Losartan prevents the development of the pro-inflammatory monocytes CD14+CD16+ in haemodialysis patients

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Ana Merino1, Maria Antonia Alvarez-Lara, Rafael Ramirez

  • 1Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Fundación de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Córdoba (FIBICO), Córdoba, Spain. merino.a76@gmail.com

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|January 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, reduces pro-inflammatory monocytes in haemodialysis patients. This immunomodulatory effect may help mitigate cardiovascular disease risk associated with chronic inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in haemodialysis patients, often linked to chronic inflammation.
  • Angiotensin II receptor AT1 antagonists, like losartan, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
  • CD14+CD16+ monocytes are implicated in the inflammatory processes observed in haemodialysis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of losartan on CD14+CD16+ monocytes in haemodialysis patients.
  • To investigate the in vitro mechanisms by which losartan modulates monocyte differentiation and inflammatory potential.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 18 haemodialysis patients, divided into losartan and non-losartan treatment groups.
  • In vitro experiments using monocytes from healthy donors stimulated with cytokines, with or without losartan.
  • Monocyte subsets (CD14+CD16+) were quantified in patients and in vitro models.

Main Results:

  • Haemodialysis patients treated with losartan showed a lower percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes compared to those on other antihypertensives.
  • CD14+CD16+ monocyte levels in the losartan group were comparable to healthy controls.
  • Withdrawal of losartan led to an increase in CD14+CD16+ monocytes, and in vitro, losartan inhibited the differentiation of monocytes into this pro-inflammatory subset.

Conclusions:

  • Losartan functions as an immunomodulator in haemodialysis patients.
  • Losartan prevents the development of CD14+CD16+ pro-inflammatory monocytes.
  • This action of losartan may contribute to reducing inflammation and associated cardiovascular risks in haemodialysis patients.
Abstract

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