Folic acid therapy reduces plasma homocysteine levels and improves plasma antioxidant capacity in hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effects of folic acid on homocysteine levels and oxidative stress in 46 stable patients on hemodialysis.


METHODS
This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial assessed the effects of 6 mo of 10 mg of folic acid (26 patients) or placebo (20 patients) given three times weekly after each dialysis under nurse supervision on homocysteine levels, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and hydroperoxide plasma levels.


RESULTS
Folic acid treatment normalized plasma homocysteine levels in most patients, significantly increased total plasma antioxidant capacity levels, but had no significant effect on hydroperoxide levels. Placebo treatment had no statistically significant effect on the three parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The folic acid therapy protocol effectively lowered plasma homocysteine levels and improved the total plasma antioxidant capacity in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are required to assess the usefulness of folic acid for decreasing cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Alvares Delfino
Vinicius Daher
VD
Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil. vddelfino@sercomtel.com.br
de Andrade Vianna
Areuza Célia
AC
Mocelin
Altair Jacob
AJ
Barbosa
Décio Sabbatini
DS
Mise
Rosana Aiko
RA
Matsuo
Tiemi
T
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000097:blood; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006710:Homocysteine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide