Effects of icodextrin on insulin resistance and adipocytokine profiles in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Icodextrin peritoneal dialysis solution reportedly benefits patients suffering from metabolic derangement due to glucose load from dialysate. However, the effects of icodextrin on insulin resistance and adipocytokine profile remain unclear. Subjects comprised 14 stable patients on peritoneal dialysis for > 6 months. Their mean age was 57 +/- 11 years and the mean duration of peritoneal dialysis was 49 +/- 30 months. Patients were classified into groups according to the index of insulin resistance (index of homeostasis model assessment: HOMA-IR): Group A, HOMA-IR < 2.0 (n = 7); and Group B, HOMA-IR >= 2.0 (n = 7). Glucose peritoneal dialysis solution was subsequently switched to icodextrin once daily during the night. Changes in HOMA-IR and adipocytokine profiles were examined after three months. The glucose absorption dose tended to decrease in both groups after icodextrin introduction, with significant reductions in Group B. No changes were seen in body mass index, fluid status, peritoneal dialysis dose, residual renal function or fasting plasma glucose levels in either group. Plasma insulin levels were unchanged in Group A, but decreased significantly in Group B. The index of insulin resistance was thus unchanged in Group A (from 1.4 +/- 0.4 to 1.5 +/- 0.8) and significantly decreased in Group B (from 5.9 +/- 2.2 to 3.2 +/- 0.6; P < 0.01). Regarding plasma adipocytokine profiles, no changes were found in plasma leptin, tissue necrosis factor-alpha or total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in either group. Plasma adiponectin levels were unchanged in Group A, but significantly increased in Group B. Icodextrin solution could ameliorate insulin resistance by decreasing insulin levels due to a reduction in the glucose load and an increase in plasma adiponectin levels.