Neuronal codes: reading them and learning how their structure influences network organization

Antioxidant enzymes together with trace elements in 26 patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis and 25 healthy subjects were investigated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in plasma and erythrocytes were examined immediately before and after hemodialysis. The results are summarized as follows: 1. A significant decrease in plasma SOD, CAT, and GSHPx and erythrocyte GSHPx were found in patients before hemodialysis. 2. Erythrocyte CAT and GSHPx were significantly lower in the patients after hemodialysis than in the controls. 3. Plasma GSHPx was significantly higher after a single hemodialysis than before hemodialysis. 4. A good correlation between erythrocyte SOD and copper (Cu) in patients before hemodialysis was found. 5. A good correlation of GSHPx in erythrocytes and plasma was found before hemodialysis, whereas an even better correlation was found after hemodialysis. 6. Abnormalities of trace elements were found in hemodialyzed patients. 7. There is indirect evidence for increased oxidizing stress in uremic patients with hemodialysis. Dialysis treatment may improve some abnormalities (e.g., Hb, P), but may also induce some deleterious effects of free radicals or lipid peroxidation.