In this study we investigated oxidative modification of plasma proteins in non-dialyzed patients with varying degrees of chronic renal failure and in patients on regular haemodialysis treatment. The results showed that the level of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone-reactive carbonyl derivatives as a marker of oxidative modification of proteins, increased in plasma of all chronic renal failure patients compared to healthy subjects. Statistically significant positive correlation between the serum creatinine level and plasma carbonyl derivatives content in chronic renal failure was observed. These results support the hypothesis that chronic renal patients appear to be in a state of "carbonyl stress" with potentially damaged proteins. It was suggested that carbonyl overload in chronic renal failure might contribute to the development of long-term uraemic complications, such as atherosclerosis, aging and amyloidosis.