Cytokine production in haemodialysis

Many aspects regarding morbidity and mortality of dialysis patients are related to the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clinical alterations resulting from cytokine production and release may include 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, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor are three pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly produced by monocytes, and involved in pathogenetic aspects of hemodialysis-related diseases. In this review we analyse the mechanisms underlying monocyte activation and describe the different modalities for studying cytokine production and release. Clinical implications of cytokine production are also discussed.