[New insights in the pathophysiology and treatment of renal anemia].

Renal anemia is a frequently encountered complication in patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease. This is mainly due to the decreased secretion of erythropoietin by the diseased kidneys. The current treatment of renal anemia is based on iron substitution and administration of recombinant erythropoietin. The discovery of HIF (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor) has led to the development of a new class of molecules that block the activity of prolyl-4-hydroxylases and stabilize HIF (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor), a transcription factor that plays an essential role in numerous cellular pathways, including those linked to erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. In this article, we discuss the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying renal anemia and the potential role of the new HIF-stabilizers in its treatment.