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Significant elevations in serum mannose-binding lectin levels in patients with chronic renal failure
Atsushi Satomura1, Morita Endo, Hiroyuki Ohi
1Division of Nephrology, Internal Medicine II, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Nephron
|October 10, 2002
Summary
Serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels are significantly elevated in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing hemodialysis. These elevated MBL levels may impact immune function and accelerate atherosclerosis in CRF patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Complement System Biology
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system via the lectin pathway.
- The complement system plays a role in host defense and inflammatory conditions like atherosclerosis.
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) patients face increased risks of infection and cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum MBL levels in CRF patients.
- To compare MBL levels in pre-dialysis and hemodialysis patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum MBL levels were quantified using ELISA.
- Subjects included pre-hemodialysis CRF patients (n=23), maintenance hemodialysis patients (n=178), and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Mean serum MBL levels were significantly higher in pre-HD patients (4.343 ± 2.533 µg/ml) and HD patients (8.897 ± 4.920 µg/ml) compared to controls (1.452 ± 0.692 µg/ml).
- Serum MBL levels were significantly higher in HD patients than in pre-HD patients.
- All comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum MBL levels are present in CRF patients.
- These elevated levels may contribute to immune system dysregulation and accelerated atherosclerosis in CRF patients.