Role of peritoneal mesothelial cells and fibroblasts in the synthesis of hyaluronan during peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vitro synthesis rate of hyaluronan (HA) by human peritoneal mesothelial cells and peritoneal fibroblasts in the presence of effluent dialysate from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: We used primary cultures of human peritoneal mesothelial cells and peritoneal fibroblasts from nonuremic patients to study the effect of interleukin-1beta (II-1beta) and pooled effluent dialysate, from noninfected and infected CAPD patients, on the synthesis of HA by the studied cells. We also tested the effect of the exogenous HA on the synthesis rate of that glycosaminoglycan. We studied the correlation between HA concentration in effluent dialysate and the stimulatory effect of that solution on in vitro synthesis of HA by mesothelium. RESULTS: Peritoneal fibroblasts produce more HA than mesothelial cells. Noninfected effluent dialysates or dialysates from CAPD patients with peritonitis stimulate synthesis of HA by mesothelial cells and fibroblasts. Interleukin-1beta has a stimulating effect, which was synergistic with effluent dialysates, on the synthesis of HA by mesothelium and peritoneal fibroblasts. A weak correlation was demonstrated between the level of HA in effluent dialysate and the stimulatory effect of that dialysate on in vitro synthesis of HA by mesothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal fibroblasts are a more potent source of HA than are mesothelial cells, but probably the latter are the main source of HA in drained dialysate. Although effluent dialysates contain factors that stimulate the production of HA by mesothelium, there is weak correlation between that stimulatory effect and the actual HA concentration in the dialysate, which, in some patients, might suggest low "responsiveness" of the membrane.     

Electrophysiology and glucose transport of human peritoneal mesothelial cells: implications for peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate ionic and glucose transport across human peritoneal mesothelium, we utilized an Ussing chamber setup and studied the electrophysiological characteristics and tissue permeabilities of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) to L- and D-glucose. METHODS: Human mesothelial cells were grown on polyester filters (snapwell; Costar, Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.) that, upon confluence, were fitted into Ussing chambers. Transmesothelial resistance and resting potential were determined using electrophysiological techniques. Radiolabeled glucose was added to one side of the chamber and the permeabilities determined by serial sampling in the receptive compartment. RESULTS: The transmesothelial potential and resistance were 0.54 +/- 0.07 mV (apical positive) and 20.4 +/- 3.2 ohms x cm2 respectively (mean +/- SEM, n = 36). The course of overall transfer of D- and L-glucose was examined using L-glucose as a positive diffusion-plus-leak marker. The permeabilities of HPMC to D-glucose were 3.00 +/- 0.26 cm/sec (apical-to-basolateral) and 3.25 +/- 0.27 cm/sec (basolateral-to-apical) [n = 6 experiments, p = not significant (NS)], which were not different from those of L-glucose: 3.00 +/- 0.30 cm/sec (apical-to-basolateral) and 2.71 +/- 0.24 (basolateral-to-apical) (n = 6 experiments, p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The transepithelial resistance of HPMC is low and the ionic gradient, although it exists, is small and inconsequential. Passive paracellular flow accounts for the majority of transmesothelial glucose transport. The existence of a large paracellular shunt precludes the mesothelial membrane as a clinically relevant osmotic barrier.     

Expression of cancer antigen 125 by peritoneal mesothelial cells is not influenced by duration of peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) on mesothelial cells in the effluent of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and to analyze the effect of duration of PD on the number of mesothelial cells in peritoneal effluent, the number of CA125-positive cells, and dialysate CA125 concentration. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in which long-dwell peritoneal effluents were investigated for mesothelial cells and CA125. SETTING: A university hospital population of chronic PD patients. PATIENTS: 33 stable PD patients who were free of peritonitis during the investigation and during the 4 weeks prior to the study. METHODS: Examination of cytospin preparations of peritoneal effluent stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa, and also with an immunocytochemical double-staining method consisting of anticalretinin (pan-mesothelial cell marker) and OC125. RESULTS: A close relationship was present between the numbers of mesothelial cells counted with the two staining methods (r= 0.998, p < 0.001). On average, 92% of mesothelial cells were positive for CA125, ranging between 75% and 100% in 80% of the patients. Correlations were found between the effluent CA125 concentration and the total number of mesothelial cells (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), and also the number of CA125-positive cells (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). A negative effect of time was seen on the effluent CA125 concentration, the total number of mesothelial cells, and the number of CA125-positive mesothelial cells. However, no effect of time was present on the percentage CA125-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: On average, 92% of mesothelial cells in peritoneal effluent are positive for CA125. This figure is not dependent on the duration of PD. Long-term PD is associated with low dialysate CA125 concentrations, a low number of mesothelial cells, and a low number of CA125-positive mesothelial cells in effluent. These results support the hypothesis that dialysate CA125 can be used as a marker of mesothelial cell mass in stable PD patients.     

Effects of peritoneal dialysis solutions on the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins by human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of different peritoneal dialysis solutions (PDS) on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), procollagen I C-terminal peptide (PICP), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and fibronectin by cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). DESIGN: Using M199 culture medium as control, commercial PDS containing 1.5% or 4.25% glucose and 40 mmol/L lactate [Dianeal 1.5 (D 1.5) and Dianeal 4.25 (D 4.25), respectively; Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois, USA]; PDS containing 1.5% or 4.25% glucose with 25 mmol/L bicarbonate and 15 mmol/L lactate [Physioneal 1.5 (P 1.5) and Physioneal 4.25 (P 4.25), respectively; Baxter]; and PDS containing 7.5% icodextrin [Extraneal (E); Baxter] were tested. Growth-arrested and synchronized HPMC were continuously stimulated for 48 hours by test PDS diluted twofold with M199, TGFbeta1 1 ng/mL, or different concentrations of icodextrin. VEGF, TGFbeta1, and fibronectin secreted into the media were analyzed by ELISA, and PICP and PIIINP by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Dianeal 1.5, D 4.25, and P 4.25, but not P 1.5 and E, significantly increased VEGF secretion compared with control M199. D 4.25- and P 4.25-induced VEGF secretion was significantly higher than induction by D 1.5 and P 1.5, respectively, suggesting that high glucose may be involved in the induction of VEGF. Physioneal 1.5- and P 4.25-induced VEGF secretion was significantly lower than induction by D 1.5 and D 4.25, respectively, suggesting a role for glucose degradation products (GDP) in VEGF production. TGFbeta1 secretion was significantly increased by D 4.25 and E. Icodextrin increased TGFbeta1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. All PDS tested significantly increased secretion of PIIINP compared with control. D 1.5- and D 4.25-induced PIIINP secretion was significantly higher than P 1.5, P 4.25, and E. Physioneal 4.25-induced PIIINP secretion was significantly higher than P 1.5, again implicating high glucose and GDP in PIIINP secretion by HPMC. There was no significant increase in PICP or fibronectin secretion using any of the PDS tested. Addition of TGFbeta1 1 ng/mL into M199 control significantly increased VEGF, PICP, PIIINP, and fibronectin secretion by HPMC. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides direct evidence that HPMC can secrete VEGF, TGFbeta1, and PIIINP in response to PDS, and that HPMC may be actively involved in the development and progression of the peritoneal membrane hyperpermeability and fibrosis observed in long-term PD patients. This study also suggests that both high glucose and GDP in PDS may play important roles in inducing VEGF and PIIINP production/secretion by HPMC.     

Contribution of early failure to outcome on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The technique failure rate on peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains high despite technical progress. There are no data concerning the contribution of early failure to outcome on PD. Aim: To analyze the importance of early treatment failure in PD and to compare early with late failures with respect to reasons and predictors of risk for failure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients admitted for PD from October 1983 to June 2005. The end point was PD failure-free survival. Differences between reasons for failure with respect to early (within 6 months) and late failure were analyzed. Multivariate associations of baseline covariates with early and late failure were investigated. RESULTS: We included 279 patients. 153 (55%) patients experienced PD failure: 97 (63%) of them had technique failure; 56 (37%) patients died due to non-PD-related causes. 29% (n = 44) of all PD failures and 40% (n = 39) of all technique failures occurred within 6 months. Catheter and psychosocial problems contributed more often to early than to late failure, whereas infections, leakages, and hernias contributed equally to early and late failure. Death was the predominant reason for late failure. Female sex was a risk factor for early failure and older age a risk factor for late failure. Higher cholesterol levels were associated with a decreased risk for both early and late failure. CONCLUSION: The contribution of early failure to outcome on PD is important, as one third of all PD failures and 40% of all technique failures may occur within the first 6 months, as shown in our study. Due to the retrospective nature and the single-center character, the results cannot be generalized. However, it is important to enhance recognition of patients at high risk for early PD failure prior to initiation of PD, in order to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and medical complications, and for rational resource allocation.     

Lectin staining of peritoneal mesothelial cells in vitro.

A survey of lectin-binding specificities present on rodent and human mesothelial cells propagated and maintained in tissue culture was made using fluorescein isothiocynate conjugated (FITC) lectins. Rodent and human cells exhibited cell-associated fluorescence following exposure to the FITC-lectins from C. ensiformis, T. vulgaris, A. hypogaea, E. cristagalli and B. simplicifolia, but not with lectins from G. max and D. biflorus. Rodent cells were also positive for FITC-M. pomifera lectin binding. Human, but not rodent, cells were positive for FITC-T. purpureas lectin binding. Exposure of rabbit mesothelial cells in vitro to FITC-lectins that bound to the cell surface resulted in the appearance of discrete loci of putatively intracellular fluorescence. Exposure of cells to ferritin-labelled T. vulgaris lectin at 37 degrees C for as little as 7.5 minutes resulted in the appearance of ferritin-size particles in intracellular vesicles. These results demonstrate 1. the presence of lectin-binding sites in and on peritoneal mesothelial cells from rodents and humans and 2. a possible role of such sites in mediating the entry of lectin-like endogenous molecules into the vacuolar apparatus of these cells.     

Changes in volume of peritoneal mesothelial cells exposed to osmotic stress.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in volume of mesothelial cells exposed to hypertonic medium and the role of volume regulatory mechanisms in adaptation to hyperosmolality. DESIGN: Experiments were performed on primary cultures of human peritoneal mesothelial cells. Cell volume was estimated by measuring equilibrated (intracellular/extracellular space) 14C-urea in cellular water. Cells in monolayers were exposed to hyperosmotic media and changes in cellular water or intracellular uptake of 3H-proline were measured. RESULTS: Exposure of mesothelial cell monolayers to hyperosmotic media reduced the cell volume; the effect was proportional to the osmolality of the medium. Volume of cells exposed to medium supplemented with glucose (180 mmol/L) decreased by 26%, p < 0.001, after 30 minutes' incubation. Prolonged exposure of mesothelial cells to hyperosmotic medium resulted in gradual recovery, after initial decline, of their volume. Intracellular uptake of amino acid 3H-proline increased after 240 minutes' exposure of the mesothelial cells to medium supplemented with glucose (90 mmol/L) (+40%, p < 0.05). When cells cultured for 7 days in medium supplemented with glucose (45 mmol/L) were exposed to medium with low glucose content (5 mmol/L) their volume increased by 17%, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Mesothelial cells shrink after exposure to hypertonic medium. Increased intracellular uptake of amino acids may be one of the regulatory mechanisms that ensure subsequent volume increase in these cells. Mesothelial cells chronically exposed to hypertonic medium swell after transfer to a medium with physiologic osmolality.     

Influence of bicarbonate/low-GDP peritoneal dialysis fluid (BicaVera) on in vitro and ex vivo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells

♦ Background: Peritoneal membrane damage induced by peritoneal dialysis (PD) is largely associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells (MCs), which is believed to be a result mainly of the glucose degradation products (GDPs) present in PD solutions.♦ Objectives: This study investigated the impact of bicarbonate-buffered, low-GDP PD solution (BicaVera: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) on EMT of MCs in vitro and ex vivo.♦ Methods: In vitro studies: Omentum-derived MCs were incubated with lactate-buffered standard PD fluid or BicaVera fluid diluted 1:1 with culture medium.Ex vivo studies: From 31 patients randomly distributed to either standard or BicaVera solution and followed for 24 months, effluents were collected every 6 months for determination of EMT markers in effluent MCs.♦ Results: Culturing of MCs with standard fluid in vitro resulted in morphology change to a non-epithelioid shape, with downregulation of E-cadherin (indicative of EMT) and strong induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. By contrast, in vitro exposure of MCs to bicarbonate/low-GDP solution had less impact on both EMT parameters.Ex vivo studies partially confirmed the foregoing results. The BicaVera group, with a higher prevalence of the non-epithelioid MC phenotype at baseline (for unknown reasons), showed a clear and significant trend to gain and maintain an epithelioid phenotype at medium- and longer-term and to show fewer fibrogenic characteristics. By contrast, the standard solution group demonstrated a progressive and significantly higher presence of the non-epithelioid phenotype. Compared with effluent MCs having an epithelioid phenotype, MCs with non-epithelioid morphology showed significantly lower levels of E-cadherin and greater levels of fibronectin and VEGF. In comparing the BicaVera and standard solution groups, MCs from the standard solution group showed significantly higher secretion of interleukin 8 and lower secretion of collagen I, but no differences in the levels of other EMT-associated molecules, including fibronectin, VEGF, E-cadherin, and transforming growth factor β1.Peritonitis incidence was similar in both groups. Functionally, the use of BicaVera fluid was associated with higher transport of small molecules and lower ultrafiltration capacity.♦ Conclusions: Effluent MCs grown ex vivo from patients treated with bicarbonate/low-GDP BicaVera fluid showed a trend to acquire an epithelial phenotype, with lower production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (such as interleukin 8) than was seen with MCs from patients treated with a lactate-buffered standard PD solution.     

灯盏花素对腹膜透析液诱导人腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1的影响

背景：从不同层面了解灯盏花素阻止/延缓腹膜功能衰竭的作用及其机制,从而在临床上推广使用灯盏花素来阻止/延缓腹膜功能衰竭从而延长终末期肾脏病患者腹膜透析时间、提高透析质量、减少透析失败率,提高腹膜透析远期疗效具有广泛的应用前景。目的：观察灯盏花素对腹膜透析液诱导的人腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1分泌及其增殖活性的影响。方法：体外培养人腹膜间皮细胞,分为5组：分别为对照组、腹膜透析液组、灯盏花素终浓度为5,10,20μmol/L组。检测各组上清液中转化生长因子β1的水平以及间皮细胞的增殖活性。结果与结论：腹膜间皮细胞在腹膜透析液诱导下,转化生长因子β1分泌显著增加、细胞增殖活性显著降低。灯盏花素5μmol/L组转化生长因子β1分泌低于腹膜透析液组（P〈0.05）,细胞增殖活性高于腹膜透析液组（P〈0.05）;灯盏花素10,20μmol/L组转化生长因子β1分泌显著低于腹膜透析液组（P〈0.01）,细胞增殖活性显著高于腹膜透析液组（P〈0.01）。结果显示灯盏花素可以抑制腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1分泌,拮抗腹膜透析液对腹膜间皮细胞增殖活性的抑制作用。     

灯盏花素对腹膜透析液诱导人腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1的影响

背景:从不同层面了解灯盏花素阻止/延缓腹膜功能衰竭的作用及其机制,从而在临床上推广使用灯盏花素来阻止/延缓腹膜功能衰竭从而延长终末期肾脏病患者腹膜透析时间、提高透析质量、减少透析失败率,提高腹膜透析远期疗效具有广泛的应用前景。目的:观察灯盏花素对腹膜透析液诱导的人腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1分泌及其增殖活性的影响。方法:体外培养人腹膜间皮细胞,分为5组:分别为对照组、腹膜透析液组、灯盏花素终浓度为5,10,20μmol/L组。检测各组上清液中转化生长因子β1的水平以及间皮细胞的增殖活性。结果与结论:腹膜间皮细胞在腹膜透析液诱导下,转化生长因子β1分泌显著增加、细胞增殖活性显著降低。灯盏花素5μmol/L组转化生长因子β1分泌低于腹膜透析液组(P<0.05),细胞增殖活性高于腹膜透析液组(P<0.05);灯盏花素10,20μmol/L组转化生长因子β1分泌显著低于腹膜透析液组(P<0.01),细胞增殖活性显著高于腹膜透析液组(P<0.01)。结果显示灯盏花素可以抑制腹膜间皮细胞转化生长因子β1分泌,拮抗腹膜透析液对腹膜间皮细胞增殖活性的抑制作用。     

Acute in vivo toxicity of heat-sterilized glucose peritoneal dialysis fluids to rat peritoneal macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vivo effects of heat-sterilized peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids on the respiratory burst response of rat peritoneal leukocytes. DESIGN: Rats were exposed to intraperitoneal injections of a laboratory-made PD fluid that was either heat-sterilized (H-PD) or filtered (F-PD). Control groups of animals were given Hank's buffer (HBSS) or saline (NaCl). Leukocytes were harvested by intraperitoneal lavage at different times in different animals and analyzed with respect to cell numbers, differential counts, and production of superoxide (chemiluminescence) in response to opsonized zymosan. The chemiluminescence responses of the macrophage and the neutrophil populations, respectively, were obtained by curve-fitting techniques from the responses of the mixed populations. RESULTS: All fluids induced a recruitment of neutrophils, the PD fluids causing a cell number increase that was more transient than that caused by NaCl and HBSS. Macrophage numbers were only slightly influenced, but were generally higher after NaCl and HBSS injections than after PD fluid injections. The H-PD exposure induced a significant inhibition of the macrophage chemiluminescence response after 2 and 12 hours, compared with the exposure to F-PD. The neutrophil chemiluminescence response was not significantly affected. CONCLUSION: The toxins produced by heat-sterilization of glucose-containing PD fluids inhibit in vivo the respiratory burst response of peritoneal macrophages.     

ADP-ribosylation of membrane proteins: unveiling the secrets of a crucial regulatory mechanism in mammalian cells

Many bacterial toxins kill animal cells by adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylating intracellular target proteins. Mammalian cells express toxin-related cell surface ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) that transfer ADP-ribose from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) onto arginine residues of other membrane proteins. The association of these glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored ectoenzymes with glycolipid rafts focuses them onto components of the signal transduction machinery. Exposing murine T cells to NAD, the ART substrate, induces a cascade of reactions that culminates in cell death by apoptosis. This mechanism, dubbed 'NAD-induced cell death' or NICD, is initiated when ART2 ADP-ribosylates the cytolytic P2X7 purinergic receptor, inducing formation of a cation channel, opening of a nonselective pore, shedding of CD62L from the cell surface, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA-fragmentation. The ART substrate NAD is produced in large amounts inside the cell and can be released from damaged cells during inflammation and tissue injury. In the extracellular environment, the signaling function of NAD is terminated by NAD-degrading ectoenzymes such as CD38. We propose that ART2-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of P2X7 represents the paradigm of a regulatory mechanism by which ART-expressing cells can sense and respond to the release of NAD from damaged cells.     

Dialysate cancer antigen 125 concentration as marker of peritoneal membrane status in patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviews publications on the history of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), the background of its use as a marker of mesothelial cell mass, determination in peritoneal effluent, and its practical use in both the follow-up of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and as a marker of in vivo biocompatibility of dialysis solutions. DESIGN: Review article. RESULTS: CA125 is a high molecular weight glycoprotein. Previous studies in ascites suggested its release by mesothelial cells. In vitro studies with cultured mesothelial cells showed constitutive production, the majority of which was dependent on mesothelial cell mass. Serum CA125 is normal in PD patients, but its concentration in peritoneal dialysate suggests local release, probably from mesothelial cells. Effluent CA125 can be considered a marker of mesothelial cell mass in stable PD patients, but large amounts are found during peritonitis, due probably to necrosis of mesothelial cells. The majority of studies found no relationship between dialysate CA125 and peritoneal transport parameters. Some cross-sectional studies reported a relationship with duration of PD, but others were unable to confirm this, due probably to the large interindividual variability. Longitudinal follow-up has shown a decrease in dialysate CA125, indicating loss of mesothelial cell mass. Application of theoretically more-biocompatible PD solutions causes an increase in dialysate CA125. CONCLUSIONS: Dialysate CA125 is a mesothelial cell mass marker. The concentration of CA125 should be determined after a standardized dwell. A single low value is not informative. A decrease with time on PD suggests loss of mesothelial cell mass. Dialysate CA125 is a marker of in vivo biocompatibility of (new) dialysis solutions. More research is necessary on the best methodology for measuring low concentrations and establishing normal values and a significant change.     

Altered permeability of the peritoneal membrane after using hypertonic peritoneal dialysis fluid

Previous work has shown that use of hypertonic peritoneal dialysis fluid (7% glucose) results in ultrafiltration and enhanced urea transfer across the peritoneal membrane. Simultaneous creatinine studies showed a similar enhancement with hypertonic fluid which persisted in lesser degree during subsequent isotonic exchanges. The mechanism of solvent drag has been shown to contribute significantly to the increased urea removal with ultrafiltration. In the present study, the role of altered diffusive permeability of the peritoneal membrane as suggested by the creatinine data was evaluated as a possible additional mechanism. Hypertonic exchanges were bracketed by isotonic (1.5% glucose) exchanges during 11 studies in four patients. During six other studies in four patients, isotonic exchanges only were performed. A mathematical model for peritoneal solute transport by diffusion was developed and a method to distinguish alterations in peritoneal membrane permeability from changes in membrane area proposed. The method incorporates the determination and comparison of transport characteristics for two test solutes of widely different molecular weights. Alterations in inulin and urea transperitoneal transport characteristics in the above studies indicate a significant increase in membrane permeability after exposure to hypertonic solutions that persists during subsequent isotonic exchanges. Varying patterns of membrane area and permeability changes occurred during repeated exposure to only isotonic exchanges. The findings are discussed in regard to recent concepts of passive transcapillary transport.