To analyze the differentially expressed genes in chronic rejection after renal transplantation by bioinformatics

Objective: To use bioinformatics technology to analyse differentially expressed genes in chronic rejection after renal transplantation, we can screen out potential pathogenic targets associated with the development of this disease, providing a theoretical basis for finding new therapeutic targets. Methods: Gene microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Integrated Database (GEO) and cross-calculated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with gene ontology (GO) is a method used to study the differences in gene expression under different conditions as well as their functions and interrelationships, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis is a tool used to explore the functions and pathways of genes in specific biological processes. By calculating the distribution of immune cell infiltration, the result of immune infiltration in the rejection group can be analysed as a trait in Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for genes associated with rejection. Then, protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software to identify hub gene markers. Results: A total of 60 integrated DEGs were obtained from 3 datasets (GSE7392, GSE181757, GSE222889). By GO and KEGG analysis, the GEDs were mainly concentrated in the regulation of immune response, defence response, regulation of immune system processes, and stimulation response. The pathways were mainly enriched in antigen processing and presentation, EBV infection, graft-versus-host, allograft rejection, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. After further screening using WGCNA and PPI networks, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-F, and TYROBP were identified as hub genes (Hub genes). The data GSE21374 with clinical information was selected to construct the diagnostic efficacy and risk prediction model plots of the four hub genes, and the results concluded that all four Hub genes had good diagnostic value (area under the curve in the range of 0.794-0.819). From the inference, it can be concluded that the four genes, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-F and TYROBP, may have an important role in the development and progression of chronic rejection after renal transplantation. Conclusion: DEGs play an important role in the study of the pathogenesis of chronic rejection after renal transplantation, and can provide theoretical support for further research on the pathogenesis of chronic rejection after renal transplantation and the discovery of new therapeutic targets through enrichment analysis and pivotal gene screening, as well as inferential analyses of related diagnostic efficacy and disease risk prediction.

The clinical value of enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique monitoring the plasma concentrations of cyclosporine A after renal transplantation

The feasibility and the clinical value of the enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique （EMIT） monitoring of blood concentrations of cyclosporine A （CsA） in patients treated with CsA were investigated after kidney transplantation. The validation method was performed to the EMIT determination of CsA blood concentration, the CsA whole blood trough concentrations （Co） of patients in different time periods after renal transplantation were monitored, and combined with the clinical complications, the statistical results were analyzed and compared. EMIT was precise, accurate and stable, also with a high quality control. The mean postoperative blood concentration of CsA was as follows： 〈1 month, （281.4± 57.9）ng/mL; 2 - 3 months, （264.5 ± 41.2） ng/mL; 4 - 5 months, （236.4 ± 38.9） ng/mL; 6 - 12 months, （206.5± 32.6）ng/mL; 〉12 months, （185.6± 28.1）ng/mL. The toxic reaction rate of CsA blood concentration within the recommended therapeutic concentration was 14.1%, significantly lower than that of the none-recommended dose group （37.2%） （P〈0.05）; the transplantation rejection rate was 4.4%, significantly lower than that of the none- recommended dose group （22.5%） （P〈0.05）. Using EMIT to monitor the blood concentration of CsA as the routine laboratory method is feasible, and is able to reduce the CsA toxicity and rejection significantly, leading to achieving the desired therapeutic effect.

Dynamic regulation of anti-oxidation following donation repairing after circulatory determined death renal transplantation with prolonged non-heart-beating time

Donation after circulatory-determined death(DCD)is an important part of renal transplantation.Therefore,DCD renal transplantation animal model should be established to study the mechanism of organ injury.Here,we established a stable DCD rat renal transplantation model and investigated the dynamic regulation of graft self-repairing and antioxidant capacities with different non-heart-beating times(NHBTs).Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with the NHBT of the donors from 0 to 15,30,and 45 minutes.Recipients in long NHBT groups had a significantly lower survival rate and poorer graft function than those in short NHBT groups.Grafts from the 15-minute and 30-minute NHBT groups showed light and severe injury respectively at an early stage after transplantation and recovered within 7 days after transplantation,whereas the self-repairing of the grafts in the 45-minute NHBT group was delayed.The expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and von Willebrand factor(vWF)were dependent on NHBT.The expression of antioxidant proteins paralleled graft recovery.In conclusion,the recipients can up-regulate antioxidant capacity to enhance graft self-repairing in DCD renal transplantation.Prolonged NHBT can delay the self-repairing and antioxidation of grafts.

Renal transplantation in gigantism: A case report

BACKGROUND Gigantism,characterized by excessive growth and height is due to increased secretion of growth hormone,most commonly from a pituitary adenoma.In addition to the surgical and anesthetic complexity,the extreme stature of these patients presents a unique challenge for kidney transplantation in deciding whether to proceed with a single or dual kidney transplantation.The lack of relevant literature further adds to the dilemma.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old patient with untreated gigantism and end stage renal failure on renal replacement therapy was waitlisted for a deceased donor dual kidney transplantation due to the extreme physical stature(Height-247 cm and weight-200 kg).He was offered 2 kidneys from a 1-0-1 HLA mismatched 24-year-old DCD donor(Height-179 cm and weight-75 kg),and was planned for a bilateral retroperitoneal implantation into the recipient external iliac vessels.The immunosuppression consisted of alemtuzumab induction(50 mg)and steroidfree maintenance with tacrolimus.The donor’s right kidney was uneventfully implanted extra-peritoneally into the right external iliac vessels.On contralateral exposure,the left common and external iliac arteries were ectatic and frail.A complex vascular reconstruction was not preferred in order to preserve the arterial supply to the left lower limb,to minimise the cold ischemia time and prevent additional warm ischemic insult to the second kidney.Hence,it was decided not to proceed with dual transplantation.Amidst concerns of nephron mass insufficiency,the graft function was remarkable with a serum creatinine of 120μmol/L within a month from transplantation and 94μmol/L at 1-year post transplantation,and without proteinuria.CONCLUSION To our knowledge,this is the first case report on kidney transplantation in gigantism.Although it is believed that dual kidney transplantation is ideal,a single kidney transplantation from an appropriately selected donor can provide sufficient functioning nephron mass in patients with gigantism.

The effects of diltiazem in renal transplantation patients treated with cyclosporine A

Objective： To investigate the effects of diltiazem and cyclosporine A （CsA） combination therapy on protecting the kidney, promoting graft functioning and improving post-transplanted kidney recovery. Methods： The blood con- centrations of CsA, the condition of the post-transplant kidney, the rate of acute rejection （AR）, as well as hepatic and renal toxicity in 636 cases of renal transplant recipients were determined after being treated by CsA, with or without diltiazem. Results： Compared with the control group which received CsA, mycophenolate mofetil （MMF） and prednisolone （Pred） but lacked diltiazem, the group receiving these agents together with diltiazem required reduced dosage of CsA （P 〈 0.01）, while blood concentrations of CsA were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）; the recovery time of graft function was reduced from （6.2± 1.5） d to （3.9± 1.4） d （P 〈 0.01）, and the rate of AR was decreased from 13.2% to 7.9% （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion： In renal transplantation patients treated with CsA and diltiazem, blood concentrations of CsA were increased while the dosage was decreased. This efficient combination therapy reduced patients economic burden, at the same time retained kidney function, promoted graft function recovery and decreased hepatic and renal toxicity and the rate of AR.

Update on the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in renal transplantation

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) represents one of the most severe glomerular diseases, with frequent progression to end-stage renal disease and a high rate of recurrence in renal allografts(30%-50%). Recurrent FSGS portends a negative outcome, with the hazard ratio of graft failure being two-fold higher then that of other glomerulonephritis. Two patterns of clinical presentations are observed: Early recurrence, which is characterized by massive proteinuria within hours to days after implantation of the renal graft, and late recurrence, which occurs several months or years after the transplantation. Many clinical conditions have been recognized as risk factors for recurrence, including younger age, rapid progression of the disease to end-stage renal disease on native kidneys, and loss of previous renal allografts due to recurrence. However, much less is known about the incidence and risk factors of the so-called "de novo " type of FSGS, for which sufferers are transplanted patients without disease on native kidneys; but, rapid development of allograft failure is frequently observed. Management of both forms is challenging, and none of the approaches proposed to date have been demonstrated as consistently beneficial or effective. In the present review we report an update on the available therapeutic strategies for FSGS in renal transplantation within the context of a critical overview of the current literature.

Complicated Tumor Lysis Syndrome after CWH Treatment in a Renal Transplantation Patient: One Case Report and Literature Review

IntroductionTumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially lethal emergency causedby lysed tumor cells,and it frequently occurs in tumors of hematologicorigin.Up until now,there has been only one known reportpublished overseas about TLS resulting from post-transplant lymphoproliferativedisorder (PTLD).In 2008,a PTLD patient

Surgical Complications and Evolution of Grafts in Children with Renal Transplantation at Cayetano Heredia National Hospital

Objective: This study aims to determine surgical complications and graft outcome in children undergoing renal transplantation at Cayetano Heredia National Hospital (CHNH). Materials and Methods: A case study series focused on the incidence of surgical complications and graft outcome in pediatric patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who underwent renal transplant (RT) between December 2007 and March 2011. Results: The study described 29 pediatric transplant patients whose average age was 13.69 ± 3.38 (6.2-17.9) years. The etiology of end stage renal disease (ESRD) was renal hypoplasia in 12 patients (41.38%), primary glomerulopathy in 10 patients (34.48%), obstructive uropathy in 4 patients (13.79%), vasculitis in 2 patients (6.9%) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in 1 (3.45%) patient. There were 11 surgical complications (34.48%): 2 cases of arterial thrombosis, 3 cases of urinary fistula, 3 of lymphocele, 1 of venous thrombosis, urinoma and perineal collection. The follow-up time was 15.84 ± 12.19 months. Graft survival at 12, 24, and 40 months was 89.29%, 77.16% and 77.16%, respectively. Conclusion: Surgical complications and graft survival in pediatric renal transplantation in our series did not differ from other published series.

Is de novo membranous nephropathy suggestive of alloimmunity in renal transplantation?A case report

BACKGROUND Post-transplant nephrotic syndrome(PTNS)in a renal allograft carries a 48%to 77%risk of graft failure at 5 years if proteinuria persists.PTNS can be due to either recurrence of native renal disease or de novo glomerular disease.Its prognosis depends upon the underlying pathophysiology.We describe a case of post-transplant membranous nephropathy(MN)that developed 3 mo after kidney transplant.The patient was properly evaluated for pathophysiology,which helped in the management of the case.CASE SUMMARY This 22-year-old patient had chronic pyelonephritis.He received a living donor kidney,and human leukocyte antigen-DR(HLA-DR)mismatching was zero.PTNS was discovered at the follow-up visit 3 mo after the transplant.Graft histopathology was suggestive of MN.In the past antibody-mediated rejection(ABMR)might have been misinterpreted as de novo MN due to the lack of technologies available to make an accurate diagnosis.Some researchers have observed that HLA-DR is present on podocytes causing an anti-DR antibody deposition and development of de novo MN.They also reported poor prognosis in their series.Here,we excluded the secondary causes of MN.Immunohistochemistry was suggestive of IgG1 deposits that favoured the diagnosis of de novo MN.The patient responded well to an increase in the dose of tacrolimus and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.CONCLUSION Exposure of hidden antigens on the podocytes in allografts may have led to subepithelial antibody deposition causing de novo MN.

Application of human leukocyte antigen and cross-reactive group matching in clinical renal transplantation

Objective To investigate the application and significance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cross-reactive groups ( CREGs) matching in clincal renal transplantation. Methods A total of 312 cases of kidney transplantation were divided into two groups. In one group of 149 cases of kidney transplantations, Class I CKEGs matching criteria were applied instead of conventional HLA - A, B matching which had two A, B mismatches (MM). In the other group of 163 cases of kidney transplantation there were A, B 0 - 2 MM by the conventional criteria. The graft survival rate at 1 year and incidence of acute rejection within 1 month after transplantation were compared between the 2 groups. Results The perecentages of HLA-I antigens 0,1,2 MM were 16.7% ,41.6% and 34.2% by CREGs matching criteria, and were 6.7%, 21.5% and 71.8% by conventional matching criteria. The matching rates in CREGs 0,1 MM group were significantly higher than those in corresponding conventional matching group ( P 【 0.01). There were no

Update on the reciprocal interference between immunosuppressive therapy and gut microbiota after kidney transplantation

Gut microbiota is often modified after kidney transplantation.This principally happens in the first period after transplantation.Antibiotics and,most of all,immunosuppressive drugs are the main responsible.The relationship between immunosuppressive drugs and the gut microbiota is bilateral.From one side immunosuppressive drugs modify the gut microbiota,often generating dysbiosis;from the other side microbiota may interfere with the immunosuppressant pharmacokinetics,producing products more or less active with respect to the original drug.These phenomena have influence over the graft outcomes and clinical consequences as rejections,infections,diarrhea may be caused by the dysbiotic condition.Corticosteroids,calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine,mycophenolate mofetil and mTOR inhibitors are the immunosuppressive drugs whose effect on the gut microbiota is better known.In contrast is well known how the gut microbiota may interfere with glucocorticoids,which may be transformed into androgens.Tacrolimus may be transformed by microbiota into a product called M1 that is 15-fold less active with respect to tacrolimus.The pro-drug mycophenolate mofetil is normally transformed in mycophenolic acid that according the presence or not of microbes producing the enzyme glucuronidase,may be transformed into the inactive product.

Cerebral Glioblastoma in Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Cancers is a leading cause of mortality among transplant recipients. The most common cancers are skin tumors. Glioblastoma is the most frequent brain tumor in adults aged 45 - 70 years. It accounts for 12% - 15% of all intracranial tumors. It is characterized by its rapid development and poor prognosis. We report the case of a cerebral glioblastoma in a kidney transplant recipient. Clinical case: Mr G.R, 44 years old caucasian patient who underwent kidney transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment included cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone. Creatinine levels after transplantation remained stable at 11 mg/L (96.8 μmol/l) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 77 ml/min/1.73m2 after a 15 years of follow-up. A grade IV right fronto-callossal cerebral glioblastoma was diagnosed in our patient. EBV PCR was negative. Therefore, he underwent 25 sessions of radiotherapy combined with oral chemotherapy using temozolomide. One month later, the patient died due to cerebral edema with subfalcine herniation. Conclusion: This is a case of cerebral glioblastoma in a kidney transplant recipient, a population considered at risk for tumor development due to immunosuppressive treatment. This emphasizes the need for a lifelong surveillance and, more importantly a better balance between graft function preservation and the risks associated with immunosuppressants.

Application of Kushenin on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C after Renal Transplantation

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy of kushenin in treating patients with chronic hepatitis C after renal transplantation. Methods： Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned by lottery to the treatment group （29 cases） and control group （26 cases）. The same immunosuppression therapy was given to all patients in both groups. Patients in the treatment group were treated with kushenin 0.6 g once a day, while those in the control group were treated with conventional liver protective agents such as vitamins. The treatment duration of both groups was 3 months. The incidences of serious hepatitis and acute rejection reaction, serum biochemistry parameters including indicators of liver and kidney functions, hepatic fibrosis index, and serum HCV-RNA were compared between the two groups. Results： （1） The incidence of serious hepatitis in the treatment group and the control group was 3.45% （1/29 cases） and 11.54% （3/26 cases）, respectively, which was insignificantly different between the two groups （P=0.335）. （2） The incidence of acute rejection in the treatment group was 6.90% （2/29 cases） and that in the control group was 7.69% （2/26 cases）, showing insignificant difference （P=0.335）. （3） The differences in serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, direct bilirubin （DBIL）, hyaluronic acid （HA）, propeptide collagen type Ⅲ （PC Ⅲ）, laminin （LN）, collagen type Ⅳ（Col Ⅳ） levels between the two groups were insignificant before transplantation （P〉0.05）, while the above-mentioned parameters in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group after transplantation （P〈0.05）. The difference in serum creatinine （SCr） and endogenous creatinine clearance rate （CCr） between the two groups was insignificant before and after transplantation （P〉0.05）. （4） The negative conversion rate of HCV-RNA in the treatment group was 31.03% （9/29 cases）, significantly higher than the value of 11.54% （3/26 cases） in the control group after transplantation （P〈0.05）. （5） The levels of serum ALT and DBIL in patients with HCV-RNA converted to negative were significantly lower than those with still-positive HCV-RNA （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Kushenin has a certain effect on inhibiting the proliferation of HCV, protecting liver cells, and anti-liver fibrosis. On the other hand, it has no obvious influence on renal allograft function. Thus, the drug is clinically safe and effective for use in treating patients with chronic hepatitis C after renal transplantation.

Establishment of rat model of combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation

Objective： To establish a rat model of combined kidney-adrenal gland and allotransplantation, and to explore the immunoprotecive effect of the transplanted adrenal gland on the transplanted kidney in the combined transplantation. Methods. SD rats 160 served as donors and recipients. The combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation was performed. Infusion was conducted and prepared at prime position ,and the kidney and adrenal gland were at the left side. Direct vascular anastomosis and operation of connecting ureter attached part of bladder with the bladder were conducted. The kidney pedicle of the right side was ligated. Results： A stable and mature rat model of combined transplantation was established. The warm ischemia time was 30 seconds, and the cold ischemia time was 90-120min.The average time was 100 min. The operation time was 150 min. The survival time of the recipients was 21 days. The successful rate of the operation was 75%. Conclusion： The model of the combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation can be established with higher successful rate. The model can be used to explore that transplanted adrenal gland may have immunoprotecive effect on the transplanted kidney in the combined transplantation.

Beneficial Effect of Moderately Increasing Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Pressure on Donor after Cardiac Death Renal Transplantation

Background:Vascular resistance and flow rate during hypotherrnic machine perfusion (HMP)of kidneys is correlated with graft function. We aimed to determine the effects of increasing HMP pressure versus maintaining the initial pressure on kidney transplantation outcomes. Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the data of 76 primary transplantation patients who received HMP-preserved kidneys from 48 donors after cardiac death between September 1,2013,and August 31,2015.HMP pressure was increased from 30 to 40mmHg (1mmHg =0.133kPa)in kidneys with poor flow and/or vascular resistance (increased pressure [IP]group;36 patients);otherwise,the initial pressure was maintained (constant pressure group;40 patients).Finally,the clinical characteristics and transplantation outcomes in both groups were assessed. Results:Delayed graft function (DGF)incidence,1-year allograft,patient survival,kidney function recovery time,and serum creatinine level on day 30 were similar in both groups,with improved flow and resistance in the IP group.Among patients with DGF,kidney function recovery time and DGF duration were ameliorated in the IP group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that donor hypertension (odds ratio [OR]:1.43,95%confidence interval [CI]:1.02-2.06,P =0.035),donor terminal serum creatinine (OR:1.27,95%C7:1.06-1.62,P =0.023),warm ischemic time (OR:3.45,95%CI:1.97-6.37,P =0.002),and terminal resistance (OR:3.12,95%CI:1.76-6.09,P =0.012)were independent predictors of DGF.Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that terminal resistance (hazard ratio:2.06,95%C1:1.32-5.16,P =0.032)significantly affected graft survival. Conclusion:Increased HMP pressure improves graft perfusion but does not affect DGF incidence or 1-year graft survival.

Excellent long term patient and renal allograft survival after ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation:Experience of one center

AIM: To investigate the long-term results of ABOincompatible(ABOi) kidney transplantation in a single center in Greece.METHODS: Thirty consecutive ABOi kidney transplantations were performed from June 2005 to December 2013. All patients received rituximab one month prior to transplantation. Immunoadsorption therapy was performed for the removal of anti-A/B Ig G antibodies until the titer was ≤ 1:16. Additional apheresis sessions were performed post-operatively. Intravenous immunoglobulin and oral immunosuppression consisting of tacrolimus(TAC) in combination with either everolimus or mycophenolate acid was administered. We compared the long term results of our ABOi group to those of a matched group of 30 ABO compatible(ABOc) living kidney recipients with similar baseline characteristics. The ABOc recipients received an immunosuppressive regimen consisting of TAC and mycophenolate acid. All patients in both groups received induction therapy with Basiliximab or Daclizumab, whereas corticosteroids were instituted on the day of surgery. During the followup period, indication biopsies were performed and interpreted by an experienced nephropathologist. The parameters we analyzed included the following: Donor/recipient age, gender, blood type, human leukocyte antigen mismatches, panel reactive antibodies, primary cause of renal failure, mean time on dialysis, immunosuppressive regimen, patient survival, graft outcome, incidence of rejections, surgical and infectious complications.RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 6 years(range 1 to 9 years). A mean of 5.0 ± 3.0(range 0-14) pre-transplant immunoadsorptions were required in order to reach the target titer. Patient survival in ABOi group in comparison to ABOc group at 1, 3, 5 and 8 years did not differ significantly(100% vs 100%, 96% vs 100%, 92% vs 100% and 92% vs 100%, P = ns). Additionally, graft survival was similar in the two groups at the same time points(100% vs 100%, 96% vs 96%, 92% vs 96% and 81% vs 92%, P = ns). The mean serum creatinine and the estimated glomerular filtration rate by the modification of diet in renal disease formula at 1, 3, 5 and 8 years did not differ significantly between ABOi and ABOc group. None of the patients in the ABOi group developed acute or chronic antibodymediated rejection evidenced by histological signs. Four patients(13.3%) in the ABOi group and 3(10%) in the ABOc group experienced acute cellular rejection, which was treated successfully in all cases. Bacterial and viral infections were also similar between the two groups.CONCLUSION: ABOi kidney transplantation is a safe and effective alternative that enables kidney transplantation in countries with unacceptably long deceaseddonor waiting lists.

Allograft rejection-related gene expression in the endothelial cells of renal transplantation recipients after cytomegalovirus infection

Objective: To explore the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on rejection-related gene expression in the endothelial cells of renal transplantation recipients. Methods: Endothelial cells (ECs) were cultured and stimulated by a variety of factors: A,normal control group; B,inactivated human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection group; C,HCMV infection group; D,HCMV supernatant infection group; and E,ganciclovir HCMV group. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and major histocompability complex (MHC) class I and class II antigens was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found characteristic CMV-infected ECs in this study. There were no significant differences among groups A,B and D (P>0.05). Although the expression levels of ICAM-1 were not significantly different between groups C and E (P>0.05),the ICAM-1 expression in these two groups was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). ICAM-1 expression was detected in groups C and E,while there was no expression in groups A,B and D. Furthermore,there was no significant difference of ICAM-1 mRNA expression between groups C and E (P>0.05). Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC expression was detected in all the groups,while HLA-DR expression was only detected in groups C and E. There were no significant differences of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression among groups A,B and D (P>0.05). However,the HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression levels in groups C and D were higher than those of the remaining groups previously reported (P<0.05). Meanwhile,the HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression levels in group E were lower than those of group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: CMV could up-regulate the expression levels of ICAM-1 and MHC antigens,which was closely related to allograft rejection.

STUDY ON B7-1 PROTEIN'S EXPRESSION IN BIOPSIES IN RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Objective To study the expression of B7-1 protein in biopsies in allograft renal transplantation,and explore the expression patern and the functional role of B7-1 molecule. Methods Renal allograft sample tissue by Tru-cut needle aspiration were taken from 64 paients(42 male,22 female) with renal transplantation, aging from 17 to 58 years old; 64 cases were categorized into six groups: ①acute rejection (AR n =22);②accelerated rejection (AAR n =8);③chronic rejection (CR n =10 );④hyperacute rejection (HR n =4);⑤allograft with stable function (ASF n =10); ⑥health donor kidney (HDK n =10);Immunohistochemical assays(ABC) were used, and comparison B7-1 and HLA-DR expression between tubularand interstitial,the number of interstitial infiltrating lymphocytes. Results ①The sequence of the expression of B7-1 molecule in terms of intensity from the strongest to the weakest in different groups is AR group, AAR group, CR group, HR group,ASF group and HDK group; ②During acute rejection response, a large number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes infiltrate kidney interstitium, accompanied by strong expression of HLA-DR in tubular cell(donor MHC-Ⅱantigen),which is the first signal necessary for T lymphocyte activation. Conclusion The results demonstrate that B7-1 expression of tubular cells as APC actively take part in immunological reactions and play an important role in expanding the immunological reactions.

Small renal masses in kidney transplantation:Overview of clinical impact and management in donors and recipients

Kidney transplantation is the best replacement treatment for the end-stage renal disease.Currently,the imbalance between the number of patients on a transplant list and the number of organs available constitutes the crucial limitation of this approach.To expand the pool of organs amenable for transplantation,kidneys coming from older patients have been employed;however,the combination of these organs in conjunction with the chronic use of immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of incidence of graft small renal tumors.This narrative review aims to provide the state of the art on the clinical impact and management of incidentally diagnosed small renal tumors in either donors or recipients.According to the most updated evidence,the use of grafts with a small renal mass,after bench table tumor excision,may be considered a safe option for high-risk patients in hemodialysis.On the other hand,an early small renal mass finding on periodic ultrasound-evaluation in the graft should allow to perform a conservative treatment in order to preserve renal function.Finally,in case of a renal tumor in native kidney,a radical nephrectomy is usually recommended.

Risk stratification of renal transplant recipients using routine parameters: Implication of learning from SARS-CoV-2 into transplant follow-up program

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)infection is a global pandemic that is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality among recipients of solid organ transplantation.In the course of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection,various laboratory markers have been identified as predictors for high risk of mortality.AIM To risk stratify renal transplant recipients(RTxR)using general demographic parameters,comorbidities and routine laboratory markers for the severity of the disease and its outcomes.We believe that learning about these routinely monitored parameters can help us plan better strategies for the RTxR follow-up program.METHODS This present study includes RTxR who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to February 2021.We recorded the basic demographics,comorbidities and routine laboratory markers.We investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on RTxRs and risk-stratified the progression of disease severity and outcomes in terms of recovery or mortality.RESULTS From 505 RTxRs in our renal transplant follow-up program,29(7.75%)RTxRs had PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection.We recorded 8 deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infection giving an overall mortality rate of 1.6%but a significant 27.6%mortality in SARS-CoV-2 positive recipients.Age more than 68 years,non-Caucasian ethnicity and male gender were associated with a significant drop in survival probability;P≤0.001.<0.001 and<0.0001 respectively.87.5%of the deceased were diabetic;P≤0.0.0001.Estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 26 mL/min/1.73 m2,serum albumin less than 20 g/L,Hemoglobin less than 9.6 g/L and serum calcium less than 1.70 mmol/L were all associated with significantly increased risk of mortality;P=0.0128,<0.001,<0.0001 and 0.0061 respectively.CONCLUSION This study has identified some routinely used modifiable parameters in predicting a higher risk of mortality and morbidity.This knowledge can be used in RTxR follow-up programs by addressing these parameters early to help reduce the morbidity and mortality in RTxRs.