Biolo G, Ciocchi B, Bosutti A, Situlin R, Toigo G, Guarnieri G. Pentoxifylline acutely reduces protein catabolism in chronically uremic patients.
Am J Kidney Dis 2002;
40:1162-72. [PMID:
12460034 DOI:
10.1053/ajkd.2002.36864]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We investigated the ability of pentoxifylline, a drug with hemorheological actions known to block tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release, to modulate whole-body protein kinetics in undialyzed patients with chronic uremia.
METHODS
Leucine rate of appearance (Ra) from proteolysis and leucine oxidation, a marker of net protein loss, were determined by infusing l-[1-13C]leucine and using the reciprocal pool model for calculations.
RESULTS
Intravenous infusion of pentoxifylline in the postabsorptive state (1 mg/kg within 3 hours) decreased the intracellular leucine Ra from proteolysis by -16% +/- 4% versus -3% +/- 2% of saline (P = 0.02) and leucine oxidation by -16% +/- 4% versus +4% +/- 2% of saline (P = 0.003). Combined infusions of pentoxifylline and a balanced amino acid mixture (0.2 mg/kg/min) decreased whole-body proteolysis by -53% +/- 7% versus -26% +/- 6% of amino acid infusion alone (P = 0.02). Circulating levels of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha soluble receptors (sTNF-Rs) were elevated (P < 0.001) in patients compared with healthy controls. Pentoxifylline infusion did not significantly affect TNF-alpha levels, but decreased sTNF-Rs both in the postabsorptive state and during hyperaminoacidemia.
CONCLUSION
Pentoxifylline acutely decreased whole-body proteolysis in chronically uremic patients. Potential explanations for these pharmacological effects may include downregulation of the TNF-alpha system or other mechanisms related to the rheological action of the drug (eg, increased amino acid or insulin delivery to target cells).
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