Cigarette Smoking is Associated with Decreased Bone Gla-protein (BGP) Levels in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Bone Gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)-protein (BGP or osteocalcin) is a vitamin K-dependent protein involved in the regulation of bone mineralization. Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Methods: We carried out a secondary analysis of the Vitamin K Italian (VIKI) study to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and BGP levels in patients with end stage renal disease.

Carnitine-mediated improved response to erythropoietin involves induction of haem oxygenase-1: studies in humans and in an animal model.

Background: Carnitine improves erythropoetin (EPO) response and anaemia in haemodialysis patients (HD); however, the mechanism(s) responsible remain unidentified. We have reported that carnitine induces haem oxygenase (HO)-1, which is an antioxidant and antiapoptotic that acts via pathways shared with EPO. Therefore carnitine's effect on these pathways may account for the improved EPO response.

Soluble transferrin receptors and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration in the assessment of iron deficiency in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Diagnosing iron deficiency in hemodialysis (HD) patients is crucial for correct anemia management. Hypochromic erythrocytes appear to be the best available marker, but they are often unavailable. Transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin are also indicated as reference markers by guidelines.

Are the baseline chances of survival comparable between the candidates for kidney transplantation who actually receive a graft and those who never get one?

Background: The superiority of kidney transplantation over dialysis for patient survival often is assessed by comparing the survival rate of candidates who get a graft to that of those on the waiting list who do not. This study tries to ascertain if the two groups are comparable in terms of their chances of surviving.

Methods: Of the 187 non-diabetic patients who entered our waiting list during 1998 and 1999 for first cadaveric kidney transplants, 81 received a graft and 106 did not.