STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL ALTERATIONS OF ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES IN PATIENTS WITH THE END-STAGE RENAL FAILURE AND ANEMIA: IMPACT OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN ERYTHROPOIETIN

Abstract

THE AIM of the investigation was an analysis of the influence of erythropoietin preparations on the state of state of the lipid phase of erythrocyte membranes in patients with the terminal chronic renal failure (tCRF) on hemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Under examination there were 31 subjects aged 35-40 years treated by program bicarbonate hemodialysis, 12-15 hours a week. All the patients had anemia of heavy degree: the hemoglobin level was not higher than 70 g/l.  In all the patients the lipid profile of erythrocyte membranes was determined: the level of phospholipids, cholesterol as well as primary and intermediate products of lipid peroxidation and alpha-tocopherol.  During a year all patients were given Epocrin in dose 2000 IU subcutaneously three times a week in combination with peroral preparations of iron, folic acid. Control analyses of blood were made in dynamics within 1,3,6  and  12  months.  RESULTS. It was  found  that  in  all  patients with  tCRF  and  anemia  processes  of  lipid  peroxidation  in erythrocytes were  intensified and the antioxidate  defense  mechanisms were weakened. After a year of treatment with rhEPO Epocrin the level of lipid peroxidation products became lower in the erythrocyte membranes along with a decreased degree of anemia.  Stabilization of the  lipid  phase  of the erythrocyte  membranes was noted and an  increased  level of alpha-tocopherol. CONCLUSION. Administration of Epocrin in dialysis patients was found to reduce manifestations of anemia not only owing to the impact on the mechanisms of hematosis, but also due to stabilization of the lipid phase of the erythrocyte membranes.