Effect of peritoneal dialysis on antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress

SummaryObjectiveIn this study we investigated the effect of peritoneal dialysis (PD) on some antioxidant markers and lipid peroxidation.MethodsThe levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamins A, E, and C, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in 23 chronic ambulatory PD patients and 34 healthy controls.ResultsThe results showed MDA level in patients were not significantly different from those in controls. Erythrocyte SOD and GPX activities and vitamin C level were significantly decreased in the chronic ambulatory PD group (p < 0.0001), while the levels of TAC (p < 0.01), uric acid, and vitamins A (p < 0.0001) and E (p > 0.05) were enhanced with respect to the control group.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that despite slightly increased MDA level, patients on PD are exposed to oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased levels of SOD, GPx, and vitamin C. Depletion of these antioxidants may contribute to accelerated atherogenesis in these patients