♦ BACKGROUND: Permanent stimulation of the peritoneum during
peritoneal dialysis (PD) is likely to result in increased expression of genes encoding
proteins involved in
inflammation and tissue remodeling.
Peritoneal fibrosis and neoangiogenesis may develop. ♦ OBJECTIVE: To assess highly expressed genes potentially in volved in peritoneal alterations during PD treatment using an animal model. ♦ METHODS: A PD
catheter was implanted in 36 male Wistar rats after 70%
nephrectomy. The rats were divided into 3 groups, exposed to
dialysis solution for 8 weeks, and sacrificed 2 weeks later. Group B was exposed to a
buffer, group D was exposed to a 3.86%
glucose-based
dialysis solution, and in group D+H, a second hit of intraperitoneal blood on top of the
dialysis solution was given to induce the development of
peritoneal sclerosis. Before sacrifice, peritoneal function was assessed. Omental tissue was obtained for analysis of gene expression using RT-qPCR. ♦ RESULTS:
Fibrosis scores, vessel counts, and peritoneal function parameters were not different between the groups. Genes involved in the
transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and
inflammation were more expressed (p < 0.05) in the D+H group. Almost no differences were found between the control groups. We identified 4 genes that were related to peritoneal transport. ♦ CONCLUSION: Already a mid-term peritoneal exposure, when no microscopical and functional alterations are present, provokes activation of gene pathways of cell proliferation,
fibrosis, neoangiogenesis, and
inflammation.