Vitamin E-coated dialyzer membranes downregulate expression of monocyte adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules.
BACKGROUND
In patients on chronic hemodialysis leukocyte activation has been related to the impaired function of the immune system. In this study we investigated if the vitamin E-coated dialyzer membrane could reduce monocyte activation thereby improving cellular immunity.


METHODS
This hypothesis was tested in a prospective crossover trial in which 14 stable hemodialysis patients were switched from the baseline hemophane dialyzer to a vitamin E-coated and thereafter a polysulphone dialyzer membrane or vice versa.


RESULTS
Monocyte MHC class I, CD54 and ICAM-1 expression was significantly downregulated when a vitamin E-coated or polysulphone dialyzer was used. The use of a vitamin E membrane specifically decreased monocyte CD40 and CD86 expression. Lectin induced T cell proliferation increased with the use of the vitamin E-coated membrane as compared to polysulphone and hemophane dialyzers.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin E-coated dialyzers induced a less-activated phenotype of monocytes and may improve cellular immunity.
Betjes
Michiel G H
MG
Erasmus Medical Center, Dijkzigt Rotterdam, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.g.h.betjes@erasmusmc.nl
Hoekstra
Franciska M E
FM
Klepper
M
M
Postma
Saskia M
SM
Vaessen
Leonard M B
LM
D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000502:physiology*; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D014810:Vitamin E