Homocysteine Levels and Lipid Profile in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of homocysteine and lipid profiles in patients included in hemodialysis programs for chronic renal failure (CRF). Material and Methods: The patients were divided into 2 groups and each group consisted of 30 patients, leading to a total of 60 patients. On the other hand, 20 healthy people comprised the control group. The first group (nontreated CRF) included new patients without a previous history of dialysis or any medical treatment; the second group (treated CRF) included patients who have received medical treatment [vitamin 13,2 (1 mg/month) and folic acid (15 mg/week)] and dialysis for at least the last 5 years. Serum total homocysteine, vitamin B-12, folic acid, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol levels were measured in all patients and the control group. Results: Levels of homocysteine were high in group I and group 2 patients (respectively p < 0.01, p < 0.05), whereas serum HDL cholesterol levels in group 2 were low compared to those in the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, a negative correlation was observed between homocysteine and folic acid levels in group 2 patients (r= -0.48, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that homocysteine levels in CRF increased and this increase was lower in group 2 patients. Administration of folic acid reduced the levels of homocycstein. Thus, we Suggest that folic acid may be a significant factor to prevent the progression of chronic renal failure.