Evidence suggests an imbalance between antioxidant and oxidant activities and a hyperproduction of free radicals in patients with chronic renal failure. Researches have observed increased levels of plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and it has recently been implicated as a causative factor of cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and trace elements (Selenium, Zinc), are decreased in chronic renal failure. This may cause deterioration of antioxidant defense of red cells contributing to more active red cell destruction, causing anemia in uremia and peroxidation of low density lipoprotein that may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Enhancement of lipid peroxidation and decrease of antioxidant defenses in the course of chronic renal failure progression could promote oxidative damage in the kidneys of chronic renal failure patients. Thus, in the present work the role of lipid peroxidation and reduction of antioxidant defenses in the pathogenesis and complications of chronic renal failure are discussed.
lipid peroxides; kidney failure,chronic; free radicals; antioxidants; defense mechanisms
