PLASMA MEVALONATE CONCENTRATIONS IN UREMIC PATIENTS

Mevalonic acid (mevalonate or MVA), is an obligate precursor in the bi osynthetic pathway of cholesterol. It is partially metabolized by the kidneys and its plasma concentrations are an index of endogenous chole sterol synthesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate plasma MVA concentrations in uremic patients with different degrees of chroni c renal failure (CRF; group A), and the effects of a single hemodialys is treatment on plasma MVA in a group of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD: group B). CRF patients exhibited a higher mean basal m evalonate concentration (13.3 +/- 6.5 ng/ml) than control subjects (4. 68 +/- 1.32 ng/ml; P < 0.001). A statistically significant direct corr elation was evident in CRF patients between mevalonate and creatinine plasma levels (r = 0.86; P < 0.001). A single hemodialysis treatment w as associated with a significant reduction of plasma mevalonate concen trations four hours after the hemodialysis session (-57%; P < 0.001) a nd an increase up to the basal values 24 hours after the end of the tr eatment. In conclusion. our results demonstrated: (i) higher plasma MV A concentrations ill patients with decreased renal function; (ii) a di rect relationship between plasma MVA levels and the degree of kidney f ailure as expressed by creatinine plasma concentrations: and (iii) a c lear cut reduction of elevated plasma MVA levels after a single hemodi alysis treatment.