Cell adhesion molecules consist of a heterogeneous group of transmembrane glycoproteins important in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. At the present time they can be divided finto 4 groups: kadherins, integrins, selectines and protein like-imunoglobulins. In most cases they are not ohly passive but they transmit signals finto cells after interaction with a binding-ligand. Some cell adhesion molecules are expressed constitutively, others after activation. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (ICAM-1, VCAM-1. E-selectin, P-selectin) are common in patients with chronic renal failure, and contribute to the high mortality rate observed in these patients. When the endothelium is damaged, adhesion and migration of mononuclear cells occurs across the vascular wall. Cell adhesion molecules are released from the surface of the endothelium finto the circulation where the rise of their plasma levels can serve as a marker of endothelial damage. Released cell adhesion molecules are found in patients with chronic renal failure. New trends in the influence of these mechanisms by inhibition of expression or binding to cell adhesion molecules could make fit possible to moderate progression or regression of chronic renal insufficiency.

        Key words: cell adhesion molecules, chronic renal insufficiency, integrins, cadherins, selektiny.