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Background. The role of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 in induction of the inflammatory reaction underlying arteriosclerosis, and protective effect of an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in this process, have been confirmed by experimental and clinical observations. A systemic inflammatory reaction marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), is known to be associated with the induction of IL-6 and IL-18 release. The chronic inflammatory state associated with renal insufficiency contributes to acceleration of arteriosclerosis, reflected by decreased elasticity which can be measured with aortal pulse wave velocity (PWV). It is well known that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the chronic inflammatory process, as evidenced by increase in CRP and IL-6 level. It also results in a drop of fetuin-A concentration which is the calcification inhibitor negatively regulated by inflammation. Part of the derangements associated with the progressive renal failure is also the rise of activated monocyte pool, which among others produces IL-18. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, through measurements of CRP, fetuin-A and aortal pulse wave velocity (aoPWV), whether IL-6 and IL-18 affect the arterial wall of CKD patients as a part of general inflammatory process or locally, through their effect on the arterial lesion development. Materials and methods. The study was performed in a group of 102 patients with stage V CKD (73 treated with haemodialysis and 29 treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) (CKD5 group) and in 30 healthy controls. We measured serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fetuin-A, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10 (ELISA) and others (haemoglobin level, white blood cell count, serum calcium, phosphate, calcium–phosphate product, albumin, fibrinogen, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and parathormone). ECG-gated carotid and femoral artery waveforms were recorded and analysed. Results. Serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-18 were higher and fetuin-A levels were lower in the CKD5 group than in controls [6.4 (0.6–22.3) mg/dl versus 2.5 (0.5–5.2) mg/dl; 8.29 pg/ml (0.96–74.48)] versus 2.78 (7.91–0.77) pg/ml; 6.5 (3.7–29.7) pg/ml versus 4.1 (3.8–7.2) pg/ml; 254.4 (468.8–47.5) pg/ml versus 89.3 (91.3–27.5) pg/ml]. The aoPWV was higher in the CKD5 group patients than in the control group (9.4 ± 1.75 m/s versus 7.76 ± 1.67 m/s; P < 0.05, respectively). Serum fetuin-A level was negatively associated with hs-CRP and IL-6 but not with IL-18 or IL-10. The aoPWV positively correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.246; P < 0.05), IL-6 and IL-18 (r = 0.220; P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with fetuin-A (r = −0.204; P < 0.05). No relationship between IL-10 and aoPWV was found. In a multiple regression analysis model respecting inflammatory markers the influence of hs-CRP, IL-18 and fetuin-A on aoPWV remained significant. Conclusions. The novel observations in the present study are the data indicating that the distinctive contribution of IL-18, but not IL-6, to the arteriosclerosis occurrence in CKD patients, is independent from CRP, fetuin A or other factors involved in the general inflammatory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Obesity, which is often associated with diabetes, is increasingly encountered in the haemodialysed population, and this may produce difficulty in autogenous arteriovenous fistula creation. Prosthetic angioaccess or catheters, when used in place of autogenous fistulas, increase thrombotic and infectious complications in these already challenged patients. Methods. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of autogenous arteriovenous fistula creation in 71 obese patients (BMI 34.6 ± 7.8). We performed a two-stage procedure, in which radio-cephalic fistula formation was followed by subcutaneous transposition of the venous component for safe and easy puncture. Results. Fistulas suitable for puncture, having blood flows of 799 ± 285 ml/min, and sufficient to perform adequate haemodialysis (Kt/V 1.24) were achieved in 85% of the patients. Primary patency rates were 65% and 59% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and secondary patency rates were 83% both at 6 and 12 months. Conclusions. Obesity does not prevent successful autogenous arteriovenous fistula formation, and may protect forearm venous vessels from the iatrogenic damage that occurs before the onset of haemodialysis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]