Low expression of thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (rhodanese) predicts mortality in hemodialysis patients

To test the hypothesis that impaired expression of the thiosulfate sulfurtransferase rhodanese is associated with oxidative stress and may predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. Sixty-two hemodialysis patients were investigated to determine protein and mRNA expression of rhodanese in monocytes. Whole cell reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide production were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Compared to healthy subjects, hemodialysis patients showed significantly lower rhodanese mRNA and protein expression and significantly increased reactive oxygen species. Lower rhodanese protein expression was significantly associated with higher mitochondrial superoxide production. The hazard ratio for mortality in hemodialysis patients with rhodanese mRNA below compared to patients above the median was 2.22. Survival was shorter with rhodanese mRNA below compared to patients above the median. Impaired rhodanese expression is associated with increased whole cell reactive oxygen species as well as higher mitochondrial superoxide production and predicts mortality in hemodialysis patients.