Altered cellular biosynthesis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells exposed to dialysis solutions

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions can produce changes in the peritoneal membrane and structure which are related to the high glucose concentrations and low pH of these solutions. This study was designed to examine the effects of high glucose (76-214 mM) and low pH (5.3) solutions on human peritoneal mesothelial cells in culture. Changes in mesothelial cell biosynthesis and cell numbers were evident within 2 hours of exposure to unmodified dialysis solutions. In the development of new dialysis solutions, human peritoneal mesothelial cells in culture provide a good in vitro model to determine potential toxicity.