Experimental peritoneal sclerosis models should not be based on chlorhexidine gluconate anymore

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Existing rodent models for peritoneal sclerosis lack clinical relevance, failing to incorporate renal failure and bioincompatible fluid exposure.
• Developing a more accurate model is crucial for understanding and treating this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a chronic peritoneal infusion model of peritoneal sclerosis in rats experiencing renal failure.
• To investigate the roles of bioincompatible fluids and renal failure in the development of peritoneal sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar rats underwent 70% nephrectomy and catheter implantation for peritoneal infusion.
• Rats were divided into groups receiving chlorhexidine gluconate/ethanol (CGE) with Dianeal, CGE with buffer, or Dianeal alone for 8 weeks.
• Peritoneal permeability tests and omental tissue morphometrics were conducted.

Main Results:

• Groups receiving CGE (with Dianeal or buffer) exhibited high solute/protein clearances, ultrafiltration failure, and severe fibrosis.
• The Dianeal-only group showed lower clearances, normal ultrafiltration, and reduced fibrosis compared to CGE groups.
• No significant difference was observed between the two CGE-infused groups.

Conclusions:

• Peritoneal sclerosis abnormalities can be induced in rats with renal failure using this model.
• The bioincompatible dialysis solution (Dianeal) did not contribute to the observed abnormalities, likely due to the overriding effects of CGE.