Background. In this study we investigated the relevance of
myostatin and
Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in patients undergoing
hemodialysis HD and the influence of different HD modalities on their levels. Methods. We performed a prospective crossover study in which HD patients were randomized to undergo 3-month treatment periods with
bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD) followed by online
hemodiafiltration (HDF). Clinical data, laboratory parameters, and
myostatin and HGF serum levels were collected and compared. Results. Ten patients and six controls (C) were evaluated. In any experimental condition
myostatin and HGF levels were higher in HD than in C. At enrollment and after BHD there were not significant correlations, whereas at the end of the HDF treatment period
myostatin and HGF were inversely correlated (r -0.65, p < 0.05),
myostatin serum levels inversely correlated with
transferrin (r -0.73, p < 0.05), and HGF levels that resulted positively correlated with BMI (r 0.67, p < 0.05). Moving from BHD to HDF, clinical and laboratory parameters were unchanged, as well as serum HGF, whereas
myostatin levels significantly decreased (6.3 ± 4.1 versus 4.3 ± 3.1 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Modulation of
myostatin levels and
myostatin/HGF balance by the use of different HD modalities might represent a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of HD-related muscle
wasting syndrome.