Role of Uremic Toxins on Apoptosis With Varying Periods of Hemodialysis

Increased apoptotic cell death in uremic patients has been confirmed by a variety of studies. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of uremic toxins and duration of hemodialysis (HD) therapy on apoptosis by means of measuring serum caspase cleaved CK18 (CCCK‐18) levels. Seventy chronic HD patients were recruited and divided into three groups with differing periods of HD, from 6 months to 10 years. Twelve healthy subjects served as controls. Serum CCCK‐18 level was found significantly higher in HD patient groups (Group 2; 189 ± 71 IU/L, Group 3; 182 ± 65 IU/L, Group 4; 204 ± 111 IU/L) as compared to the control group (122 ± 20 U/L) (P