Effects of peritoneal dialysis solutions on the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins by human peritoneal mesothelial cells

Objective: To compare the effects of different peritoneal dialysis solutions (PDS) on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGFβ₁), procollagen I C-terminal peptide (PICP), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and fibronectin by cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). Design: Using M199 culture medium as control, commercial PDS containing 1.5% or 4.25% glucose and 40 mmol/L lactate [Dianeal 1.5 (D 1.5) and Dianeal 4.25 (D 4.25), respectively; Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois, USA]; PDS containing 1.5% or 4.25% glucose with 25 mmol/L bicarbonate and 15 mmol/L lactate [Physioneal 1.5 (P 1.5) and Physioneal 4.25 (P 4.25), respectively; Baxter]; and PDS containing 7.5% icodextrin [Extraneal (E); Baxter] were tested. Growth-arrested and synchronized HPMC were continuously stimulated for 48 hours by test PDS diluted twofold with M199, TGFβ₁ 1 ng/mL, or different concentrations of icodextrin. VEGF, TGFβ₁, and fibronectin secreted into the media were analyzed by ELISA, and PICP and PIIINP by radioimmunoassay. Results: Dianeal 1.5, D 4.25, and P 4.25, but not P 1.5 and E, significantly increased VEGF secretion compared with control M199. D 4.25- and P 4.25-induced VEGF secretion was significantly higher than induction by D 1.5 and P 1.5, respectively, suggesting that high glucose may be involved in the induction of VEGF. Physioneal 1.5- and P 4.25-induced VEGF secretion was significantly lower than induction by D 1.5 and D 4.25, respectively, suggesting a role for glucose degradation products (GDP) in VEGF production. TGFβ₁ secretion was significantly increased by D 4.25 and E. Icodextrin increased TGFβ₁ secretion in a dose-dependent manner. All PDS tested significantly increased secretion of PIIINP compared with control. D 1.5- and D 4.25-induced PIIINP secretion was significantly higher than P 1.5, P 4.25, and E. Physioneal 4.25-induced PIIINP secretion was significantly higher than P 1.5, again implicating high glucose and GDP in PIIINP secretion by HPMC. There was no significant increase in PICP or fibronectin secretion using any of the PDS tested. Addition of TGFβ₁ 1 ng/mL into M199 control significantly increased VEGF, PICP, PIIINP, and fibronectin secretion by HPMC. Conclusions: The present study provides direct evidence that HPMC can secrete VEGF, TGFβ₁, and PIIINP in response to PDS, and that HPMC may be actively involved in the development and progression of the peritoneal membrane hyperpermeability and fibrosis observed in long-term PD patients. This study also suggests that both high glucose and GDP in PDS may play important roles in inducing VEGF and PIIINP production/secretion by HPMC.