Abstract Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite, is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. TMAO can trigger an inflammatory response by inducing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade and increasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the worsening of CVD. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TMAO plasma levels and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 29 patients with CAD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from fasting blood samples, and NF-κB and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) mRNA expression were estimated using real-time quantitative PCR. We determined TMAO plasma levels by LC-MS/MS and TNF-α by ELISA. Routine biochemical parameters were evaluated using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Correlations were estimated by Spearman or Pearson test. Statistical significance was set at the level of p < 0.05. Results: All patients presented TMAO levels within the normal range according to EUTox (normal range: 2.83 ± 1.53 mg/L; CAD patients: 0.2 [0.1 to 0.2] ng/μL). TMAO plasma levels were positively correlated with NF-κB mRNA expression (0.555; p = 0.002). Conclusion: TMAO plasma levels may be associated with NF-κB mRNA expression in patients with CAD and may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. Background Noxide N oxide TMAO, , (TMAO) metabolite CVD (CVD development factorkappa factor kappa NFκB NF κB (NF-κB proinflammatory pro cytokines . (CAD) Methods crosssectional cross sectional 2 PBMC (PBMC samples VCAM1 VCAM (VCAM1 realtime real time PCR LCMS/MS LCMSMS LC MS/MS MS TNFα TNF α ELISA analyzer test 005 0 05 0.05 Results 283 83 2.8 153 53 1.5 mg/L mgL mg L 02 0. 0.1 01 [0. ng/μL. ngμL ng/μL ng μL ng/μL) 0.555 0555 555 (0.555 0.002. 0002 0.002 002 0.002) Conclusion (TMAO (CAD (VCAM LCMS MSMS 00 0.0 28 8 2. 15 5 1. [0 0.55 055 55 (0.55 000 0.00 [ 0.5 (0.5 (0. (0 (

Resumo Fundamentos: O estresse oxidativo e a inflamação estão presentes na doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e estão ligados à ativação do fator de transcrição nuclear kappa B (NF-κB). Para atenuar essas complicações, fatores de transcrição como o fator nuclear eritroide 2-relacionado ao fator 2 (Nrf2) e o receptor ativado por proliferador de peroxissoma β/δ (PPARβ/δ) podem ser ativados para inibir o NF-κB. No entanto, os dados disponíveis sobre a expressão de NF-κB, Nrf2 e PPARβ/δ em pacientes com DAC são limitados. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão dos fatores transcricionais NF-κB e Nrf2 e o PPARβ/δ em pacientes com DAC. Métodos: Trinta e cinco pacientes (17 homens, idade média de 62,4 ± 7,55 anos) com DAC e doze pacientes (5 homens, com idade média de 63,50 ± 11,46 anos) sem DAC foram incluídos. Células mononucleares do sangue periférico (PBMCs) foram isoladas e processadas para a expressão de mRNA do Nrf2, NF-κB, NADPH: quinona oxidoredutase 1 (NQO1) e mRNAs do PPARβ/δ por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (qPCR). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados como estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Não houve diferença nas expressões de mRNA do Nrf2 (1,35 ± 0,57), NF-κB (1,08 ± 0,50) ou na enzima antioxidante NQO1 (1,05 ± 0,88) no grupo DAC em comparação com o grupo sem DAC (1,16 ± 0,76, 0,95 ± 0,33, 0,81 ± 0,55, respectivamente). Entretanto, o PPARβ/δ apresentou maior expressão no grupo com DAC (1,17 ± 0,86 vs. 0,56 ± 0,34, p = 0,008). Conclusão: O principal achado do presente estudo foi o PPARβ/δ apresentar maior expressão nas PBMCs de pacientes com DAC comparados ao grupo controle, ao passo que não foram observadas diferenças nas expressões de mRNA do Nrf2 ou NF-κB.

Abstract Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are present in coronary artery disease (CAD) and are linked to the activation of the transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). To attenuate these complications, transcription factors like nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) can be activated to inhibit NF-κB. However, the available data on expression of NF-κB, Nrf2 and PPARβ/δ in CAD patients are limited. Objective: To evaluate the expression of the transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 and PPAR��/�� in CAD patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients (17 men, mean age 62.4 ? 7.55 years) with CAD and twelve patients (5 men, mean age 63.50 ? 11.46 years) without CAD were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and processed for mRNA expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and PPARβ/δ mRNAs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no difference in the mRNA expressions of Nrf2 (1.35 ? 0.57), NF-κB (1.08 ? 0.50) or in the antioxidant enzyme NQO1 (1.05 ? 0.88) in the CAD group compared to the group without CAD (1.16 ? 0.76, 0.95 ? 0.33, 0.81 ? 0.55, respectively). However, PPARβ/δ was highest expressed in the CAD group (1.17 ? 0.86 vs. 0.56 ? 0.34, p = 0.008). Conclusion: The main finding of this study was the PPARβ/δ being more expressed in the PBMC of patients with CAD compared to the control group, whereas no differences were observed in Nrf2 or NF-κB mRNA expressions.

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review aims to describe studies involving the consumption of nuts, including Brazil nuts and CVD risk factors with positive results in the improvement of lipid profile, glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

RESUMO História: A irisina é um hormônio induzido pelo exercício recentemente identificado que estimula o "escurecimento" do tecido adiposo branco, pelo menos em camundongos. Nos pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC), a regulação da irisina não é totalmente compreendida, e pouca atenção tem sido dada aos efeitos do exercício sobre os níveis de irisina nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do exercício de alta intensidade sobre os níveis plasmáticos de irisina em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise (HD). Métodos: 15 pacientes em HD (5 homens, 44,4 ± 15,1 anos) foram estudados e serviram como os próprios controles. Os exercícios de resistência intradialítica de alta intensidade (sessão única) consistiram em três séries de dez repetições com quatro movimentos diferentes em ambos os membros inferiores durante 30 minutos. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas em dias diferentes (dia de exercício e dia sem exercício) exatamente no mesmo horário (30 e 60 minutos após o início da sessão de diálise). Os níveis de irisina plasmática foram medidos por ensaio ELISA e os parâmetros antropométricos e bioquímicos foram avaliados. Resultados: Os níveis plasmáticos de irisina foram significativamente reduzidos tanto nos dias de exercício (125,0 ± 18,5 a 117,4 ± 15,0 ng/mL, p=0,02) quanto nos dias sem exercício (121,5 ± 13,7 a 115,4 ± 17,2 ng / mL, p=0,02), após 60 minutos de diálise. Conclusão: esses dados sugerem que o exercício intenso de resistência intradialítica não aumentou a concentração circulante de irisina em pacientes sob HD. Além disso, nossos dados mostram que após uma hora de sessão de diálise, os níveis plasmáticos de irisina podem ser reduzidos.

ABSTRACT Background: Irisin is a recently identified exercise-induced hormone that stimulates the "browning" of the white adipose tissue, at least in mice. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, irisin regulation is not fully understood, and little attention has been given to the effects of exercise on irisin levels in these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of high intensity exercise on irisin plasma levels in CKD patients under hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Fifteen HD patients (5 men, 44.4 ± 15.1 years old) were studied and served as their own controls. High intensity (single session) intradialytic strength exercises consisted of three sets of ten repetitions with four different movements in both lower limbs during 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected on different days (exercise and non-exercise day) at exactly the same time (30 and 60 minutes after the start of dialysis session). Plasma irisin levels were measured by ELISA assay and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: Irisin plasma levels were significantly reduced in both exercise day (125.0 ± 18.5 to 117.4 ± 15.0 ng/mL, p=0.02) and non-exercise day (121.5 ± 13.7 to 115.4 ± 17.2 ng/mL, p=0.02) after 60 minutes of dialysis. Conclusion: These data suggest that intense intradialytic strength exercise was unable to increase the circulating concentration of irisin in HD patients. Moreover, our data show that after one hour of dialysis session, irisin plasma levels may be reduced.

Background: thyroid function depends on trace mineral selenium (Se), being at the active center of the iodothyronine deiodinase that catalyzes the conversion of the thyroxine (T4) to the active form of thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Hemodialysis (HD) patients have reduced T3 levels partly due to impaired hormonal conversion that can be related to Se deficiency, a common feature in these patients. This study evaluated the effect of Brazil nuts (richest Se source) on thyroid hormone levels in HD patients. Methods: we performed an uncontrolled intervention with 40 HD patients (53.3 �± 16.1 yrs, dialysis vintage 62.0 (8.0 - 207.0) months) that received one nut (≈5g, average 58.1 mg Se/g) per day for three months. Se plasma levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation and, serum T3, free T4 (FT4), TSH as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured by ELISA. Results: all patients were Se deficient and presented low T3 levels at baseline. After intervention, Se plasma levels (from 17.6 �± 11.6 to 153.4 �± 86.1 µg/L), GPx activity (from 33.7 �± 5.9 to 41.4 �± 11.2 nmol/min/mL), T3 (from 27.3 �± 8.8 to 50.2 �± 4.8ng/dL) and FT4 levels (0.87 �± 0.2 to 0.98 �± 0.4 ng/dL) were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while TSH levels were reduced (from 2.17 �± 1.3 to 1.96 �± 1.1 uUI/mL), but not significantly. Conclusion: in conclusion, increasing Se levels via Brazil nut supplementation was associated with improvement in thyroid hormone levels in HD patients, although the amount of Se given was not able to restore T3 to normal levels.

Introduccion: la funcion tiroidea depende de minerales traza de selenio (Se), que esta en el centro activo de la deiodinasa yodotironina, que cataliza la conversion de la tiroxina (T4) a la forma activa de la hormona tiroidea, triyodotironina (T3). Hemodialisis (HD) de los pacientes ha reducido los niveles de T3 de los pacientes, debido en parte a la conversion hormonal alterada que puede estar relacionada con la deficiencia de Se, una caracteristica comun en estos pacientes. Este estudio evaluo el efecto de las nueces de Brasil (la mas rica fuente de Se) en los niveles de hormonas tiroideas en pacientes en HD. métodos: se realizo una intervencion no controlada con 40 pacientes en HD (53,3 �± 16,1 anos, dialisis vendimia 62,0 (8,0 - 207,0 meses)), que recibieron una nuez (≈5, promedio 58,1 mg Se/g) por dia durante tres meses. Determinaron los niveles plasmaticos de Se por espectrofotometria de absorcion atomica con generacion de hidruros y los niveles de T3, T4 libre (FT4), TSH en suero, asi como la actividad de la glutation peroxidasa (GPx) por ELISA. Resultados: todos los pacientes tenian niveles bajos de Se y T3 al inicio del estudio. Despues de la intervencion, los niveles plasmaticos de Se (de 17,6 �± 11,6 a 153,4 �± 86,1 mg/L), actividad GPx (de 33,7 �± 5,9 a 41,4 �± 11,2 nmol/min/ml), T3 (de 27,3 �± 8,8 a 50,2 �± 4,8 ng/dL) y T4L (0,87 ± 0,2 a 0,98 ± 0,4 ng/dL) se incrementaron significativamente (p < 0,05), mientras que los niveles de TSH se redujeron (de 2,17 �± 1,3 a 1,96 �± 1,1 IUU/ml), pero no de forma significativa. Conclusion: en conclusion, el aumento de los niveles de Se via suplementacion con nuez brasilena se asocia con una mejoria en los niveles de hormonas tiroideas en pacientes en HD, aunque la cantidad de Se dada no fue capaz de restablecer la T3 a los niveles normales.

Introduction: Fructose intake has increased dramatically in consequence of the consumption of fructose-based sweetened foods and beverages. Research suggests that high fructose intake has a strong association with uric acid (UA) levels and worse prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fructose intake on plasma UA levels in nondialysis-dependent CKD patients. Methods: Fifty-two patients on stages 3-5 (64.2 ± 9.6 years, 24 men, glomerular filtration rate of 30.5 ± 10.3ml/ min) were divided into two groups: high fructose intake (>50g/d, n=29, 61.7 ± 9.3years) and low fructose intake (<50g/d, n=23, 65.8 ± 9.7years). Blood samples were collected to determine lipid profile and plasma levels of UA, inflammatory (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP)) and cardiovascular markers (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)). The energy, protein and fructose intake was estimated using 3-day 24-hour food recall. Results: High fructose intake was observed in 55.8% of patients and the mean UA levels were 7.7 ± 1.3 and 6.2 ± 1.6mg/dl in patients with high and low fructose intake, respectively (p<0.05). According to the regression analysis, fructose intake was the only variable able to affect the AU levels (ß=0.42, p=0.016) after adjustment for gender, BMI, energy and protein intake, cardiovascular markers and lipid profile. Conclusions: These findings support a potential role for fructose in hyperuricemia in these patients.

Introducción: El consumo de fructosa ha aumentado dramáticamente en consecuencia del consumo de alimentos y bebidas azucaradas a base de fructosa. Pesquisas sugieren que el alto consumo de fructosa tiene una fuerte asociación con niveles de ácido úrico (AU) y empeora el pronóstico de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la influencia del consumo de fructosa en los niveles plasmáticos de ácido úrico en pacientes con ERC que no son dependiente de diálisis. Métodos: Cincuenta y dos pacientes en fases 3-5 (64,2±9,6 años, 24 hombres, tasa de filtración glomerular de 30,5±10,3ml/min) se dividieron en dos grupos: alto consumo de fructosa (>50g/día, n=29, 61,7±9,3 años) y bajo consumo de fructosa (<50g/día, n=23, 65,8±9,7 años). Muestras de sangre fueron recogidas para determinación del perfil lipídico y niveles plasmáticos de AU, citocinas inflamatorias (interleucina-6 (IL-6), factor de necrosis tumoral-α (TNF-α), proteína C-reactiva (CRP)), y marcadores cardiovasculares (proteína quimiotáctica de monocitos-1 (MCP-1), molécula de adhesión inter-celular-1 (ICAM-1) y molécula de adhesión vascular-1 (VCAM-1)). El consumo de energía, proteína y fructosa fue estimulado utilizando 3 días de recordatorio alimentar de 24 horas. Resultados: El alto consumo de fructosa fue observado en el 55,8% de los pacientes y los niveles medios de AU fueron 7,7±1,3 y 6,2±1,6mg/dl en pacientes con alto y bajo consumo de fructosa, respectivamente (p<0,05). De acuerdo con el análisis de regresión, el consumo de fructosa fue la única variable capaz de afectar los niveles de AU (b=0,42, p=0,016) después del ajuste para el género, composición corporal, energía y proteína, marcadores cardiovasculares y el perfil lipídico. Conclusiones: Estos resultados apoyan un papel potencial de la fructosa ocasionando la hiperuricemia en estos pacientes.

Introdução: Polifenóis contidos em fontes naturais, como as uvas, têm sido considerados agentes farmacológicos no combate ao estresse oxidativo e inflamação, condições comuns na Doença Renal Crônica. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de farinha de uva sobre marcadores inflamatórios e antioxidantes em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise (HD). Métodos: Estudo randomizado, duplo-cego, placebocontrolado, no qual foram avaliados pacientes não diabéticos em HD que receberam farinha de uva (500 mg de polifenóis/dia) (n = 16, 9 homens, 53,0 ± 9,8 anos, 111,6 ± 58,2 meses em HD) ou placebo (n = 16, 9 homens, 52,7 ± 13,7 anos, 110,4 ± 93,1 meses em HD) por cinco semanas. A atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px) e os níveis plasmáticos de proteína C-reativa (PCR) foram mensurados por meio do método ELISA. Resultados: Após o período de intervenção, os pacientes que receberam farinha de uva apresentaram elevação na atividade da GSH-Px (16,5 (41,0) para 42,0 (43,3) nmol/min/ml) (p < 0,05) e não foi observada elevação nos níveis de PCR, como visto no grupo placebo (2,6 (0,28) para 2,8 (0,23) mg/L) (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O uso da farinha de uva como fonte de polifenóis pode desempenhar um importante papel anti-inflamatório e antioxidante em pacientes não diabéticos submetidos à HD.

Introduction: Polyphenols contained in natural sources such as grapes, have been considered pharmacological agents to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, common features in Chronic Kidney Disease patients. Objective: To evaluate the effects of grape powder supplementation on inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: The double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial evaluated non-diabetic HD patients that received grape powder (500 mg of polyphenols/day) (n = 16, 9 men, 53.0 ± 9.8 years of age, 111.6 ± 58.2 HD months) or placebo (n = 16, 9 men, 52.7 ± 13.7 years of age, 110.4 ± 93.1 HD months) for five weeks. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated by ELISA method. Results: After the intervention period, the patients receiving grape powder showed an increase in the GSH-Px activity (16.5 (41.0) to 42.0 (43.3) nmol/min/ml) (p < 0.05) and they did not have the CRP levels increased as seen in placebo group (2.6 (0.28) to 2.8 (0.23 mg/L) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of grape powder as phenolic source could play an important role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in non-diabetic HD patients.

Introdução: Pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica apresentam deficiência de selênio (Se), um elemento essencial, com importantes funções biológicas, como a de ser componente da enzima antioxidante glutationa peroxidase (GPx). A concentração de Se nos alimentos depende de sua concentração no solo e autores relatam que o solo da Amazônia possui elevados níveis de Se. Objetivo: O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar o estado nutricional do Se em pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) das regiões Norte e Sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: Trinta e oito pacientes da região Sudeste (22 homens e 16 mulheres, 15% diabéticos, 53,5 ± 26,4 anos) foram comparados com 40 pacientes da região Norte (28 homens e 12 mulheres, 22,5% diabéticos, 63,5 ± 11,9 anos). O Se no plasma foi determinado por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica por geração de hidretos acoplados a cela de quartzo. Resultados: Os níveis de Se dos pacientes em HD da região Sudeste foram significativamente menores (17,5 ± 11,9 μg/L) comparados aos pacientes da região Norte (37,1 ± 15,8 μg/L) (p < 0,001). Entretanto, ambos os grupos apresentaram níveis de Se abaixo da recomendação (60-120 μg/L). Não houve associação entre os níveis de Se e os parâmetros analisados. Conclusão: Com base nos resultados, concluímos que os pacientes da região Norte apresentaram elevados níveis de Se quando comparados com os pacientes da região Sudeste do Brasil. Entretanto, independentemente da região, ambos os grupos apresentaram deficiência com relação ao estado nutricional do Se.

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease present selenium (Se) plasma deficiency which is an essential trace element with important biological functions and, the best known biological role is attributed to its presence in the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The Se content of foods depends on soil and some authors have suggested that Amazon soil (North Brazilian region) has high Se concentrations when compared to other regions of Brazil. Objective: The objective of this work was to compare the Se status in hemodialysis (HD) patients from North and Southeast of Brazil. Methods: Thirty-eight patients from Southeast region (22 men and 16 women, 15% diabetic, 53.5 ± 26.4 yrs) were compared to 40 patients from North region (28 men and 12 women, 22.5% diabetic, 63.5 ± 11.9 yrs). Se in plasma was determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation. Results: The plasma Se levels in patients from Southeast region were significantly lower (17.5 ± 11.9 μg/L) when compared to patients from the North (37.1 ± 15.8 μg/L) (p < 0.001). However, both patient groups presented low Se plasma levels when compared to recommended values (60- 120 μg/L). There was no correlation between plasma Se levels and analyzed parameters. Conclusion: We concluded that patients from North (Amazon) region present higher plasma Se levels when compared to the patients from Southeast of Brazil. However, independently of the region, HD patients presented Se deficiency.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) apresentam um quadro de anorexia que pode estar relacionado com o processo inflamatório crônico, característico desta população. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se há associação entre inflamação e o hormônio orexígeno, acyl-grelina, em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise (HD). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 36 pacientes (61,1% homens; 46,7 ± 14,9 anos; IMC 22,9 ± 3,9 kg/m²) em programa regular de HD (65,0 ± 46,8 meses em HD). Os níveis plasmáticos de acyl-grelina e dos marcadores inflamatórios (TNF-α, IL-6 e PCR) foram medidos com o uso do método imunoenzimático (ELISA, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Dados antropométricos foram coletados para avaliação do estado nutricional e a ingestão alimentar foi analisada por meio de recordatório alimentar de 24h de 2 dias. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram elevados níveis de IL-6 (83 ± 10 pg/mL), TNF-α (21,06 pg/mL [20,6-40,0]) e PCR (2,7 pg/mL [1,7-3,4]) quando comparados a valores normais. Os níveis plasmáticos de acyl-grelina (18,0 pg/mL [1,3-77,7 pg/mL]) foram baixos comparados com valores de indivíduos saudáveis. Porém, pacientes com elevado IMC (> 25 kg/m²) apresentaram menores concentrações plasmáticas de acyl-grelina (13,6 [1,3-30,5] pg/mL) em relação aos pacientes com IMC < 25 kg/m² (21,7 [7,4-77,7] pg/mL (p < 0,05). Houve correlação negativa entre o IMC e acyl-grelina (r = -0,38; p = 0,02), porém, não houve correlação significativa entre acyl-grelina e os marcadores inflamatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos pacientes em HD apresentarem baixas concentrações de acyl-grelina e uma provável resistência a este hormônio, não houve associação entre inflamação e acyl-grelina.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present anorexia, which may be related with the chronic inflammatory process. Thus the objective of this study was to evaluate if there is association between inflammation and the orexigenic hormone, acyl-ghrelin, in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Thirty-six patients were studied (61.1% men, 46.7 ± 14.9 years, BMI 22.9 ± 3.9 kg/m²) in regular HD program (65.0 ± 46.8 months). Plasma levels of acyl-ghrelin and inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP were measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELI-SA, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Anthropometric parameters were collected for assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake was assessed by food recall. RESULTS: The patients presented elevated plasma levels of IL-6 (83 ± 10 pg/mL), TNF-α (21.06 pg/mL [20.6-40.0]) and CRP (2.7 pg/mL [1.73.4]) compared to normal values. Acylghrelin plasma levels were (18.0 [1.3 to 77.7 pg/mL]) low when compared to healthy individuals. However, patients with high BMI (> 25 kg/m²) presented lower acyl-ghrelin plasma levels (13.6 [1.3 to 30.5] pg/mL) when compared to patients with BMI < 25 kg/m² (21.7 [7.4 to 77.7] pg/mL) (p < 0.05). Acylghrelin and BMI were negatively correlated (r = -0.38, p = 0.02) and there was no significant correlation between acyl-ghrelin and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis patients showed low acyl-ghrelin levels and seem to present an acyl-ghrelin resistance and there was no correlation between inflammation and this orexigenic hormone.