Pilot study on the effect of flavonoids on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

Aim: To prospectively investigate the impact of flavonoids on arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages I-IV.

Methods: In this prospective, single-arm study, CKD patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were recorded. Patients received daily treatment with a phenol-rich dietary supplement for 3 months. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central pulse pressure), and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls, total phenolic compound, total antioxidant capacity) were measured at baseline and at study end.

Results: Sixteen patients (mean age: 62.5 years, 87.5% male) completed the study. Following intervention, peripheral systolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 14 mmHg (P < 0.001). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity decreased from 8.9 m/s (baseline) to 8.2 m/s (study end) (P < 0.001), and central pulse pressure improved from 59 mmHg to 48 mmHg (P = 0.003). Flavonoids also reduced oxidative stress markers including protein carbonyls (P < 0.001), total phenolic compound (P = 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.013).

Conclusion: Flavonoid supplementation in CKD patients shows promise in improving blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and oxidative stress markers.