title: The effect of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative serum biomarkers of hemodialysis patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on levels of serum oxidative stress biomarkers in hemodialysis patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty eight hemodialysis patients were administered NAC orally for six months. Hematological, biochemical parameters and levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitrogen oxide (NO) were determined prior to and upon completion of the study period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the study period white blood cells, neutrophil percentage and C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower. Uric acid, albumin and hemoglobin were significantly higher compared to pre-treatment values. Statistically significant increase in NO, and decrease in MDA and ADMA levels were observed. Serum MPO demonstrated a measurable decrease trend, though not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is suggested that treatment with NAC appears to be associated with restoration of important parameters of antioxidant defence and reduction in the levels of mediators of oxidative cellular damage. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):131-135.
authors.affiliation: Hemodialysis Unit, Ilion Medical Nursery, Medifil, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Giannikouris
keywords: N-acetylcysteine; hemodialysis; oxidative stress