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This study demonstrates the possible efficacy of turmeric in decreasing hs-CRP and uremic pruritus in end stage renal disease patients. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of turmeric.

The results of our study, for the first time, point to the potential important role of IL-2 in UP and further support the notion of TH1 overactivity in its pathogenesis. Our study paves the way for further studies focusing on the contribution of IL-2 to the UP, such as the experimental use of anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies.

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Background The incidence of accelerated atherosclerosis among patients on hemodialysis is very high and oxidative stress is a potentially major contributor to their morbidity and mortality. Objective To evaluate the effects of Silymarin and/or vitamin E on oxidative stress markers and hemoglobin level in patients on hemodialysis. Methods Eighty patients on hemodialysis were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1 received Silymarin 140 mg 3 times daily; Group 2 received Vitamin E 400 IU/day; Group 3 received Silymarin 140 mg 3 times daily and Vitamin E 400 IU/day; Group 4 was the control. Samples were obtained at baseline and on day 21 for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), RBC glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and hemoglobin. Results Combination of Silymarin and vitamin E led to a reduction in the MDA levels (7.84±1.84 vs. 9.20±2.74 nmol/ml; p=0.008). There was a significant increase in RBC GPX levels in all treatment groups compared to controls after 3 weeks. This was more pronounced in the group receiving combination compared to vitamin E or the control group (5.78±3.51, 4.22±1.63, and 3.16±1.89 Iu/gr-Hb respectively; p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in mean hemoglobin of all treatment groups compared to control. Conclusions Oral supplementation with Silymarin and vitamin E leads to reduction in MDA, increase in RBC GPX and increase in hemoglobin levels in patients with ESRD. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are required to investigate the effect of Silymarin on cardiovascular outcomes, and erythropoietin requirement.

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It seems that both Bi and AZ reduce the risk of CIN-related AKI, and close monitoring of serum potassium is needed during bicarbonate infusion.

Patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) are at high risk for hepatitis B infection. We randomly assigned 86 new patients on HD to receive either 40 microg intramuscular (group 1) or 20 microg intradermal (group 2) recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, in three doses at 0, 1, and 4 months. All patients were seronegative at baseline for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs-Ab), and hepatitis B core antibody (HBc-Ab). HBs-Ab seroconversion rate and antibody titer (ELISA assay) were compared in 27 patients of group 1 and 35 patients of group 2 at 1 month, and in 20 patients of group 1 and 26 patients of group 2 at 6 months after the last vaccine dose. The seroconversion rates (HBs-Ab titer >10 IU/L) were 55.6% and 50% in group 1, and 54.3% and 50% in group 2, at 1 and 6 months, respectively (p = NS). Patients' age, body mass index, serum albumin concentration, and sex distribution were similar in the responders and nonresponders. Intradermal hepatitis B vaccination used at half dose may be a cost saving alternative to intramuscular vaccination in patients on HD. However, the low overall seroconversion rate mandates seeking alternative ways of vaccination in this patient population.