[Lipid peroxidation as a possible mechanism of erythrocyte damage in patients with chronic kidney failure on hemodialysis].

Ten patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) treated by hemodialysis (HD) were examined. All the patients demonstrated remarkable anemia. The red blood cell count was (2.7 +/- 0.2) x 10(12)/I the concentration of hemoglobin 79.5 +/- 5.6 g/l, on the average, hematocrit 23.2 +/- 1.8%. The content of malonic dialdehyde in the patients' red blood cells was far greater than in controls, amounting to 132% (per 1 ml of hemolysate), 134% (per 1 mg of protein) (p < 0.05). Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the patients' red blood cells did not differ from that in controls. Superoxide dismutase activity reduced by 43% as compared to that in donors (p < 0.001). The authors review possible mechanisms of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a decrease of antioxidant defense in red blood cells of CRF patients on hemodialysis. It is concluded that activation of LPO processes and the decrease of antioxidant defense produce a noticeable destructive effect on the integrity of the red blood cell membrane. They also influence the development of hemolysis.