Different Effect of Hemodialysis on Function of Human Arterial and Venous Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Background/aims: Hemodialysis causes the systemic inflammatory response, which may affect the function of endothelial cells.

Methods: We studied the effect of the serum obtained after a hemodialysis session, compared to serum collected before the start of the treatment, on the gene expression and secretory activity of arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and venous endothelial cells (VECs) in in vitro culture.

Results: Serum collected at the end of the hemodialysis session increased expression of the studied genes in VECs, and at the same time decreased their expression in AECs. Secretory activity was increased in VEC: (interleukin-6 [IL-6] +29%, p < 0.05, von Willebrand factor +23%, p < 0.02; tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA] +35%, p < 0.002, t-PA/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] ratio + 57%, p < 0.005). In AEC, synthesis of IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor were reduced (-36%, p < 0.02, -34%, p < 0.05, respectively) and the tPA/PAI-1 ratio was increased (+22%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Hemodialysis induces the inflammatory, procoagulant, and profibrinolytic activity of VEC, whereas suppression of AEC is observed at the same time. Video Journal Club 'Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at https://www.karger.com/Journal/ArticleNews/223997?sponsor=52.

Keywords: Arterial endothelium; Hemodialysis; Venous endothelium.