Immune imbalance in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients: effects of intra-articular injection of thymopentin.

T cell subsets in the synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood (PB) of RA patients and controls suffering from different forms of chronic synovitis have been investigated. The immunological evaluation showed a reduction of CD4 subsets in RA-SF compared to RA-PB (p less than 0.001), and an almost complete absence of the suppressor-inducer/naive T cells in RA-SF compared to RA-PB and SF from patients with other forms of chronic synovitis. The CD8 subpopulation showed an increased proportion of cytotoxic cells only in RA-SF. On the basis of these results, an intra-articular immunomodulating treatment with thymopentin has been performed: its effects were characterized by an increase of CD8+CD11b+ T cells in the CD8 subset parallel to the enhancement of the suppressor-inducer/naive T cells in the CD4 subset with a statistically significant correlation. The enhanced levels of soluble CD8 decreased after treatment in RA-SF, whereas the soluble IL-2R levels were not significantly modified. Clinical evaluation showed a significative amelioration in all considered parameters.

Low- and high-turnover bone disease in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: effects of low-Ca2+ peritoneal dialysis solution.

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an effective phosphate (PO4) binder in uremics, and its use reduces aluminum (Al) intake. By maintaining high serum Ca2+, it decreases serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Hypercalcemia, however, often limits the dosage. In order to evaluate the effects of a low-Ca peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) (1.25 mmol/L) on Ca metabolism, we studied the following in 12 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with hypercalcemia (6 with low PTH levels, low-turnover bone disease, group 1, and 6 with high PTH levels, high-turnover bone disease, group 2, documented by bone biopsies): serum Ca2+; serum PTH; bone morphology. The follow-up was 12 months. Results show that in both groups within the third month there was a decrease in serum Ca2+. In group 1 serum PTH increased, reaching the norm, and in group 2 it further increased exceeding the norm. Because in both groups serum Ca2+ was normal, it was possible to increase oral CaCO3 (10.5 +/- 2.5 g/day) to control PO4 levels and to stop Al gels. In group 2, in order to avoid the further rise of serum PTH, the low-Ca PDS was supplemented with 2 micrograms/day of 1,25(OH)2D3 (vitamin D3); this was followed by a reduction in serum PTH with no increase in Ca2+ and PO4. The use of low-Ca PDS may be useful in preventing hypercalcemia in CAPD patients treated with high oral doses of CaCO3 and in improving low-turnover bone disease, while low-Ca PDS supplemented with vitamin D3 improves high-turnover bone disease.

Low Ca2+ dialysate. Effects on bone metabolism in the course of paired filtration dialysis.

To evaluate the 1-year effects of PFD performed with low Ca2+ dialysate (1 mmol/l) on calcium metabolism and on bone disease, the authors studied in eight patients who were previously treated with PFD performed with standard Ca2+ dialysate (1.75 mmol/l). On samples from these subjects, the following were evaluated: 1) serum Ca2+ and PO4 levels, 2) serum PTH levels, 3) serum Al levels, and 4) bone morphology. All the patients were hypercalcemic, four with high serum PTH levels (high turnover bone disease, group 1) and four with low serum PTH levels (low turnover bone disease, group 2). In both groups, a decrease in serum Ca2+ and an increase in serum PTH was observed within the third month. In group 2, PTH levels reached the normal range. Because serum Ca2+ levels decreased to normal in both groups, it was possible to administer oral CaCO3 (10.5 +/- 2 g/day) to control serum PO4 and to stop Al gels. This did not induce any increase in serum Ca2+, whereas serum Al fell significantly. In group 1, to prevent a further rise in PTH, patients were treated with intravenous calcitriol (5 +/- 2 micrograms/week). This induced a reduction in the serum PTH without increasing serum Ca2+ or PO4. Within 12 months, an improvement in bone morphology was seen in both groups. It is concluded that the use of low Ca2+ dialysate corrects hypercalcemia in patients with PFD treated with high oral doses of CaCO3, and improves low turnover bone disease. The combination of low Ca2+ dialysate and intravenous calcitriol also improves high turnover bone disease.

Low calcium peritoneal dialysis solution. Effects on calcium metabolism and bone disease in CAPD patients.

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an effective phosphate (PO4) binder in uremics, and its use reduces aluminum (AI) intake. By maintaining high serum Ca2+ levels, it decreases serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Hypercalcemia, however, often limits the dosage. To evaluate the effects of a low Ca2+ peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS; 1.25 mmol/L) on calcium metabolism, the following were studied in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with hypercalcemia (six with high PTH levels, and high turnover bone disease [Group 1], and six with low PTH levels, and low turnover bone disease [Group 2] documented by bone biopsies): 1) serum Ca2+ and PO4 levels; 2) serum PTH levels; 3) serum AI levels; and 4) bone morphology. The follow-up was 12 months. In both groups, within the third month, there was a decrease in serum Ca2+. In Group 2, serum PTH increased, reaching the norm, and in Group 1 it further increased, exceeding the norm. Because in both groups serum Ca2+ was normal, it was possible to give oral CaCO3 (10.5 +/- 2.5 g/day) to control PO4 levels while stopping AI gels. This did not induce any increase in serum Ca2+, whereas serum AI fell significantly. In Group 1, to avoid a further rise of serum PTH, the low Ca2+ PDS was supplemented with calcitriol (mean 3.5 +/- 0.5 microgram/day); this was followed by a reduction in serum PTH with no increase in serum Ca2+ or PO4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Peritoneal dialysis solution pH and Ca2+ concentration regulate peritoneal macrophage and mesothelial cell activation.

We evaluated the in vitro effects of pH and Ca2+ concentration of peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) on (1) the release of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) from peritoneal macrophages (PM0) and peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC); (2) the release of IL-6 and IL-8 by PMC; and (3) the PM0 and PMC intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Aliquots of 5 x 10(6) PM0 and PMC were incubated (2 hr, 37 degrees C) in 1 ml of physiologic growth medium (RPMI 1640) and in 1 ml of four different PDS (1.36 g/dl glucose): (1) type A PDS (pH 5.5, Ca2+ 1.75 mM), (2) type B PDS (pH 5.5, Ca2+ 1.25 mM), (3) type C PDS (bicarbonate buffered pH 7.4, Ca2+ 1.75 mmol/L, and (4) type D PDS (bicarbonate buffered pH 7.4, Ca2+ 1.25 mM); each was stimulated with S. epidermidis. Results showed that type A PDS samples induced an average 60% increase in PM0 and PMC cytoplasmic levels and in cytokine release, whereas with type B PDS samples there was a 90% decrease. Type C PDS samples did not modify the PM0 and PMC IL-6 and IL-8 production, whereas a 3-fold rise in the production of IL-1 and TNF-alpha by PM0 was seen; this was associated with an increase in PM0 and PMC Ca2+ cytoplasmic levels. When type D PDS samples were incubated, however, there was an average 40% decrease in PM0 and PMC cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels and in cytokine release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A biocompatibility study on peritoneal dialysis solution bags for CAPD.

Numerous factors related to the composition of peritoneal dialysis solutions (PDS) contribute to the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). They include high osmolarity, low pH, and the presence of lactate, which may be responsible for stimulating the proliferation of peritoneal fibroblasts (PF) and for the toxicity on the peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC). Similar effects could be hypothesized for the plasticizers released from the PDS bags, usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), such as the acid esters of phthalic acid, particularly bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP). Recently, however, new BEHP-free bags (Clear-Flex, Bieffe, Italy) made of three layers (polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene) have been introduced. The aim of this work is to evaluate in vitro the effects of samples of PDS contained in PVC bags (Bieffe) and in Clear-Flex bags on the proliferative capacity of peritoneal fibroblasts and peritoneal mesothelial cells, and the release of interferon gamma (IFN gamma), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from peritoneal T lymphocytes (PTLs) and macrophages (PM phi s). Results have shown that in the presence of PDS samples contained in PVC bags, the proliferative capacity of peritoneal fibroblasts was higher than in Clear-Flexbags. There was also an increased release of IFN-gamma and IL-1 from PTLs and PM phi s (cytokines that stimulate the collagen synthesis) and a decreased release of PGE2 (cytokines which inhibit the collagen synthesis). An inhibiting action on peritoneal mesothelial cells was also seen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Two-chamber hemodiafiltration: comparison between exogenous reinfusion (PFD) and endogenous reinfusion (HFR)]. / Emodiafiltrazione a doppia camera: confronto fra reinfusione esogena (PFD) e reinfusione endogena (HFR).

PURPOSE: This research aimed to compare two highly efficient dialysis techniques, paired filtration dialysis (PFD) and on-line hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR) to evaluate the possible differences from a clinical, rehabilitative and managerial point of view. METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 patients (aged 40-65 yrs) six patients underwent PFD and eight patients underwent HFR. Patients on PFD came from low-flux hemodialysis (HD), while patients on HFR came either from PFD (n=5) or from low-flux HD (n=3). The research was based on the evaluation of patients inverted exclamation mark parameters (depurative and biochemical, level of clinical, medical and social rehabilitation) and of management parameters (technological aspects, cost analysis and medical-legal issues). RESULTS: HFR treatment improved plasmatic albumin values (> or =4.0 g/dL) and had a lower resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy (by reducing the rHuEPO doses to reach the maintenance target values of hemoglobin (Hb) although both therapies resulted in equal depurative efficiency, and improved patient rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary research, which requires further confirmation, demonstrates that HFR seems to provide PFD with other positive benefits and offers the uremic patient a better life style.

[Glomerulonephritis with mesangial deposition of IgA]. / Le glomerulonefriti con deposizione mesangiale di IgA.

Presently, IgA nephropathy represents a disease of unknown etiology. On the basis of the most recent data available in the literature, the authors describe the possible immunological mechanisms of this immuno-mediated renal disease. Moreover, the clinical findings and diagnostic and therapeutic tools are discussed.

[Recurrent infections of the urogenital tract: preliminary results of a study on the clinical and immunological effects of thymopentin treatment]. / Infezioni ricorrenti a carico dell'apparato uro-genitale: risultati preliminari di uno studio clinico ed immunologico sugli effetti del trattamento con timopentina.

We are carrying on a trial with subcutaneous injections of thymopentin in a group of patients that presented more than 2 infectious episodes of uro-genital tract in the latest 18 months. Microbiological investigations were performed with microscopic and cultural examinations before and after six weeks of treatment with thymopentin (TP5) associated with antibiotic therapy chosen on the basis of cultural response. The follow-up was prolonged to 6 months. The immunological studies were performed at the same moments, by a panel of monoclonal antibodies and by the evaluation of the NK activity and granulocytic phagocytosis. The cellular immunity was studied by skin tests. In our patients, during the follow-up period, we observed a significant reduction of infectious episodes, an increase of NK activity, and a restoration of cellular immunity in hypoergic subjects.

Renal transplantation from living donor parents in two brothers with Alport syndrome. Can asymptomatic female carriers of the Alport gene be accepted as kidney donors?

Renal transplantation from living donor parents was performed in two brothers with end-stage renal failure due to Alport syndrome (AS). Two years later, the patient receiving the kidney graft from the mother, obligate carrier of AS, presented persistent microhematuria and proteinuria with normal renal function. The histological study demonstrated ultrastructural glomerular lesions consistent with AS. The authors conclude that: (1) Alport patients should not be deprived of renal transplantation from living donors, since anti-GBM nephritis is a rare complication; (2) an oligosymptomatic female carrier of the Alport gene may be considered as living renal donor, although a longer follow-up is needed in order to draw definitive conclusions.