This study is evaluating patients with CKD on a regular HD program randomized in the chocolate group and control group. The chocolate group is receiving 40g of dark chocolate per day for 2 months and the control group is not receiving any intervention. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are being isolated for expression of Nrf2, NF-kB, and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) will be assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Chocolate is a widely appreciated foodstuff with historical appreciation as food from the gods. It is a rich source of (poly)phenolics, which have several proposed salutogenic effects, including neuroprotective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties.~This study will evaluate the potential salutogenic contribution of chocolate intake, to mitigate inflammatory and oxidative burden in chronic kidney disease patients.