Effects of spermidine and p-cresol on polymorphonuclear cell apoptosis and function
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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions and Cell Viability in Renal Cells Overexpressing Protein Kinase C Isozymes
Published on: January 7, 2013
Jose Tarcisio G de Carvalho1, Maria A Dalboni, Renato Watanabe
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. tarcisiogiffoni@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients display accelerated apoptosis and dysfunction, which may predispose CKD patients to infections. In this study, we investigated the effect of spermidine and p-cresol on apoptosis and function on PMN from healthy subjects. We measured the effect of spermidine and p-cresol on apoptosis, ROS production unstimulated and stimulated (S. aureus and PMA) and expression of CD95, caspase 3, and CD11b on PMN. After incubation with p-cresol and spermidine, we did not observe any changes in apoptosis, viability or expression of caspase 3 and CD95 in PMN from healthy subjects. PMN incubated for 10 minutes with spermidine demonstrated a significant reduction in spontaneous, S. aureus and PMA-stimulated ROS production. p-cresol induced a decrease in PMA-stimulated ROS production. Spermidine and p-cresol also induced a decrease in the expression of CD11b on PMN. Spermidine and p-cresol decreased the expression of CD11b and oxidative burst of PMN from healthy subjects and had no effect on PMN apoptosis and viability.
Insights
Spermidine and p-cresol reduced the oxidative burst and CD11b expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from healthy individuals. These compounds did not affect PMN apoptosis or viability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients exhibit impaired function and accelerated apoptosis, increasing infection susceptibility.
- Understanding factors affecting PMN function is crucial for managing infections in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of spermidine and p-cresol on PMN apoptosis and function in healthy subjects.
- To assess the effects of these compounds on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell surface marker expression.
Main Methods:
- PMNs from healthy donors were incubated with spermidine and p-cresol.
- Apoptosis, viability, ROS production (spontaneous and stimulated), and expression of CD95, caspase 3, and CD11b were measured.
Main Results:
- Spermidine and p-cresol did not alter PMN apoptosis or viability.
- Spermidine significantly reduced spontaneous, S. aureus, and PMA-stimulated ROS production.
- p-Cresol decreased PMA-stimulated ROS production.
- Both spermidine and p-cresol reduced CD11b expression on PMNs.
Conclusions:
- Spermidine and p-cresol modulate PMN oxidative burst and CD11b expression in healthy individuals.
- These compounds do not appear to induce apoptosis or affect the viability of PMNs.
- Further research may explore their potential therapeutic roles in modulating immune cell function.
