Related Experiment Videos
Elevated serum pepsinogens in chronic renal failure patients
H Nakahama1, Y Tanaka, D Shirai
1Fifth Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
Nephron
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Serum pepsinogen levels, including pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen II (PG II), are elevated in patients undergoing dialysis. Hemodialysis significantly increases these levels, potentially due to guanidinosuccinic acid removal and calcium infusion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Human pepsinogens (PG I and PG II) are precursors of pepsin, originating from the stomach.
- Pepsinogens are classified into two distinct biochemical groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of PG I and PG II in healthy individuals and patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and hemodialysis.
- To explore the relationship between serum creatinine and pepsinogen levels in chronic glomerulonephritis patients.
- To understand the impact of hemodialysis on serum pepsinogen levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum pepsinogen levels were measured using competitive binding double antibody radioimmunoassay.
- Study included 51 normal volunteers, 23 chronic glomerulonephritis patients, 21 CAPD patients, and 40 hemodialysis patients.
- Pepsinogen release was studied in isolated guinea pig gastric glands.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between serum creatinine and pepsinogen levels in chronic glomerulonephritis patients.
- Serum pepsinogen levels were markedly elevated in CAPD and hemodialysis patients.
- Post-hemodialysis PG I and PG II levels were significantly higher than pre-hemodialysis levels.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that elevated serum pepsinogen levels in dialysis patients, particularly after hemodialysis, are a significant finding.
- Removal of guanidinosuccinic acid and calcium infusion during hemodialysis may contribute to increased serum pepsinogen levels.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.