Histological and functional characteristics of peritoneal membrane in peritoneal sclerosis of PD patients

Differential effects of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluids on human mesothelial and endothelial cells in 2D and 3D phenotypes

INTRODUCTION

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a life maintaining treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease. Its chronic application leads to peritoneal mesothelial layer denudation and fibrotic transformation along with vascular activation of inflammatory pathways. The impact of different PD fluids (PDF) on mesothelial and endothelial cell function and repair mechanisms are not comprehensively described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesothelial (MeT-5A) and endothelial cells (EA.hy926) were cultured in 1:1 ratio with cell medium and different PDF (icodextrin-based, amino acid-based, and glucose-based). Cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell proliferation in 2D and spheroid formation and collagen gel contraction assays in 3D cell cultures were performed.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation and cell-mediated gel contraction were both significantly decreased in all conditions. 3D spheroid formation was significantly reduced with icodextrin and amino acid PDF, but unchanged with glucose PDF. Adhesion was significantly increased by amino acid PDF in mesothelial cells and decreased by icodextrin and amino acid PDF in endothelial cells. Migration capacity was significantly decreased in mesothelial cells by all three PDF, while endothelial cells remained unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

In 3D phenotypes the effects of PDF are more uniform in both mesothelial and endothelial cells, mitigating spheroid formation and gel contraction. On the contrary, effects on 2D phenotypes are more uniform in the icodextrin and amino acid PDF as opposed to glucose ones and affect mesothelial cells more variably. 2D and 3D comparative assessments of PDF effects on the main peritoneal membrane cell barriers, the mesothelial and endothelial, could provide useful translational information for PD studies.

Case report of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: the interpretation of functional and structural peritoneal changes

A case report describing the evolution of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is presented to illustrate some of the functional and structural peritoneal membrane changes characteristic of this complication of peritoneal dialysis. The appropriate monitoring of peritoneal transport rates and ultrafiltration, together with attention to clinical signs and symptoms, are essential to the early diagnosis of peritoneal membrane deterioration. Recent reports suggest that timely interventions such as a peritoneal membrane rest period may effectively halt the progression of these functional and structural changes. While the optimal surgical and pharmacological treatment of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis remains uncertain, the latest literature provides a certain degree of optimism.

Prevention of membrane damage in patient on peritoneal dialysis with new peritoneal dialysis solutions

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is now an established and successful alternative to hemodialysis. Multiple studies have confirmed its equivalent dialysis adequacy, mortality and fluid balance status, at least for the first 4-5 years. Peritoneal membrane failure is now one of the leading cause of technique failure. This review describes the role of glucose, glucose degradation product, pH, lactate, advanced glycosylation end product (AGE) in causing this membrane damage, and gives insight how the use of newer peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) containing icodextrin, amino acids and bicarbonate buffer can prevent peritoneal membrane damage.