Background. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed from proteins and peptides by non-enzymatic glycation or glycoxidation. AGEs are formed slowly during aging, and they accumulate in circulation and tissues in diabetes and chronic renal failure. Kidney plays a key role in the disposal of AGEs. Aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that, acute loss of renal function with enhanced oxidative and carbonyl stress should results in a rise of circulating AGEs levels. Method and Results. Acute renal failure (ARI) was induced in rats by bilateral nephrectomy (24-72 hours). The data on AGEs levels, oxidative status and antioxidative defense was compared to those of sham operated animals. 48 hours after the induction of ARI concentrations of AGEs, determined fluorimetrically or as carboxymethyllysine, rose 2-fold, and they correlated with concentrations of creatinine (r=0.938, p<0,001 and r=0.815, p<0,001, respectively). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipofuscine (LF) concentrations rose in a time dependent manner, suggesting an enhanced oxidative and carbonyl stress. Enhanced lipid peroxidation did not result from the suppressed antioxidant defense: activity of superoxide dismutase rose by 50 %, while that of glutathione peroxidase was not compromised. Total antioxidant status increased, probably due to the accumulation of uremic toxins with scavenging capacity, such as hippurate. Conclusions. According to our knowledge our data was first to show a rapid increase in circulating AGEs concentrations in the model of acute renal failure in rats. If AGEs accumulate in acute renal failure in humans, their contribution to acute toxicity, and/or to the development of later complications, might be of a great importance.

        Key words: advanced glycation end products, acute renal failure, Ne-carboxymethyllysine, malondialdehyde, lipofuscine, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress, carbonyl stress.