Lipoprotein (a) levels in those with high molecular weight apo (a) isoforms may remain low in a significant proportion of patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background: Studies have reported an increase in median Lipoprotein (Lp) (a) in patients with high molecular weight (HMW) apolipoprotein (apo) (a) isoforms and renal impairment. Some studies identify Lp (a) levels as a risk factor for vascular disease in renal failure whilst others have demonstrated an association with apo (a) isoform type and vascular disease.

Methods: A total of 239 patients at end-stage renal failure (ESRF) were studied prior to the initiation of dialysis.

Relationship of renal function to homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) levels: the frequency of the combination of both risk factors in chronic renal impairment.

Background: Total homocysteine (tHcy) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels have been recognized as risk factors for vascular disease. The combination of elevated tHcy and Lp(a) levels may be particularly atherogenic, although no study has examined the prevalence of the combination of both risk factors in patients with chronic renal impairment.

Methods: One hundred ninety-seven patients with renal impairment were studied.

Effects of xanthine oxidase inhibition with allopurinol on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow in hyperuricemic patients with chronic heart failure: results from 2 placebo-controlled studies.

Background: In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), hyperuricemia is a common finding and is associated with reduced vasodilator capacity and impaired peripheral blood flow. It has been suggested that the causal link of this association is increased xanthine oxidase (XO)-derived oxygen free radical production and endothelial dysfunction. We therefore studied the effects of XO inhibition with allopurinol on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow in CHF patients after intra-arterial infusion and after oral administration in 2 independent placebo-controlled studies.

Assay of serum allantoin in humans by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Background: The small amount of allantoin present in human serum results from free radical (FR) action on urate and may provide a stable marker of free radical activity in vivo. We describe a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assay for serum allantoin and report a reference range in healthy individuals.

Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 134 healthy middle-aged volunteers (56 men, mean age 55, range 45-72; 78 women, mean age 55, range 50-72) Allantoin was assayed using 15N(2) allantoin as an internal standard.