Aim: Approximately 20-50% of IgA nephropathy patients develop end-stage renal disease. We have previously found enhanced oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity in red blood cells of IgA nephropathy patients. In this study we assess oxidative stress, non-enzymatic glycation, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content in these patients.

Patients and methods: Non-enzymatic glycation and oxidative stress were assessed in 88 IgA nephropathy patients by measuring advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content.

Results: Advanced glycation end products (2659 +/- 958 a.u.) and Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine (563 +/- 215 ng/ml) were significantly higher in IgA nephropathy patients with decreased renal function compared to those with normal renal function (p < 0.002) or controls (p < 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma and associated with low-density lipoprotein were significantly elevated and oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein was significantly reduced in all groups of IgA nephropathy patients. There was no significant difference in circulating fluorescent advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content between patients with normal vs. impaired glucose metabolism. Low alpha-tocopherol content of low-density lipoprotein was accompanied with decreased oxidative resistance, depletion in polyunsaturated fatty acids, elevated saturated fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances within low-density lipoprotein suggesting enhanced lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions: Decreased oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and enhanced oxidative stress are common features in IgA nephropathy, while increased non-enzymatic glycation occurs as renal function declines.