Aims: Our purpose was to evaluate, in a group of 42 end-stage renal disease patients who regularly undergo hemodialysis, some indexes of leukocyte activation, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and other parameters that reflect the oxidative stress before and after a standard hemodialysis session. Methods: Elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by means of ELISA. The NO production was evaluated by a micromethod which measures the concentration of NOx. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was evaluated in plasma by detection of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Total antioxidant status (TAS) was obtained using spectrophotometry. Results: At baseline, we observed an increase of elastase, NOx, TBARS and TAS, without any variation of MPO. After the dialysis session, we found an increase in elastase and MPO, a decrease in NOx and TAS and no variation in TBARS. No modification occurred after subdividing the patients in two subgroups. Conclusions: Our data confirm the involvement of leukocytes and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.

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