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Effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on leukocyte function in cirrhosis

M Garcia-González1, D Boixeda, D Herrero

  • 1Servicio de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.

Gastroenterology
|August 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Cirrhotic patients exhibit impaired leukocyte function, increasing infection risk. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) demonstrated in vitro improvement in phagocytosis and chemotaxis for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Cirrhosis is associated with impaired leukocyte function and high infection rates.
  • Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhances phagocytic cell activity.
  • Clinical applications of GM-CSF are being investigated for immune support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro effects of GM-CSF on leukocyte function in cirrhotic patients.
  • To assess phagocytosis, phagocytic index, and chemotaxis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
  • To compare leukocyte function in compensated and infected cirrhotic patients with healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from 21 cirrhotic patients and 14 healthy donors were analyzed.
  • Basal PMN functions were tested, followed by incubation with GM-CSF (10 ng/mL).
  • Phagocytosis against Candida albicans and chemotaxis via Boyden chamber were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Cirrhotic leukocytes showed significantly lower basal phagocytosis and chemotaxis compared to controls.
  • GM-CSF stimulation increased phagocytosis and chemotaxis in non-infected cirrhotic patients.
  • GM-CSF also improved phagocytic index, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis in cirrhotic patients with peritonitis.

Conclusions:

  • Leukocyte function is defective in both compensated and infected cirrhotic patients.
  • GM-CSF shows potential for in vitro enhancement of immune cell function in cirrhosis.
  • Further research into GM-CSF's therapeutic role in cirrhotic patients is warranted.
Abstract

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