PLASMA INTERLEUKIN-8 LEVELS ARE INCREASED BY HEMODIALYSIS

The effects of hemodialysis on plasma interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels and the expression of IL-8 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM C) were studied in uremic patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) using regenerated cellulose dialyzers. The plasma IL-8 levels in the patients after HD sessions were significantly higher than before HD. Comparison of the IL-8 mRNA levels obtained from PBMC before and a fter HD indicated that the expression of IL-8 mRNA was increased by HD . The enhancement of production of IL-8 in PBMC during HD may be respo nsible for inflammatory complications and impaired host defense in HD patients.