Plasma cysteine/cystine reduction potential correlates with plasma creatinine levels in chronic kidney disease.

Background/aims: Oxidative stress has been considered a nontraditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, possibly triggered by uremic toxicity.

Methods: A chromatographic method with coulometric detection was adapted to directly and simultaneously determine cysteine (Cys) and cystine (Cyss) in plasma samples. Healthy subjects and CKD subjects in different stages were analyzed.