[Recent findings on the pathogenesis and therapy of anemia in chronic kidney failure].

Recent studies showed that the blood BFU-E, when subtracted from the uremic milieu, normally responds to the stimulating factor produced by T lymphocytes. The serum of uremic patients inhibits the in vitro growth of normal BFU-E, however, the inhibition is almost completely reversed by hemodialysis. These data allow to understand why the therapy with erythropoietin relieves the anemia of CRF. Uremic T lymphocytes fail to stimulate the BFU-E growth. Normal T lymphocytes are inhibited by uremic serum and the hemodialysis does not correct the defect. Lymphopenia, decreased number of both T4 and T8 lymphocytes and low T4/T8 ratio were found in 50% of patients. Cimetidine was still able to increase the burst-stimulating activity of uremic T lymphocytes through inhibition of the suppressor T subset. In conclusion, one can say that in CRF T8 lymphocytes are normal and that uremic toxins decrease both number and function of T4 lymphocytes. The deficiency of BPA appears to significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of the anemia of CRF. The experience from our and other Institutions shows the effectiveness of the recombinant human erythropoietin in relieving the anemia of CRF, notwithstanding the hematological milieu is highly modified by uremia.