ObjectiveTo study the role of serum from asphyxiated neonates in the inducement of human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) adhesion to neutrophils and possible mechanisms.MethodsHK2 cells were cultured randomly with 20% serum from neonates (1, 3, and 7 days after asphyxia), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or placebo. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), an indicator of adhesion ability of HK2 cells to neutrophils in suspensions, was detected by the biochemistry assay. Intercellular adhesion molecule1 (ICAM1) and nuclear factorκB (NFκB) of HK2 cells were examined with the immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe expression of MPO in the postasphyxial 1day serum treatment group were significantly higher than that in the PDTC treatment and the control groups as well as the postasphyxial 3 and 7day serum treatment groups (P<0.01). The expression of ICAM1 and NFκB in the postasphyxial 1day serum treatment group was also significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.01).ConclusionsSerum from asphyxiated neonates can induce HK2 cell adhesion to neutrophils, possibly through activating NFκB and increasing the synthesis and expression of ICAM1 on the surface of renal tubular epithelial cells.