Glucuronoconjugates in chronic renal failure. Comparative determination with values in healthy adult

We have isolated substances of molecular weight ranging between 350 and 2,000 daltons from ultrafiltrates of patients traited by maintenance haemodialysis for chronic renal failure (CRF). Such substances might have a role in the genesis of uremic toxicity. They were found to be glucuronoconjugates. We have studied 22 patients with CRF and 16 with end stage renal failure, 8 of them were traited by peritoneal dialysis, 8 by haemodialysis. We have evaluated the concentration of glucuronic acid in the serum, the urine and dialysis fluid. The patients with chronic renal failure have plasma levels of free and conjugate glucuronic acid higher than normal subjects. Urinary elimination is very lower in patient with CRF. Nevertheless the glucuronoconjugates are removed to a large extend by haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.