Figure 1.

Sevelamer does not significantly change circulating markers of microbial translocation. A, Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels measured 2–4 weeks before initiation of sevelamer treatment, on the day of initiating treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, and 8 weeks after cessation of treatment (week 16). B, Plasma soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels measured 2–4 weeks before initiation of sevelamer treatment, on the day of initiating treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, and 8 weeks after cessation of treatment (week 16). C, Sevelamer decreases plasma soluble tissue factor (sTF) levels, which rebound after treatment cessation. Levels were measured 2–4 weeks before initiation of sevelamer treatment, on the day of initiating treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, and 8 weeks after cessation of treatment (week 16). D, Sevelamer reduces oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL) levels. oxLDL levels were measured 2–4 weeks before initiation of sevelamer treatment, on the day of initiating treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment, and 8 weeks after cessation of treatment (week 16). Shading indicates treatment period. Thin lines represent individual subjects over time. Thick red lines represents the median values at each study week. P values were calculated using the sign test. Abbreviation: NS, not significant.