[Oxidative stress as a reason of treatment difficulties in chronic renal failure]

The erythrocytes of patients suffering from chronic renal failure (CRF) are exposed to an increased activity of free radicals. These compounds are generated by uremic toxins and hemodialysis itself. They cause the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in red blood cell membrane. It leads to a decrease of erythrocytes' stability and a lower resistance to hemolysis. The advanced oxidation protein products and advanced glycation end products (AOPP and AGE) also contribute to these changes. The described processes deepen the anemia in CRF and make difficulties in its treatment. In addition, the quoted references present a lot of disturbances in activities of the enzymes and metabolic pathways, which provide antioxidant reactions. This group consists of: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) end the enzymes of the pentose-phosphate shunt (PPS). The intensity of changes is according to the stage of the disease and the efficiency of treatment. Its most appropriate form is renal transplantation.