The Relationship between the Antioxidant System and Anaemia in Haemodialysis Patients

Anaemia and oxidative stress are common features of chronic kidney disease, and both are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. There is growing evidence, from experimental and clinical studies, that oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathogenesis of anaemia. This study investigated the relationship between total antioxidant capacity, anaemia and serum albumin levels in 127 non-diabetic patients requiring haemodialysis. Total serum antioxidant capacity levels were determined and were found to be significantly correlated with levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum albumin, serum total protein, malondialdehyde (a product of lipid peroxidation), potassium, phosphorus and alanine transaminase. There was also a significant correlation between serum albumin levels and haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. In conclusion, total antioxidant capacity was found to be inversely correlated with malondialdehyde levels and positively correlated with haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in non-diabetic patients requiring haemodialysis. Patients with high serum albumin concentrations and high total antioxidant capacity may also have high (i.e. normal) levels of haemoglobin.