Immunomodulatory effects of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis as a treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis

Our aim was to understand the mechanism of immunological changes associated with the use of an adsorptive-type extracorporeal device (Adacolumn) that has been developed for selective adsorption of granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages from peripheral blood of patients with active ulcerative colitis. The column is filled with carriers (G-1 beads) that have a diameter of 2 mm and are made of cellulose diacetate. In peripheral blood treated with the G-1 beads or peripheral blood from patients with active ulcerative colitis following granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis, a significant suppression of proinflammatory cytokines (tissue necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8) production by leukocytes, neutrophil chemotaxis, down-regulation of leukocyte adhesion molecule (L-selectin) and neutrophil adhesion to interleukin-1beta-activated endothelial cells were observed. Furthermore, after granulocyte adsorption therapy, the number of CD10-negative premature granulocytes increased, indicating increased turnover of these cells in the circulation. Our observations suggest that selective granulocyte and monocyte adsorption is associated with modified peripheral blood leukocyte function favorable to patients with ulcerative colitis and possibly other autoimmune disorders which reflect leukocyte hyperactivity.