Renal insufficiency reduces cholesterol metabolism

Function of the „good“ HDL cholesterol limited in dialysis patients

09/04/2015

In chronic renal failure, functions of the „good“ HDL cholesterol be severely limited in dialysis patients. Researchers at the Medical University of Graz have come to this conclusion. This would include the anti-inflammatory properties of the „High density lipoproteins“ severely impaired and consequently increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Renal insufficiency requires kidney transplant or regular dialysis
At a so-called „chronic renal insufficiency“ (also „chronic kidney failure“) is a progressive loss of renal function over many years, leading to symptoms such as over-swelling with edema, nausea and vomiting, headache or fatigue. In most cases, chronic kidney failure leads to complete kidney failure (renal failure) and thus to renal replacement therapy. This takes place z. B. in the form of a kidney transplant or a regular dialysis, in which the blood is freed of harmful substances. Now, scientists from the Medical University of Graz have been able to gain new insights into the topic of chronic renal insufficiency, which could possibly improve the treatment of the disease in the future.

„good“ HDL cholesterol has anti-inflammatory properties
As the University of Graz reports, the researchers could prove by a study for the first time that a limited kidney activity the important functions of the so-called „good“ HDL cholesterol would severely affect. „HDL plays a key role in cholesterol metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties“, explains Study Director Gunther Marsche from the Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. Accordingly, high HDL values ​​would be considered „optimal“ apply and protect against cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack or stroke, the expert continues.

HDL of many enzyme classes in dialysis patients changed greatly
In the case of kidney failure, the functionality of the existing „High density lipoproteins“ (HDL), however, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. „Our study results show that the activity of many classes of enzymes that contribute to the maturation of healthy HDL cholesterol in the blood is greatly altered in dialysis patients“, so Gunther march. As a result, the existing HDL „[...] are only able to control reverse cholesterol transport or inhibit inflammatory processes to a limited degree.“

Based on the new results, it is now being investigated at the University of Graz whether the limited functionality of HDLs is accompanied by increased mortality. „Our follow-up studies will clarify whether the functionality of HDLs can be increased by new therapeutic approaches“, so the conclusion of the expert. (Ag)