neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin, and endostatin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and pulse-wave velocity values were similar in groups 1 and 2 (GFR < 60 and > 60 mL/min, respectively). Mean levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (P = .036), neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin (P = .018), and endostatin were significantly higher in group 1. Fibroblast growth factor 23 was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.267, P = .023) and positively correlated with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (r = 0.258, P = .036) and endostatin (r = 0.321, P = .006). Serum endostatin levels were positively correlated with pulse-wave velocity (r = 0.276, P = .019). In linear regression analysis, eGFR was detected as the unique predictor of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (P = .001). In addition, each 1 mL/min decrease in eGFR resulted in a 0.281 pg/mL increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 (P = .023) and a 0.04 ng/mL increase in neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (P = .007); each 1 cm/s increase in pulse-wave velocity resulted in a 3648.7 U/L increase of endostatin (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: All 3 parameters were associated with loss of graft function in kidney transplant recipients. Moreover, endostatin can be used as an independent predictor for cardiovascular morbidity in this population.

Iloprost as an acute kidney injury-triggering agent in severely atherosclerotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analog, is used as a rescue therapy for severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It has systemic vasodilatory and anti-aggregant effects, with severe vasodilatation potentially causing organ ischaemia when severe atherosclerosis is the underlying cause. In this study, we retrospectively analysed renal outcomes after iloprost infusion therapy in 86 patients. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with PAD who received iloprost infusion therapy were retrospectively analysed. Clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded before (initial, Cr1), during (third day, Cr2), and after (14th day following the termination of infusion therapy, Cr3) treatment. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined according to KDIGO guidelines as a ≥ 0.3 mg/dl (26.52 µmol/l) increase in creatinine levels from baseline within 48 hours. RESULTS: Cr2 (1.46 ± 0.1 mg/dl) (129.06 ± 8.84 µmol/l) and Cr3 (1.53 ± 0.12 mg/dl) (135.25 ± 10.61 µmol/l) creatinine levels were significantly higher compared to the initial value (1.15 ± 0.6 mg/dl) (101.66 ± 53.04 µmol/l). AKI was observed in 36 patients (41.86%) on the third day of iloprost infusion. Logistic regression analysis revealed smoking and not using acetylsalicylic acid as primary predictors (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008, respectively) of AKI during iloprost treatment. On the third infusion day, patients' urinary output significantly increased (1813.30 ± 1123.46 vs 1545.17 ± 873.00 cm3) and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased (70.07 ± 15.50 vs 74.14 ± 9.42 mmHg) from their initial values. CONCLUSION: While iloprost treatment is effective in patients with PAD who are not suitable for surgery, severe systemic vasodilatation can cause renal ischaemia, resulting in nonoliguric AKI. Smoking, no acetylsalicylic acid use, and lower diastolic blood pressure are the clinical risk factors for AKI during iloprost treatment.

New-onset diabetes and glucose regulation are significant determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with decreased graft survival and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for development of NODAT and its' relationship with arterial stiffness and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: 159 kidney transplant recipients were selected from our transplantation center who underwent renal transplantation between years 2007 and 2010. RESULTS: Among 159 patients, 57 (32.2%) patients were with NODAT who were significantly older than patients without diabetes (P: 0.0001). Patients with NODAT had significantly higher pulse wave velocity (PWv) (P: 0.033) and left ventricular mass index LVMI (P: 0.001) compared to patients without NODAT. Further analysis was done according to LVMI as follows: LVMI > 130 g/m(2) (n: 57) and LVMI ≤ 130 g/m(2) (n: 102). We observed higher office systolic and diastolic BP, serum trygliceride, glucose, creatinine, age, and HbA1c (P: 0.0001) levels in patients with LVMI > 130 g/m(2). Linear regression analysis revealed that HbA1c was the major determinant of LVMI (P: 0.026, ß: 0.361). CONCLUSIONS: HbA1c is the major determinant of LVMI, so strict control of serum glucose levels is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with NODAT.

Differential influence of vitamin D analogs on left ventricular mass index in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common feature in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Inadequate treatment of SHPT has been associated with cardiovascular complications, and vitamin D therapy might influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous paricalcitol and calcitriol treatments on left ventricular mass index changes in MHD patients. METHODS: We conducted an observational study with a 12-month follow-up duration to compare the outcomes of intravenous paricalcitol and calcitriol treatments in MHD patients. Eighty patients with moderate to severe SHPT were enrolled in the study. All the patients had normalized total serum Ca concentration <10.5 mg/dL, serum calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) <75, and parathyroid hormone level (PTH) level ≥300 pg/mL at the begining of the follow-up period. RESULTS: The patients were divided into a paricalcitol group (n = 40) and a calcitriol group (n = 40). The demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of the patients were similar at baseline. We observed significantly superior control of SHPT; lesser frequency of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, and Ca × P level elevations; and interruption of vitamin D treatment in the paricalcitol group. Moreover, we found no significant change in left ventricular mass index in the paricalcitol group, but found a significantly increased left ventricular mass index in the calcitriol group during the follow-up period (from 136.6 ± 35.2 g/m2 to 132.9 ± 40.4 g/m2 vs. from 137.2 ± 30.1 g/m2 to 149.4 ± 31.0 g/m2; p<0.044). CONCLUSION: We observed that, compared with calcitriol therapy, paricalcitol therapy reduced the PTH concentrations more effectively without causing hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia and might have a substantial beneficial effect on the development of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Long-term oral nutrition supplementation improves outcomes in malnourished patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the type, time of initiation, or duration of use of enteral nutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to compare the effects of a renal-specific oral nutrition supplement (RS-ONS) and a standard recommended nutrition regime on biochemical and nutrition markers in malnourished patients with CKD on hemodialysis. METHODS: Sixty-two malnourished patients with CKD, divided into experimental (RS-ONS; n = 32; mean [SD] age, 62.0 [11.3] years; 55.2% female) and control (CON; n = 30; mean [SD] age, 57.2 [12.3] years; 31% female) groups, were evaluated for anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Mean (SD) serum albumin levels were significantly increased in the RS-ONS group from 3.5 (0.3) g/dL at baseline to 3.7 (0.2) g/dL at 6 months (P = .028). Significantly fewer patients had serum albumin levels of <3.5 g/dL after month 6. Dry weight of patients significantly increased in the RS-ONS but decreased in the CON groups (P < .001 for each). Percent change from baseline revealed negative results for bioelectrical impedance analysis (P < .001) in the CON group. Malnutrition inflammation score at 6 months (P = .006) and erythropoietin (EPO) dose requirements were higher in the CON group (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that consuming RS-ONS improves serum albumin and anthropometric measures, as well as reduces EPO dose, in patients with CKD.

rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness and related high dosages are associated with hyperviscosity in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Increased viscosity may increase the risk of thrombosis or thromboembolic events. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is the key stone treatment in anemic ESRD patients with the thrombotic limiting side effect. We evaluated the influence of clinical and laboratory findings on plasma viscosity in MHD patients in the present study. METHOD: After applying exclusion criteria 84 eligible MHD patients were included (30 female, age: 54.7 ± 13.7 years). RESULTS: Patients with high viscosity had longer MHD history, calcium × phosphorus product, and higher rHuEPO requirement (356.4 versus 204.2 U/kg/week, P: 0.006). rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness was also more common in hyperviscosity group. According to HD duration, no rHuEPO group had the longest and the low rHuEPO dosage group had the shortest duration. Despite similar Hb levels, 68% of patients in high rHuEPO dosage group; and 38.7% of patients in low rHuEPO dosage group had higher plasma viscosity (P: 0.001). Patients with hyperviscosity had higher rHuEPO/Hb levels (P: 0.021). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness was the major determinant of hyperviscosity. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the hyperviscous state of the hemodialysis patients may arise from the inflammatory situation of long term HD, the calcium-phosphorus mineral abnormalities, rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness, and related high dosage requirements.

The influence of socioeconomic factors on depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients and their caregivers.

AIM: A Depression has a strong impact on the quality of life of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The objective of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the depression scores of MHD patients and their primary caregivers. METHODS: 141 patients (54 female, aged 53.6 ± 14.2 years) who had been on MHD for at least 3 months were included. Age, gender, etiology of renal disease, duration of dialysis, marital and employment status, and income and living status of patients were recorded from patient charts and through face-to-face interviews. Disability was assessed by a selfadministered questionnaire. Additionally, 40 of the 141 patients (28%) primary caregivers were interviewed face-to-face. All patients and 40 primary caregivers were evaluated for the presence of depressive symptoms by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Moderate to severe depressive symptoms were found in 36.2% of the study group. Divorced patients were significantly more depressed (p < 0.02) than married or single patients. Patients living with and being cared for by their nuclear family (father, mother, and/or children) were less depressed than patients being cared for by other relatives (p < 0.009). Monthly income was negatively correlated with both patients' and primary caregivers' BDI score (p < 0.005). Patients with high disability scores were more depressed than nondisabled patients (p < 0.08). Primary caregivers' BDI scores were positively correlated with the patients' BDI scores (p < 0.0001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher depression scores were significantly associated with more than 3 children under guardianship (p < 0.01) and higher disability scores (p < 0.023). CONCLUSION: In this present study, we observed that economically, socially, and physically self-sufficient MHD patients had lower depression rates. The treatment of depression and social and psychological support for both the patient and the family members are essential for better medical status among MHD patients.

Comparison of preemptive kidney transplant recipients with nonpreemptive kidney recipients in single center: 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: For suitable patients with end-stage renal disease, kidney transplantation (KT) is the best renal replacement therapy, resulting in lower morbidity and mortality rates and improved quality of life. Preemptive kidney transplantation (PKT) is defined as transplantation performed before initiation of maintenance dialysis and reported to be associated with superior outcomes of graft and patient survival. In our study, we aimed to compare the 5-year outcomes of PKT and nonpreemptive kidney transplantation (NPKT) patients who received KT in our center, to define the differences according to complications, comorbidities, adverse effects, clinical symptoms, periodical laboratory parameters, rejection episodes, graft, and patient survival. METHODS: One hundred kidney transplantation (37 PKT, 63 NPKT) recipients were included in our study. All patients were evaluated for adverse effects, complications, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, monthly laboratory parameters, acute rejection episodes, graft, and patient survival. RESULTS: Acute rejection episodes were found to be significantly correlated with graft loss in both groups (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Hypertension after transplantation was diagnosed by ambulatory blood pressure measurement in 74 of 100 patients. Twenty-five of 37 (67.6%) of Group 1 (PKT) recipients had hypertension while 54 of 63 (85.4%) of Group 2 (NPKT) had hypertension. The incidence of hypertension between two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.03), but this finding was not correlated to graft survival (P = 0.07). Some patients had serious infections, requiring hospitalization, and were treated immediately. Infection rates between the two groups were 10.8% for Group 1 patients and 31.7% for Group 2 patients and were statistically significant (P = 0.02). Infection, requiring hospitalization, was found to be statistically correlated to graft loss in only NPKT patients (P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: While the comparison of PKT and graft and patient survival with NPKT is poorer than we expected, lower morbidity rates of hypertension and infection are similar with recent data. Avoidance of dialysis-associated comorbidities, diminished immune response, and cardiovascular complications are the main benefits of PKT.

Is there a link between hyperuricemia, morning blood pressure surge, and non-dipping blood pressure pattern in metabolic syndrome patients?

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive patients usually have a blunted nocturnal decrease, or even increase, in blood pressure during sleep. There is also a tendency for increased occurrence of cardiovascular events between 6 and 12 am due to increased morning blood pressure surge (MBPS). Co-occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertension is also a common problem. Hyperuricemia might trigger the development of hypertension, chronic renal failure, and insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between hyperuricemia, MetS, nocturnal blood pressure changes, and MBPS. METHOD: A total of 81 newly diagnosed hypertensive MetS patients were included in this study. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring of patients was done and patients' height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were recorded. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, creatinine, potassium, uric acid, hematocrit levels were studied. RESULTS: Non-dipper (ie, those whose blood pressure did not drop overnight) patients had higher waist-hip ratios (WHR) (P = 0.003), uric acid (P = 0.0001), FBG (P = 0.001), total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P = 0.0001). Risk analysis revealed that hyperuricemia was a risk factor for non-dipping pattern (P < 0.0001, odds ratio = 8.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.9-33.7). Patients in the highest quadrant for uric acid levels had higher FBG (P = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.017), WHR (P = 0.01), MBPS (P = 0.003), and night diastolic blood pressure compared with lowest quadrant patients (P = 0.013). Uric acid levels were also positively correlated with night ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) (r = 0.268, P =0.05), night diastolic blood pressure (r =0.3, P =0.05), and MBPS (r =0.3, P =0.05). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of hypertensive patients should also include an assessment of uric acid level and anthropometric measurements such as abdominal obesity. Hyperuricemia seems to be closely related to undesired blood pressure patterns and this may signal to the clinician that an appropriate therapeutic approach is required.

Insulin resistance is increased in alopecia areata patients.

Increased insulin resistance (IR) has been found in androgenetic alopecia in several studies. However, IR has not been investigated in alopecia areata (AA). We aimed to investigate IR in AA patients and the controls. Anthropometric and demographic data were obtained from 51 AA patients and 36 controls. We measured insulin, c-peptide and blood glucose and HOMA-IR. Demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. AA group had higher insulin [12.5 ± 7.01 vs. 8.3 ± 3.9 µIU/mL, p = 0.001], c-peptide [2.7 ± 1.07 vs. 2. ± 0.6 ng/mL, p = 0.007] and HOMA-IR levels [2.8 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, p = .004] than the controls. Patient and control groups were also similar regarding lipid profiles. In this study, we found increased IR in AA patients for the first time in literature. Increased inflammatory cytokines and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation may be responsible for this finding. Further studies with larger sample sizes may give additional information for IR in AA.

Serum holotranscobalamine, vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine levels in alopecia areata patients.

Alopecia areata has been associated with many autoimmune diseases. There is a common belief that the prevalence of pernicious anemia is increased in patients with alopecia areata. In this study, we sought to investigate vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine metabolism in alopecia areata. We measured holotranscobalamine (holoTC), vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels in 75 patients with alopecia areata and 54 controls. We did not find any significant differences in these parameters between these groups. We think that alopecia areata may not be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The co-occurrence of pernicious anemia and alopecia areata in rare autoimmune syndromes, may not justify routine measurements of these parameters in alopecia areata patients.

Body fat percentage as a risk factor for atherosclerosis but not for inflammation for hemodialysis patients: differences between genders.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis (AS) and malnutrition are 2 major causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A high body fat percentage (BFP) may be paradoxically associated with improved survival in chronic HD patients. We aimed to establish BFP profile of the HD patients by using bioimpedance analysis, body mass index (BMI), and waist/hip ratio (WHR) to find out their association with inflammation and AS. METHODS: In total, 125 HD patients (64 male, 51% mean age of 49.7 ± 12.3 years) were included in the study. Malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) has been used and supported with biochemical parameters: C-reactive protein, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, complete blood count, serum albumin, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, and triglyceride. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their BFP that were defined by bioimpedance analysis. We also compared these groups according to BMI percentiles. Independent variables affecting BMI and MIS were identified by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: AS was correlated with high BFP for our female HD patients, but not for the males. BFP, BMI, and WHR were significantly higher for females. Older age (P = .02), BMI (P < .01), WHR (P < .01), total leukocyte count (P = .02), serum iron (P < .01), and total iron-binding capacity (P = .02) were found significantly correlated with higher BFP for female HD patients, whereas only BMI (P < .01) and serum creatinine levels (P = .04) were significant for male patients. In logistic regression analysis, independent factors affecting cardiovascular disease (CVD) were gender, BFP, MIS, and lymphocyte/leukocyte ratio. Independent factors affecting MIS were gender, BFP, CVD, serum albumin level, and serum C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: BFP and male gender may be contributing factors for CVD; however, female HD patients with high BFP had higher risk of CVD than male counterparts. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pathophysiology of this discrepancy between genders.

Effect of isotretinoin treatment on plasma holotranscobalamin, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels: non-controlled study.

Isotretinoin (Iso) has been used for the treatment of acne. Some previous studies reported elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels after treatment with Iso. Some side effects have clinical presentations similar to vitamin B12, folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia. In the present study we evaluated the plasma Hcy levels, the vitamins involved in its metabolism (vitamin B12 and folic acid), and holotranscobalamin (HoloTC), a transport system for vitamin B12 absorption in patients receiving Iso treatment for acne vulgaris. A total of 66 patients with acne vulgaris between the ages of 18 and 40 years were included. Screening for hemoglobin, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), folic acid, vitamin B12, Hcy, and HoloTC were done just before initiation (pretreatment) and after four months of Iso treatment (posttreatment). Posttreatment vitamin B12, folic acid, and HoloTC levels were significantly lower while Hcy levels were significantly higher compared with initial values. Posttreatment total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, VLDL-C, SGPT, and SGOT levels were also higher, and HDL-C levels were lower compared with initial values while there was no change in hemoglobin levels during Iso treatment. We found that Iso usage might cause decreased vitamin B12, folic acid, and HoloTC. These Iso side effects might contribute to the missing link between Iso usage, hyperhomocysteinemia, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Trials may be made with the aim of demonstrating (clearly) if starting vitamin B12 and folic acid replacement therapies with Iso treatment initialization could be useful for preventing hyperhomocysteinemia and possibly related disorders.

Insulin resistance is increased in patients with vitiligo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitiligo and insulin resistance (IR). A total of 96 subjects were included in the study; 57 patients with vitiligo and 39 subjects in an age and a body mass index-matched control group. In fasting blood samples, insulin, C-peptide, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. IR was calculated with the homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) method. Comparison of the vitiligo and the control groups revealed that patients with vitiligo had higher IR (2.3 vs. 2.0, p < 0.01), higher insulin and C-peptide levels (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), higher LDL/HDL ratio and lower HDL-C levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.0001, respectively). Systolic blood pressures of patients with vitiligo were also higher compared with control subjects (p < 0.01). Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association.

Therapeutic hotline. Does isotretinoin have effect on vitamin D physiology and bone metabolism in acne patients?

Isotretinoin is an effective therapy for severe nodulocystic acne. Several experimental studies suggest that it may have an effect on vitamin D physiology. In the present study, the authors aimed to investigate the effect of isotretinoin treatment on the metabolism of vitamin D in acne patients. A prospective analysis of 50 consecutive acne patients who were treated with isotretinoin for 3 months was done. Before and after 3 months of treatment, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, and bone alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate, and parathormone levels were measured. The 25 hydroxy vitamin D and serum calcium levels decreased significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, respectively), whereas 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, parathormone, and bone alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly after 3 months of isotretinoin treatment (p < 0.005, p < 0.005, p < 0.0001, respectively). Aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels also increased significantly after isotretinoin treatment. This prospective clinical study showed that isotretinoin has an effect on vitamin D metabolism. Further clinical studies with longer periods of follow-up are needed to understand the effect of isotretinoin on vitamin D and bone metabolism.