[Oxidative stress in end stage renal disease: evidence and association with cardiovascular events in Tunisian patients].

We assessed oxidative stress in 35 chronic renal failure under conservative treatment (CRF), 50 hemodialysed (HD) and 30 renal transplant (RT) patients, and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Compared to controls, CRF patients exhibited significantly higher conjugated dienes (139 +/- 37 versus 121 +/- 22 micromol/l) and LDL oxidation (126 +/- 65 versus 99 +/- 46 micromol/l). Glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased in CRF and HD (5.31 +/- 2.46 and 5.39 +/- 2.32 versus 7.42 +/- 2.72 U/ml in healthy subjects). Superoxide dismutase activity was lower in HD (91 +/- 38 U/ml) and higher in RT patients (132 +/- 33 U/ml) than controls (116 +/- 30 U/ml). Plasma zinc concentrations were significantly decreased in CRF and HD patients and copper concentrations were significantly decreased in TPR. Plasma selenium levels were normal in the three groups of patients. Vitamin A was significantly increased, whereas vitamin E was normal in the 3 groups of patients compared to healthy controls. Total antioxidant status was increased in CRF and HD, but not in RT patients. Patients with cardiovascular disease showed increased serum copper, and significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity. This study revealed an oxidative stress in CRF and HD patients that may favour the development of cardiovascular diseases.