Evaluation of cell death after treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis

Transfus Apher Sci. 2012 Feb;46(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2011.11.002. Epub 2011 Dec 3.

Abstract

The aim of our study is to assess the mortality of leukocytes during extracorporeal photopheresis. Sixty-three photopheresis performed on 13 patients affected by chronic GvHD were evaluated. Samples were analyzed using a FACSCalibur flow cytometer. Apoptosis and necrosis of limphomononuclear cells dramatically increased after the apheretic procedure. We found a further increase of apoptotic and necrotic limphomononuclear cells after treatment with 8-MOP and UVA (p≤0.05). Our data suggested that the immunomodulatory effects of extracorporeal photopheresis, triggered by circulating apoptotic or necrotic cells, could play an important role in the treatment of GvHD with this procedure.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / blood
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / pathology*
  • Male
  • Methoxsalen / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis / blood
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Photopheresis / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Methoxsalen