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Background: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is characterized by neovascularization, increased inflammation, and interstitial fibrosis of the peritoneum. We investigated the effects of imatinib on the peritoneal membrane in an experimental EPS model. Methods: We separated 24 non-uremic Wistar rats into four groups: the control group which was injected with 2 mL isotonic saline intraperitoneally (IP) daily for 3 weeks, the CG group which was injected with chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) IP daily for 3 weeks, the resting group which was injected with CG IP between weeks 0-3 followed by a peritoneal rest period between weeks 3-6, and the CG + Imatinib mesylate group (CG + IMA) which received CG through weeks 0-3 followed by 50 mg/kg imatinib mesylate through weeks 3-6. At the end of the study, we performed a 1-h-peritoneal equilibration test and examined the peritoneal function and transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) in dialysate. Morphologic changes were evaluated by microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results: An increased ultrafiltration, dialysate/plasma-creatinine-ratio, end-to-initial-dialysate-glucose-ratio, decreased active mesothelial cell ratio and inflammation, and a slightly decreased TGF- β1 of dialysate were found in the CG + IMA group compared to CG alone. Furthermore, the CG + IMA group had a lower concentration of active mesothelial cells than did the resting group. Ultrafiltration was improved in CG + IMA group compared to resting group, however, significant decrease in peritoneal thickness and inflammation were not found compared to those in resting group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in fibrosis or TGF- β1-positivity on immunohistochemistry between the groups. Conclusions: Tyrosine kinase inhibition with imatinib may lead to a decrease in mesothelial cell activity and an increase in ultrafiltration. However, peritoneal fibrosis was unchanged by imatinib in EPS model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calprotectin is an important molecule in the initiation and progression of the inflammatory process. Systemic and local intraperitoneal inflammation are distinct processes and consequences in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We aimed to evaluate dialysate calprotectin levels and its associations with peritonitis and dialysis adequacy in PD patients. Methods: Forty‐four PD patients were included in this prospective study. Calprotectin concentration was evaluated in 24‐h peritoneal drainage fluid. Patients were followed‐up for 1 year, and peritonitis episodes were recorded. Dialysate calprotectin levels were compared to dialysis adequacy parameters and peritonitis frequency. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.9±12.7 years. Median PD duration was 54 (23–76) months. Seventeen patients (38.6%) had previous peritonitis episodes. During follow‐up, 15 of 44 patients (34.1%) had peritonitis. The median calprotectin concentration was 79.5 (75.2–86.3) ng/ml. The patients were divided into low and high calprotectin groups according to median value. In the high calprotectin group, BMI was found higher (p = 0.04). There was no significant relationship between calprotectin concentration and peritonitis during follow‐up (p = 0.29). However, the patients that have had previous peritonitis had higher calprotectin concentrations (p = 0.02). The patients who had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels also had higher calprotectin concentrations (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Peritoneal calprotectin concentrations were correlated with higher BMI and ESR, and it was higher in patients with previous peritonitis episodes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the peritoneal calprotectin levels in PD patients. Further studies are needed to determine the use of peritoneal calprotectin as an inflammatory marker in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kocuria kristinae is a gram-positive coccus of Micrococcaceae family. Kocuria kristinae inhabits the skin and mucous membranes. It can cause opportunistic infections in patients with indwelling devices and severe underlying diseases. We describe here a case of acute peritonitis caused by Kocuria kristinae in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Additionally, a review of other reported CAPD related peritonitis by Kocuria kristinae is provided. The importance of Kocuria kristinae as a pathogen in patients with CAPD peritonitis should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]