The authors present the results of a prospective study focused on evaluation of the influence of serum amyloid A (SAA) and some cytokines on the development and progression of secondary renal amyloidosis. In addition to SAA the authors examined plasma levels of the factor stimulating macrophage colonies (M-CSF), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), soluble receptor for interleukin 6 (sIL-6R), soluble receptor II for the tumour necrosis factor (sTNF-RII), soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R), as well as some adhesion molecules (ICAM, VCAM), and as a representative of chemokines they assessed interleukin 8 (IL-8). A total of 22 patients were examined with a histologically confirmed secondary amyloidosis, and 23 healthy volunteers. Plasma elevation of the SAA concentrations was recorded which is probably associated with the activity of the basic disease, but also with the presence of amyloid deposits in tissues. Raised TNF-alpha, sTNF-RII and IL-6 levels reflect probably the activity of the basic disease. Marked elevation of M-CSF levels supports the hypothesis on the dominant role of macrophages in the formation of amyloid deposits. Raised M-CSF concentrations were recorded in urine as well as its fractional excretion (FE). Furthermore, increased concentrations of TNF-alpha, sIL-6R and its FE and ICAM and VCAM along with their fractional excretions were found. The increase of these substances and their FE might suggest local production of these substances in the kidneys.

        Key words: secondary amyloidosis, serum amyloid A, cytokines, adhesion molecules, M-CSF