Low IGF-1 levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in haemodialysis patients.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute a significant risk and may, in part, explain the high morbidity and mortality rates among haemodialysis (HD) patients. Several studies have implicated reduced insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) levels in the development of CVD. However, it is not clear whether IGF-1, and its relationship with other hormones such as leptin, insulin, and growth hormone (GH), as well as anthropometric variables may explain the high incidence of vascular complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Circulating levels of endothelin-1 in a homogenous Gulf Arab population with untreated essential hypertension.

Background: Racial variations are reported in the natural history of hypertension. For example, hypertension is significantly more prevalent in blacks than whites. Endothelial cells are important regulators of vascular tone and homeostasis, in part through secretions of vasoactive substances including endothelin-1 (ET-1), a small peptide with potent vasopressor actions.

Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids in chronic renal failure in the United Arab Emirates.

Objective: In end-stage renal failure, dyslipoproteinemia is linked to risk of cardiovascular disease. Increased concentrations of triacylglycerol-rich, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and decreased concentrations of high density lipoproteins (HDL) are usual, whilst total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations are not increased. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are not transported by lipoproteins, but increased concentrations may also be associated with cardiovascular disease risk.