Clinical studies on molybdenum in patients requiring long-term hemodialysis

Molybdenum is an essential trace element in humans. However, the serum molybdenum level or its role in patients with chronic renal failure or those requiring long-term hemodialysis remains unknown. The authors examined the serum molybdenum levels and studied the role of hemodialysis in 60 patients requiring long-term hemodialysis. The serum molybdenum levels of the 60 patients with chronic renal failure were examined before and after hemodialysis. The authors also studied the relationships between serum molybdenum levels and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) levels, c-parathyroid hormone (C-PTH) levels, and dialysis related arthritis in the 60 patients. Molybdenum was measured with a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with an autobackground corrector. The level of molybdenum in serum significantly (P < 0.01) decreased from 2.7 +/- 1.9 micrograms/dl (normal value, 0.02-0.13 micrograms/dl) before hemodialysis to 1.4 +/- 0.7 micrograms/dl after hemodialysis. The correlation between serum molybdenum value and serum beta 2-MG level was significant (P < 0.01). The authors also found significant correlations between serum molybdenum level and C-PTH value, serum calcium ion (C++) level in serum, and duration of hemodialysis. Serum molybdenum levels were high (12.8 +/- 0.96 micrograms/dl) in nine patients with dialysis related arthritis. In conclusion, serum molybdenum levels are high in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis, and abnormal molybdenum accumulation may contribute to dialysis related arthritis.