Low-density lipoprotein oxidizability in children with chronic renal failure.
BACKGROUND
In childhood, dyslipidemia and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Alterations of these factors have been shown in adult uremic patients.


METHODS
Nine children affected by chronic renal failure (CRF; urinary tract malformation, n = 8; polycystic kidney disease, n = 1) were studied to investigate the abnormalities of plasma lipoprotein concentration and composition and to assess the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. All patients with CRF were on conservative treatment and, after informed consent, underwent the evaluation of (i) quantitative and qualitative plasma lipid profile; (ii) lipoprotein oxidation in vitro; and (iii) lipoprotein anti-oxidant content. These results were compared to those of an age-matched control group of eight healthy children.


RESULTS
Total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were significantly higher in CRF than in the control group. The composition of lipoproteins was different in the two groups: the amount of anti-oxidant factors (alpha-, gamma-tocopherol and carotenoids) was different in CRF and normal controls children, while LDL susceptibility to oxidation was significantly higher in uremic children than in controls.


CONCLUSIONS
CRF patients, already before dialysis, have a higher LDL oxidizability due to an altered lipoprotein composition and a low anti-oxidant content; therefore they have higher risk factors for atherosclerosis. On the basis of these data, supplementation with anti-oxidants might be useful in CRF children, but further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic intervention.
Iughetti
Lorenzo
L
Department of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Perugini
Cristina
C
Predieri
Barbara
B
Madeo
Simona
S
Bellomo
Giorgio
G
Bernasconi
Sergio
S
Balli
Fiorella
F
D000293:Adolescent; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL