Phagocytic cell function as an index of biocompatibility

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biomaterials Science
• Nephrology

Background:

• Phagocytic cells play a crucial role in the immune response.
• Biocompatibility assessment of medical devices often involves evaluating cellular functions.
• Hemodialysis involves interactions between blood and artificial membranes, potentially affecting immune cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiology and biochemistry of phagocytic cells.
• To examine the rationale for using phagocyte function to assess biocompatibility.
• To analyze the impact of hemodialysis membranes on phagocyte function and biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on phagocyte physiology and biochemistry.
• Analysis of studies investigating phagocyte responses during hemodialysis.
• Examination of the relationship between dialysis membrane properties and phagocyte function.

Main Results:

• Hemodialysis modulates phagocyte adhesion receptors, influenced by complement activation.
• Changes in circulating phagocyte numbers are linked to pulmonary sequestration.
• The role of membrane material, mass transfer, and dialysate quality in monocyte cytokine production is unclear.
• Distinguishing dialysis effects from uremia effects on chronic phagocyte function is challenging.

Conclusions:

• Changes in circulating phagocyte numbers and adhesion receptor expression are useful biocompatibility indicators.
• A definitive link between specific membrane properties and other phagocyte function changes remains to be established.
• Further well-designed studies are required to clarify the impact of dialysis membranes on phagocyte function and biocompatibility.