MO203ALTERATIONS IN T REGULATORY CELLS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS
Abstract Background and Aims Disturbances in T cell immunity are frequently seen in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), and the effect of long term hemodialysis (HD) is still obscure, though extremely important, especially regarding T regulatory cells (Tregs, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) which seem to have a central role in immune response and tolerance after renal transplantation. In the present study, we assessed the possible effect of HD vintage on Treg population. Method Cytometric analysis was performed in 66 patients with ESRD on HD, in order to estimate CD4+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ subtypes. According to HD vintage, patients were classified into two groups, group A: recently commenced on HD, and group B: on long term HD (≤12months and >12months, respectively). Results In all 66 patients there was a negative correlation between time on HD and lymphocyte count, both percentage (r=-0.34 p=0.005) and absolute lymphocyte number (r=-0.42 p<0.001) as well as CD4+ cells frequencies (r=-0.25 p=0.042) and total numbers (r=-0.41 p=0.001). Twenty eight patients (42%) were included in group A (HD vintage 9±3 months) and 38 (58%) in group B, (HD vintage 99±41 months). Compared to group A, patients in group B, showed a significant reduction in percentage of Tregs on total lymphocytes (2.6±1.3% vs 1.9±0.9%, respectively, p<0.019) as well as absolute number of Tregs (34±14 μ/L vs. 21±11 μ/L, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusion Long term HD may act as an additional factor reducing lymphocyte count, especially Tregs in ESRD patients. This result, apart from direct affecting immunity of patients, is mostly important for those preparing for renal transplantation, or being on the waiting list.