P0312ALTERATIONS IN THE PROGRESS OF LYMPHOCYTE APOPTOSIS IN PRE- AND POST- DIALYSIS END STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Lymphocyte apoptosis, as a programmed mechanism of lymphocyte death, is essential in maintaining homeostasis and balance between inflammatory and immune reactions. Disturbances in the apoptotic progress, leading to fragmented lymphocytes, “late apoptotic” cells, may result in immunodeficiency, oncogenesis, atheromatosis, etc. Aim of the present study was to investigate the lymphocyte apoptotic progress in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and the effect of dialysis. Method The study included patients on ESRD; measurements were performed at the first day of dialysis (T0) and repeated 6 months later (T6), while being on dialysis. Total lymphocytes and B lymphocytes (CD19+) were gated and stained with Annexin V to detect apoptotic cells; early and late apoptotic cells were quantified. The results were compared to age-matched healthy control group. Results ESRD patients had reduced lymphocyte and B cell count, 1550±592μ/L vs. 2692±690μ/L, p