Markers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in ESRD Patients with Hepatitis-C Virus Positive on Maintenance Haemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is the significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Haemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant recipients. HD technique may contribute to in maintaining the inflammatory state in many HD patients. Oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are common in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Aim: To assess the possible relationships between oxidative stress, inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers with HCV positive status on maintenance HD. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 22 patients with ESRD, seropositive for HCV; 22 patients with ESRD, seronegative for HCV on maintenance HD and 19 healthy subjects as controls. In the present study, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was estimated by immunoturbidimetry method, Homocysteine (Hcy) was estimated by enzymatic recycling method, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and Nitric oxide (NO) were estimated by spectrophotometric method and Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) was estimated by Carotid Ultrasonography. Results: There is statistically significant increase in serum MDA, Hcy, hs-CRP, CIMT levels and statistically significant decrease in serum NO and FRAP levels in HCV positive and HCV negative groups when compared to controls. Correlation analysis of CIMT with other markers in the study showed statistically significant negative correlations among CIMT with FRAP and NO and statistically significant positive correlations among CIMT with hsCRP and Hcy but no association with MDA. Conclusion: Oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction might be associated with HCV infection in ESRD patients on maintenance HD.

Keywords

• carotid intima media thickness
• malondialdehyde
• nitric oxide
• seronegative
• seropositive