The metabolic response to ingested protein is normal in long-term hemodialysis patients.

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition affects 30% to 50% of hemodialysis (HD) patients. This has been attributed to inadequate food intake, but may be caused by disturbances in utilization of ingested protein.

Methods: We studied protein kinetics during fasting and during ingestion of a protein-enriched meal to investigate possible metabolic differences between stable HD patients and control subjects.

Quantification of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in conscious mice using serial blood and urine spots.

In vivo studies of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in (genetically modified) conscious mice are hampered by limitations of blood and urine sample sizes. We developed and validated methods to quantify stable isotope dilution and incorporation in small blood and urine samples spotted onto filter paper. Blood glucose and urinary paracetamol-glucuronic acid were extracted from filter paper spots reproducibly and with high yield.

Protein intake during hemodialysis maintains a positive whole body protein balance in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Protein energy malnutrition is present in 18 to 56% of hemodialysis patients. Because hemodialysis has been regarded as a catabolic event, we studied whether consumption of a protein- and energy-enriched meal improves the whole body protein balance during dialysis in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. Patients were studied on a single day between dialysis (HD- protocol) in the morning while fasting and in the afternoon while consuming six small test meals.