The role of
plasticizers (PLS) in inducing water flow inhibition and
peritoneal sclerosis has been demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro studies.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to be a regulator of fibroblast proliferation as well as
collagenase production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PLS in stimulating mononuclear cell
IL-1 secretion. Two cultures containing 10(3) cells/mL were obtained from 14 healthy subjects. One was used as the control, and the other was mixed with diethylhexylphthalate (
DEHP) to reach a final concentration of 2.8 x 10(-3) M. After 4 hours the samples were centrifuged, and the supernatants were tested by radioimmunoassay for
IL-1 alpha and
IL-1 beta. The results showed a significant increase in both
IL-1 alpha and
IL-1 beta production in
DEHP-stimulated cells in comparison to the controls: 42.6 +/- 15.4 versus 29.3 +/- 10 ng/L (p < 0.015) for
IL-1 alpha, and 153.6 +/- 55 versus 113.6 +/- 32 ng/L (p < 0.03) for
IL-1 beta In conclusion, PLS added to mononuclear cells were able to induce
IL-1 secretion. This mechanism could be responsible, at least in part, for the development of
peritoneal sclerosis. Thus the employment of
plasticizer-free bags should be elective in
peritoneal dialysis.