Exercise on Mitochondrial Functions of Lymphocyte in Hemodialysis

Overview

To improve aerobic capacity, muscular function and health-related quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), regular exercise is recommended. Supervised intradialytic exercise with moderate intensity is an available approach to maintain patients' safety and compliance, and enhance physiological adaptations effectively. The exercise training effects of mitochondrial functions of lymphocyte in ESRD patients, like respiratory capacity, bioenergetic status and thrombosis/immunological regulation remained unclear. Method: ESRD patients (anticipated n=180) would conduct supervised exercise training therapy for 3 days a week for 6 months in the hospital and 3 months at home. Cardiopulmonary exercise therapy would be performed before and after the intervention. A high resolution respirometer and a flow cytometer are used to determine the oxygen consumption rate/mitochondrial respiration in mitochondria and subtypes of lymphocyte, respectively.

Renal dysfunction results from cardiovascular-related comorbidities or metabolic disorders, accumulating excessive inflammatory products or damage mitochondrial bioenergetics health in platelet and lymphocyte, then lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) eventually. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the highest level of CKD, patients at ESRD stage suffer from severe uremia and renal failure, preparing renal replacement therapy: dialysis. Hemodialysis (HD) are the most common treatment for ESRD patients, especially in Taiwan, where reports the highest prevalence of HD globally due to related chronic diseases and comprehensive National Health Insurance program. Maintenance (long-term) HD results in physical inactivity and low quality of life; thus, exercise training is recommended to improve physiological adaptations and functional capacity for HD patients. With supervised condition and a safer progression, intradialytic exercise in clinical settings provides low dropout rate and superior compliance. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the concerned issues in ESRD, impaired mitochondria also dysregulate circulating lymphocyte, leading to immunological senescence . The purposes of the present study are to establish the measurements of mitochondrial functions of platelet and lymphocyte in HD patients, and determine cardiovascular and muscular fitness along with the effects of intradialytic exercise.