Hemodialysis Triggers Wide Epigenetic Changes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Key Takeaways
- Hemodialysis was found to cause large changes to DNA methylation patterns. Out of the 93 altered genes, 41 showed changes greater than 100%. These changes are associated with large-scale immune responses.
- Fibrinogen adsorption onto dialysis membranes was shown to be a factor in activating inflammation, suggesting that hemodialysis triggers a system-wide reaction.
- Further research can develop physicians’ understanding of epigenetic and DNA methylation patterns and how they are impacted by hemodialysis.
An exploratory study sought to evaluate the effect of dialysis membranes on DNA methylation patterns in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis is a method of treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and kidney failure. Chronic inflammation is a common complication that patients suffer after hemodialysis. This study analyzed the molecular effects of hemodialysis to determine future strategies to reduce this complication in patients.
Dialysis Membranes Linked to Widespread Epigenetic Changes
Researchers collected blood samples from hemodialysis patients before and after treatment and analyzed epigenetic and DNA methylation patterns. The study identified 93 genes with altered methylation after hemodialysis, and 41 of these genes had changed over 100% from their before-dialysis state.
Many of these altered genes play a role in biological processes such as transcriptional regulation, cell adhesion, and cytokine-mediated inflammation, suggesting that dialysis affects the whole immune rather than a few isolated genes. The authors said, “These changes likely suppress the expression of genes that are crucial for managing immune responses, maintaining vascular health, and controlling inflammation.”
The researchers also observed significant fibrinogen adsorption onto the surface of the dialysis membranes. These interactions indicate activation of the complement system and inflammatory biomarkers. Therefore, fibrinogen adsorption is associated with epigenetic changes.
Implications for Inflammation Management in Hemodialysis Patients
The study’s findings suggest that dialysis triggers a cascade of molecular changes and epigenetic reprogramming that affect inflammation and vascular health. The authors recommend integrating DNA methylation patterns and inflammatory profiling as a new approach to reducing inflammation in hemodialysis patients.
Future research is required as this study contained a small, homogeneous sample size. These results must be supported with a large, multicenter evaluation of a more diverse population.
Reference
Syeda H, Bahig J, Shoker A, Sakharkar MK, Abdelrasoul A. Exploratory study of dialysis membrane impact on epigenetic methylation patterns in hemodialysis patients using genomic and synchrotron investigations. Sci Rep. 2026. doi:10.1038/s41598-026-45183-z
