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Monocyte apoptosis in dialysis patients is Fas ligand-mediated

R Ranjan1, H Shah, J Siu

  • 1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA. singhal@lij.edu

Clinical Nephrology
|January 2, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dialysis patients exhibit increased monocyte apoptosis due to uremic serum factors, including FasL. Dialysis membranes also independently promote this cell death, offering insights into immune dysfunction in dialysis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The mononuclear phagocyte system is crucial for host defense.
  • Dialysis patients show increased leukocyte apoptosis, prompting investigation into monocyte apoptosis mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms behind elevated monocyte apoptosis in dialysis patients.
  • To determine the roles of serum factors and dialysis membranes in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Monocytes from dialysis patients and healthy subjects were analyzed for apoptosis.
  • The impact of dialysis sera and membranes on monocyte apoptosis and protein expression (Fas, FasL) was assessed.
  • The effect of monocyte secretory products on T cell apoptosis was studied.

Main Results:

  • Monocytes from dialysis patients exhibited significantly higher apoptosis rates (24.3%) compared to healthy subjects (3.6%).
  • Hemodialysis patient sera promoted monocyte apoptosis, with FasL identified as a contributing serum factor.
  • Dialysis membranes, particularly cellulose acetate, independently induced monocyte apoptosis and modulated Fas/FasL expression.

Conclusions:

  • Dialysis patients experience increased monocyte apoptosis mediated by uremic serum factors, notably FasL.
  • Dialysis membranes contribute to monocyte apoptosis independently of the uremic environment.
  • This study elucidates the mechanisms of enhanced monocyte apoptosis in patients undergoing dialysis.

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