Elevated hepatocyte growth factor levels at the beginning of high-flux hemodialysis are due to heparin administration.

Background: It has been reported that hemodialysis (HD) stimulates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) release, but it is not clear if this stimulation is due to HD itself or to heparin used during HD. To clarify this issue, we undertook the present study.

Methods: We studied 18 HD patients using high-flux dialyzers, during a single 4-hr hemodialysis session (session A).

Endothelial function markers in parkinsonian patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a risk factor for vascular disease causing endothelial damage and consequently atherogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of elevated homocysteine on certain biochemical markers of endothelial function in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Blood homocysteine levels were assessed in 57 PD patients and 40 matched normal controls.