Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Rapamycin on Peritoneal Fibrosis in an Experimental Model of Peritoneal Dialysis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mycophenolate mofetil and rapamycin on peritoneal function and morphology in a rat model of experimental peritoneal dialysis. MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 60 male Albino rats (Wistar strain) were equally divided into four groups as follows: Mycophenolate mofetil group (MMFG), rapamycin group (RAPG) and no-treatment group (NTG) receiving 15 mL 3.86% glucose solution, and control group (CG) receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of 15 mL normal saline. Mycophenolate mofetil and rapamycin were administered orally via daily gastric gavage in MMFG and RAPG. We conducted one-hour peritoneal equilibration tests at 8 weeks, measuring ultrafiltration, serum and dialysate growth factors and cytokines. Peritoneal membrane morphology was examined under the light microscope. RESULTS: Compared to controls, levels of serum and dialysate vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly higher in NTG (p<0.05), but they did not differ significantly in MMFG and RAPG (p>0.05). Net ultrafiltration was significantly higher in MMFG than in NTG (p<0.05). A significant decline was detected in the number of mesothelial, inflammatory and fibroblast cells and peritoneal membrane thickness in MMFG, as compared with NTG. CONCLUSION: We conclude that peritoneal functions such as ultrafiltration capacity can be protected by treatment with MMF and RAP, as they produce a membrane-protective effect in peritoneal dialysis.