Measurement of Serum Levels of Mannose-binding Lectin in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comparison With Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Introduction. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a part of the innate immune system. Many studies showed an association of low serum MBL levels with decreased host defense against various infectious agents. Considering paradoxical reports about the serum level of MBL in hemodialysis patients, this study aimed to measure and compare serum MBL levels in hemodialysis patients and healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 70 hemodialysis patients and 70 volunteers with normal routine laboratory tests and physical examination were assessed for serum MBL level (measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). In addition, serum C-reactive protein levels in hemodialysis patients were measured to rule out correlation of increased serum MBL level with inflammation.

Results. In hemodialysis patients, 32 (45.7%) were men and 38 (54.3%) were women. In the control group, 34 (48.6%) were men and 36 (51.4%) were women (P = .87). The mean age showed no significant difference in hemodialysis (44.5 ± 13.5 year) and control (46.4 ± 12.4 years) groups. Serum level of MBL was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients (2.12 ± 1.49 ?g/mL) than that in the controls (1.49 ± 2.12 ?g/mL; P < .001). No significant correlation was found between serum MBL and C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.002, P = .98) among the hemodialysis patients.

Conclusions. Serum MBL level in hemodialysis patients was significantly higher than that in the control group of healthy individuals. This may have some implications in management of patients and prediction of kidney allograft survival.