Cytokine production in haemodialysis

Many aspects regarding morbidity and mortality of dialysis patients are rel ated to the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clinical alterations resulting from cytokine production and release may inc lude dialysis amyloidosis, malnutrition and atherogenesis. Cytokine release may also play a relevant role in immunodeficiency of dialysis patients by inducing alterations in immune and host-defense system. Interleukin-1, inte rleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor are three proinflammatory cytokines, ma inly produced by monocytes, and involved in pathogenetic aspects of hemodia lysis-related diseases. In this review we analyse the mechanisms underlying monocyte activation and describe the different modalities for studying cyt okine production and release. Clinical implications of cytokine production are also discussed.