Apoptosis is a programmed active and selective mechanisms of cell death allowing for the removal of cells in the living organisms. It is initiated by a number of stimuli, which are subject to complicated regulating system. It is proved that apoptosis plays a significant role in immunological disorders in uremic patients. The aim of the study was to estimate activity of apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic renal failure treated in our Department.
Material and methods: 70 patients (13 on HD, 14 on PD and 24 pre-dialysis uremic children) were enrolled in the study. The control group comprised 19 children. We evaluated activity of mononuclear cells apoptosis exposed to Annexin V-FITC, Fas Ligand and Bcl-2 proteins activity were investigated also.
Results: The results show that cell apoptosis was increased in pre-dialysis uremic patients (both phases early and late). The activity of Fas Ligand protein was similar in every group and activity of Bcl-2 protein was significant higher in HD and PD patients.
Conclusions: The highest intensity of mononuclear cell apoptosis in pre-dialysis children was observed. The significantly enhanced activity of Bcl-2 protein in dialysis patients probably protected from apoptosis.