Research in Medicine

Background : Paraoxonase (PON) is an esterase with antioxidant effects, which is in close association with High Density Lipid-C, (HDL-C). Investigators have shown that the reduction of PON in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) predisposes them to premature atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of hemodialysis on the activity of PON in ESRD patients.

Materials and methods : Ninety-two patients with ESRD were enrolled from the hemodialysis centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Subjects with history of thyroid disorder, cerebro-vascular accidents and coronary artery disease were excluded. A questionnaire including demographic data and hemodialysis criteria was completed for each subject. One venous blood sample was obtained in fasting state prior to the hemodialysis, and another just after the procedure. Laboratory tests were performed in the laboratory of Endocrine Research Center .

Results : The study population included 46 diabetics, and 46 non-diabetic subjects with the mean age 61.5±9.5 years, (51 males and 41 females). The activity of PON was significantly higher after the procedure than before it, (63±45 vs. 55±40 IU/ml, p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly following hemodialysis but it did not differ between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. PON activity directly correlated with the quality of hemodialysis.

Conclusion : Following hemodialysis, there is increment in PON activity meanwhile, better hemodialysis quality is associated with better enzyme activity.