Mitochondrial DNA copy number correlates with oxidative stress and predicts mortality in nondiabetic hemodialysis patients.

Background: Oxidative stress is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients and may contribute to atherosclerosis and mortality. The copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is affected by oxidative stress in blood circulation. This study aimed to test whether mtDNA copy number correlates with oxidative stress and predicts all-cause mortality in nondiabetic hemodialysis patients.

Lack of association between mutations of gene-encoding mitochondrial D310 (displacement loop) mononucleotide repeat and oxidative stress in chronic dialysis patients in Taiwan.

Background: Mitochondria (mt) are highly susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the association between a region within the displacement loop (D-loop) in mtDNA that is highly susceptible to ROS and oxidative stress markers in chronic dialysis patients. We enrolled 184 chronic dialysis patients and 213 age-matched healthy subjects for comparison.

Association between C-reactive protein and biomarkers of bone and mineral metabolism in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Both chronic inflammation and dysregulation of bone and mineral metabolism are closely related with long-term outcomes of dialysis patients. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between these two abnormalities.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Successful treatment of bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis in a uremic patient without nephrectomy.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a severe and complicated renal infection characterized by gas formation within the infected kidney and its surrounding tissues. Early diagnosis with a high index of suspicion and aggressive treatment are important for improving outcome. Bilateral involvement is rare, and surgical intervention is usually required because of its high mortality rate.

Better sleep quality and less daytime symptoms in patients on evening hemodialysis: a questionnaire-based study.

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and to assess the effect of dialysis schedule on sleep quality and the presence of daytime symptoms. We prospectively selected 150 long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients in three groups (morning, afternoon, and evening dialysis) and gave them a sleep questionnaire, the Epworth sleepiness scale and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Snoring was the most common complaint (56%), followed by insomnia (38%) and restless legs syndrome (22.

Correlation of oxidative stress biomarkers and peritoneal urea clearance with mitochondrial DNA copy number in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background/aims: The influence of oxidative stress and peritoneal clearance on alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients was investigated.

Methods: Ninety-one CAPD patients (age, 30-57 years) and 99 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Biochemical variables, plasma thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS), free thiol levels and mtDNA copy number in peripheral leukocytes were measured.