Chronic allograft nephropathy

Understanding Donor-derived Cell-free DNA in Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Case-based Guide for Clinicians

Kidney transplant recipients undergo lifelong monitoring of allograft function and evaluation for transplant complications. The current monitoring paradigm utilizes blood, urine, and tissue markers that are insensitive, nonspecific, or invasive to obtain. As a result, problems are detected late, after significant damage has accrued, and often beyond the time at which complete resolution is possible. Indeed, most kidney transplants eventually fail, usually because of chronic rejection and other undetected injury. There is a clear need for a transplant-specific biomarker that enables a proactive approach to monitoring via early detection of reversible pathology. A biomarker that supports timely and personalized treatment would assist in achieving the ultimate goal of improving allograft survival and limiting therapeutic toxicity to the recipient. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) has been proposed as one such transplant biomarker. Although the test is presently utilized most in the United States, it is conceivable that its use will become more widespread. This review covers aspects of ddcfDNA that support informed use of the test by general nephrologists, including the basic biology of ddcfDNA, methodological nuances of testing, and general recommendations for use in the kidney transplant population. Clinical contexts are used to illustrate evidence-supported interpretation of ddcfDNA results and subsequent management. Finally, knowledge gaps and areas for further study are discussed.

Infection, Rejection, and the Connection

Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for people with end-stage organ disease. Immune-mediated transplant rejection is a common complication that decreases allograft survival. Although immunosuppression is required to prevent rejection, it also increases the risk of infection. Some infections, such as cytomegalovirus and BK virus, can promote inflammatory gene expression that can further tip the balance toward rejection. BK virus and other infections can induce damage that resembles the clinical pathology of rejection, and this complicates accurate diagnosis. Moreover, T cells specific for viral infection can lead to rejection through heterologous immunity to donor antigen directly mediated by antiviral cells. Thus, viral infections and allograft rejection interact in multiple ways that are important to maintain immunologic homeostasis in solid organ transplant recipients. Better insight into this dynamic interplay will help promote long-term transplant survival.

Shear wave elastography and Doppler ultrasound in kidney transplant recipients

Objective

To evaluate the association between shear wave elastography parameters and arterial resistance in kidney transplant recipients.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective cross-sectional study involving consecutive adult kidney transplant recipients. All patients underwent color Doppler to evaluate the resistive index (RI) and ultrasound shear wave elastography for the quantification of renal allograft stiffness.

Results

We evaluated 55 patients, of whom 9 (16.4%) had an RI defined as abnormal (≥ 0.79) and 46 (83.6%) had an RI defined as normal (< 0.79). The mean age was higher in the abnormal RI group than in the normal RI group (68.0 ± 8.6 years vs. 42.6 ± 14.1 years; p < 0.001), as was the mean shear wave velocity (2.6 ± 0.4 m/s vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 m/s; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors of arterial resistance: age (OR = 1.169; 95% CI: 1.056 to 1.294; p = 0.003) and shear wave velocity (OR = 17.1; 95% CI: 1.137 to 257.83; p = 0.040).

Conclusion

We observed an association between rigidity in the cortex of the transplanted kidney, as evaluated by shear wave elastography, and arterial resistance, as evaluated by color Doppler, in kidney transplant recipients.

Fasting before living-kidney donation: effect on donor well-being and postoperative recovery: study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

One of the main effectors on the quality of life of living-kidney donors is postoperative fatigue. Caloric restriction (CR) and short-term fasting (STF) are associated with improved fitness and increased resistance to acute stress. CR/STF increases the expression of cytoprotective genes, increases immunomodulation via increased anti-inflammatory cytokine production, and decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory markers. As such, nutritional preconditioning by CR or STF represents a non-invasive and cost-effective method that could mitigate the effects of acute surgery-induced stress and postoperative fatigue. To investigate whether preoperative STF contributes to a reduction in fatigue after living-kidney donation, a randomized clinical trial is indicated.

METHODS

We aim to determine whether 2.5 days of fasting reduces postoperative fatigue score in subjects undergoing living-kidney donation. In this randomized study, the intervention group will follow a preoperative fasting regime for 2.5 days with a low-dose laxative, while the control group will receive standard care. The main study endpoint is postoperative fatigue, 4 weeks after living-kidney donation. Secondary endpoints include the effect of preoperative fasting on postoperative hospital admission time, the feasibility of STF, and the postoperative recovery of donor and recipient kidney function. This study will provide us with knowledge of the feasibility of STF and confirm its effect on postoperative recovery.

DISCUSSION

Our study will provide clinically relevant information on the merits of caloric restriction for living-kidney donors and recipients. We expect to reduce the postoperative fatigue in living-kidney donors and improve the postoperative recovery of living-kidney recipients. It will provide evidence on the clinical merits and potential caveats of preoperative dietary interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL9262 . EudraCT 2020-005445-16 . MEC Erasmus MC MEC-2020-0778. CCMO NL74623.078.21.

Acute rejection in pediatric renal transplantation: Retrospective study of epidemiology, risk factors, and impact on renal function

AR is a major relevant and challenging topic in pediatric kidney transplantation. Our objective was to evaluate cumulative incidence of AR in pediatric kidney transplant patient, risk factors for this outcome, and impact on allograft function and survival. A retrospective cohort including pediatric patients that underwent kidney transplantation between 2011 and 2015 was designed. Risk factors for AR were tested by competing risk analysis. To estimate its impact, graft survival and difference in GFR were evaluated. Two hundred thirty patients were included. As a whole, the incidence of AR episodes was 0.16 (95% CI = 0.12-0.20) per person-year of follow-up. And cumulative incidence of AR was 23% in 1 year and 39% in 5 years. Risk factors for AR were number of MM (SHR 1.36 CI 1.14-1.63 P = .001); ISS with CSA, PRED, and AZA (SHR 2.22 CI 1.14-4.33 P = .018); DGF (SHR 2.49 CI 1.57-3.93 P < .001); CMV infection (SHR 5.52 CI 2.27-11.0 P < .001); and poor adherence (SHR 2.28 CI 1.70-4.66 P < .001). Death-censored graft survival in 1 and 5 years was 92.5% and 72.1%. Risk factors for graft loss were number of MM (HR 1.51 CI 1.07-2.13 P = .01), >12 years (HR 2.66 CI 1.07-6.59 P = .03), and PRA 1%-50% (HR 2.67 CI 1.24-5.73 P = .01). Although occurrence of AR did not influence 5-year graft survival, it negatively impacted GFR. AR was frequent in patients assessed and associated with number of MM, ISS regimen, DGF, CMV infection, and poor adherence, and had deleterious effect on GFR.

Correlation between Kidney Function and Sonographic Texture Features after Allograft Transplantation with Corresponding to Serum Creatinine: A Long Term Follow-Up Study

Background:

The ability to monitor kidney function after transplantation is one of the major factors to improve care of patients.

Objective:

Authors recommend a computerized texture analysis using run-length matrix features for detection of changes in kidney tissue after allograft in ultrasound imaging.

Material and Methods:

A total of 40 kidney allograft recipients (28 male, 12 female) were used in this longitudinal study. Of the 40 patients, 23 and 17 patients showed increased serum creatinine (sCr) (increased group) and decreased sCr (decreased group), respectively. Twenty run-length matrix features were used for texture analysis in three normalizations. Correlations of texture features with serum creatinine (sCr) level and differences between before and after follow-up for each group were analyzed. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) was measured to evaluate potential of proposed method.

Results:

The features under default and 3sigma normalization schemes via linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed high performance in classifying decreased group with an A_z of 1. In classification of the increased group, the best performance gains were determined in the 3sigma normalization schemes via LDA with an A_z of 0.974 corresponding to 95.65% sensitivity, 91.30% specificity, 93.47% accuracy, 91.67% PPV, and 95.45% NPV.

Conclusion:

Run-length matrix features not only have high potential for characterization but also can help physicians to diagnose kidney failure after transplantation.

Targeted Urine Metabolomics for Monitoring Renal Allograft Injury and Immunosuppression in Pediatric Patients

Despite new advancements in surgical tools and therapies, exposure to immunosuppressive drugs related to non-immune and immune injuries can cause slow deterioration and premature failure of organ transplants. Diagnosis of these injuries by non-invasive urine monitoring would be a significant clinical advancement for patient management, especially in pediatric cohorts. We investigated the metabolomic profiles of biopsy matched urine samples from 310 unique kidney transplant recipients using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Focused metabolite panels were identified that could detect biopsy confirmed acute rejection with 92.9% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity (11 metabolites) and could differentiate BK viral nephritis (BKVN) from acute rejection with 88.9% sensitivity and 94.8% specificity (4 metabolites). Overall, targeted metabolomic analyses of biopsy-matched urine samples enabled the generation of refined metabolite panels that non-invasively detect graft injury phenotypes with high confidence. These urine biomarkers can be rapidly assessed for non-invasive diagnosis of specific transplant injuries, opening the window for precision transplant medicine.

Protective effect of dapsone against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion can cause injury to tissues and compromise functionality of organs due to inflammatory processes. Significantly, development of these effects in kidney tissue has been a challenging issue that leads to acute renal injury. In this study, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and protective features of dapsone on kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury were investigated.Material and methods: Renal ischemia was induced in rats by bilateral renal arteries clamping for 45 min followed by 24 h reperfusion phase. The effects of different doses of dapsone (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) on ischemia/reperfusion injury in kidney tissue were investigated by targeting BUN, Creatinine, LDH, MDA, MPO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NFκB. In addition histopathological examination was performed by H&E staining method.Results and discussion: Comparing the findings of this study showed significant reduction in BUN and LDH in 10 mg/kg dapsone received groups, and Cr, MDA, and MPO in 3 mg/kg dapsone received groups. The serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased with both doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg dapsone. The same results were observed in the serum level of IL-1β and NFκB. Besides, remarkable improvement in histological damages was also observed with dapsone treatment.Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that the positive effects of dapsone on the renal ischemia/reperfusion injury are mediated by modulating inflammatory cascades.

Proteomic Analysis of Renal Biomarkers of Kidney Allograft Fibrosis-A Study in Renal Transplant Patients

Renal transplantation is the preferred treatment of end stage renal disease, but allograft survival is limited by the development of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in response to various stimuli. Much effort has been put into identifying new protein markers of fibrosis to support the diagnosis. In the present work, we performed an in-depth quantitative proteomics analysis of allograft biopsies from 31 prevalent renal transplant patients and correlated the quantified proteins with the volume fraction of fibrosis as determined by a morphometric method. Linear regression analysis identified four proteins that were highly associated with the degree of interstitial fibrosis, namely Coagulation Factor XIII A chain (estimate 18.7, adjusted p < 0.03), Uridine Phosphorylase 1 (estimate 19.4, adjusted p < 0.001), Actin-related protein 2/3 subunit 2 (estimate 34.2, adjusted p < 0.05) and Cytochrome C Oxidase Assembly Factor 6 homolog (estimate -44.9, adjusted p < 0.002), even after multiple testing. Proteins that were negatively associated with fibrosis (p < 0.005) were primarily related to normal metabolic processes and respiration, whereas proteins that were positively associated with fibrosis (p < 0.005) were involved in catabolic processes, cytoskeleton organization and the immune response. The identified proteins may be candidates for further validation with regards to renal fibrosis. The results support the notion that cytoskeleton organization and immune responses are prevalent processes in renal allograft fibrosis.

Bioinformatics for Renal and Urinary Proteomics: Call for Aggrandization

The clinical sampling of urine is noninvasive and unrestricted, whereby huge volumes can be easily obtained. This makes urine a valuable resource for the diagnoses of diseases. Urinary and renal proteomics have resulted in considerable progress in kidney-based disease diagnosis through biomarker discovery and treatment. This review summarizes the bioinformatics tools available for this area of proteomics and the milestones reached using these tools in clinical research. The scant research publications and the even more limited bioinformatic tool options available for urinary and renal proteomics are highlighted in this review. The need for more attention and input from bioinformaticians is highlighted, so that progressive achievements and releases can be made. With just a handful of existing tools for renal and urinary proteomic research available, this review identifies a gap worth targeting by protein chemists and bioinformaticians. The probable causes for the lack of enthusiasm in this area are also speculated upon in this review. This is the first review that consolidates the bioinformatics applications specifically for renal and urinary proteomics.

Clinical Study of Standard- vs Reduced-Dose Tacrolimus Combined With Generic Mycophenolate Mofetil in De Novo Kidney Transplantation: A Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The lowering of calcineurin inhibitor exposure is possibly considered as the proper strategy to prevent calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity in kidney transplant. This clinical study was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of reduced-dose tacrolimus with standard-dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) vs standard-dose tacrolimus with reduced-dose MMF.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, and parallel-group clinical trial was conducted at 4 transplant centers in Korea. A total sample size was 108, and eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either reduced-dose tacrolimus with standard-dose MMF (the study group) or standard-dose tacrolimus with reduced-dose MMF (the control group) for 6 months in de novo kidney transplant recipients. Graft function, the incidence of efficacy failure, and adverse events were compared.

RESULTS

The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at 6 months post-transplantation was 69.83 ± 16.68 mL/min/1.73 m² in the study group and 69.92 ± 17.55 mL/min/1.73 m² in the control group (P > .05). The overall incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was 3.64% (n = 2) in the study group, compared to 3.77% (n = 2) in the control group (P > .05). There was no graft loss, death, or loss of follow-up in either group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results suggest that tacrolimus minimization with standard-dose MMF provides adequate immunosuppression with proper renal function and similar rate of incidence of acute rejection compared with the regimen including standard-dose tacrolimus with reduced-dose MMF.

Ultrasound elastography correlations between anthropometrical parameters in kidney transplant recipients

Ultrasound elastography (USE) is a method to assess the stiffness of parenchymatous organs. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is considered to be the most suitable elastography method for the non-invasive kidney transplant (KTx) elasticity assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the implementability of SWE for the evaluation of kidney transplant elasticity measurement depending on the depth of an allograft, body mass index (BMI) and donor age. Secondly, to investigate the associations between SWE stiffness measurements and the clinical parameters. This cross-sectional prospective study involved consecutive 100 KTx patients were grouped according to time from transplantation and their BMI (in BMI<25 group the mean was 22.1±2.4, n=42 and in BMI≥25 group the mean BMI was 29.9±3.3, n=58). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was almost similar in both groups: <25 group 54.3 and ≥25 group 53.4 mL/min. Mean elastography results were found statistically different (p=0.006) BMI<25 (8.95±5.84 kPa) and BMI≥25 (5.95±3.16 kPa) groups. Significant correlation was found between SWE and the depth of the measurement (r=-0.4, p<0.05). The variations in USE stiffness values were smallest in patients group with lower BMI. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the non-invasive USE measurement stiffness result depends on a patient's BMI, the depth of renal allograft and donor age.

Regulated necrosis in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the outcome of an inflammatory process that is triggered when an organ undergoes a transient reduction or cessation of blood flow, followed by re-establishment of perfusion. In the clinical setting, IRI contributes to significant acute kidney injury, patient morbidity and mortality, and adverse outcomes in transplantation. Tubular cell death by necrosis and apoptosis is a central feature of renal IRI. Recent research has challenged traditional views of cell death by identifying new pathways in which cells die in a regulated manner but with the morphologic features of necrosis. This regulated necrosis (RN) takes several forms, with necroptosis and ferroptosis being the best described. The precise mechanisms and relationships between the RN pathways in renal IRI are currently the subject of active research. The common endpoint of RN is cell membrane rupture, resulting in the release of cytosolic components with subsequent inflammation and activation of the immune system. We review the evidence and mechanisms of RN in the kidney following renal IRI, and discuss the use of small molecule inhibitors and genetically modified mice to better understand this process and guide potentially novel therapeutic interventions.

Introduction of everolimus in kidney transplant recipients at a late posttransplant stage

This minireview focuses on the current knowledge about the introduction of everolimus (EVL), a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) elimination or minimization in kidney transplant recipients at a late posttransplant stage. Within, we have summarized two major clinical trials, ASCERTAIN and APOLLO, and seven other retrospective or nonrandomized studies. In the open-label multicenter ASCERTAIN study, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 24 mo after conversion was not significantly different between three groups-EVL with CNI elimination, CNI minimization and continued CNI unchanged-at a mean of 5.4 years after transplantation. However, recipients with baseline creatinine clearance higher than 50 mL/min had a greater increase in measured GFR after CNI elimination. In the open-label multicenter APOLLO study, adjusted eGFR within the on-treatment population was significantly higher in the EVL continuation group than in the CNI continuation group at 12 mo after conversion at a mean of 7 years posttransplantation. Other studies on recipients without adverse events and already having satisfactory renal function showed favorable graft function by EVL late-induction with CNI elimination or reduction. These studies showed that chronic allograft nephropathy, CNI nephrotoxicity, CNI arteriolopathy, cancer and viral infection (especially cytomegalovirus infection) may be good indications for late conversion to EVL.

Bioengineering in renal transplantation: technological advances and novel options

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world with significant morbidity and mortality. Current modes of renal replacement therapy include dialysis and renal transplantation. Although dialysis is an acceptable mode of renal replacement therapy, it does have its shortcomings, which include poorer life expectancy compared with renal transplantation, risk of infections and vascular thrombosis, lack of vascular access and absence of biosynthetic functions of the kidney. Renal transplantation, in contrast, is the preferred option of renal replacement therapy, with improved morbidity and mortality rates and quality of life, compared with dialysis. Renal transplantation, however, may not be available to all patients with ESKD. Some of the key factors limiting the availability and efficiency of renal transplantation include shortage of donor organs and the constant risk of rejection with complications associated with over-immunosuppression respectively. This review focuses chiefly on the potential roles of bioengineering in overcoming limitations in renal transplantation via the development of cell-based bioartificial dialysis devices as bridging options before renal transplantation, and the development of new sources of organs utilizing cell and organ engineering.

Renal Impairment and Complication After Kidney Transplant at Queen Rania Abdulla Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVES

Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease, but it is not without complications. We review the medical cause of significant renal impairment and complications that developed after kidney transplant in pediatric patients who required hospital admission and intervention and/or who were followed between 2007 and 2016.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective noninterventional chart review study was conducted in pediatric patients who received a kidney transplant and/or followed at the nephrology clinic at Queen Rania Abdulla Children's Hospital between 2007 and 2016.

RESULTS

In this study, 101 pediatric patients received a total of 103 transplants. Forty-eight patients (47%) experienced deterioration of kidney function out of a total of 53 episodes of complications; 37 of these episodes occurred early (0-6 mo after transplant), and 26 episodes occurred late. The causes of kidney function deterioration were surgical complications, acute tubular necrosis, cell- or antibody-mediated rejection, diabetes mellitus, urinary leak, recurrence of original disease, and chronic allograft nephropathy. Thirteen patients experienced graft loss; 50% of these losses were secondary to noncompliance to immunosuppressant medication treatment after transplant. A total of six patients died; 2 (23%) of these deaths occurred in the first week after transplant, whereas the other 4 patients died over a period of 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric kidney transplant is not without complications; however, most of these complications are treatable and reversible. The most serious complications leading to graft loss and death occur early, in the first week after transplant. Improving immunosuppressant compliance after transplant would prevent 50% of graft losses.

Senescence in chronic allograft nephropathy

Despite increasing numbers of patients on dialysis, the numbers of renal transplants performed yearly have remained relatively static. During the last 50 years, there have been many advances in the pharmacology of prevention of organ rejection. However, most patients will suffer from a slow but steady decline in renal function leading to graft loss. The most common cause of long-term graft loss is chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). Therefore, elucidating and understanding the mechanisms involved in CAN is crucial for achieving better posttransplant outcomes. It is thought that the development of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in proximal tubules is one of the first steps towards CAN, and has been shown to be a result of cellular senescence. Cells undergoing senescence acquire a senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) leading to the production of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), which has been implicated in several degenerative and inflammatory processes including renal disease. A central mediator in SASP activation is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced in response to numerous physiological and pathological stimuli. This review explores the connection between SASP and the development of EMT/CAN in an effort to suggest future directions for research leading to improved long-term graft outcomes.

Mining the human urine proteome for monitoring renal transplant injury

The human urinary proteome provides an assessment of kidney injury with specific biomarkers for different kidney injury phenotypes. In an effort to fully map and decipher changes in the urine proteome and peptidome after kidney transplantation, renal allograft biopsy matched urine samples were collected from 396 kidney transplant recipients. Centralized and blinded histology data from paired graft biopsies was used to classify urine samples into diagnostic categories of acute rejection, chronic allograft nephropathy, BK virus nephritis, and stable graft. A total of 245 urine samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) reagents. From a group of over 900 proteins identified in transplant injury, a set of 131 peptides were assessed by selected reaction monitoring for their significance in accurately segregating organ injury causation and pathology in an independent cohort of 151 urine samples. Ultimately, a minimal set of 35 proteins were identified for their ability to segregate the 3 major transplant injury clinical groups, comprising the final panel of 11 urinary peptides for acute rejection (93% area under the curve [AUC]), 12 urinary peptides for chronic allograft nephropathy (99% AUC), and 12 urinary peptides for BK virus nephritis (83% AUC). Thus, urinary proteome discovery and targeted validation can identify urine protein panels for rapid and noninvasive differentiation of different causes of kidney transplant injury, without the requirement of an invasive biopsy.

Improving the outcome of kidney transplantation by ameliorating renal ischemia reperfusion injury: lost in translation?

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end stage renal disease. During kidney transplantation ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) occurs, which is a risk factor for acute kidney injury, delayed graft function and acute and chronic rejection. Kidneys from living donors show a superior short- and long-term graft survival compared with deceased donors. However, the shortage of donor kidneys has resulted in expansion of the donor pool by using not only living- and brain death donors but also kidneys from donation after circulatory death and from extended criteria donors. These grafts are associated with an increased sensitivity to IRI and decreased graft outcome due to prolonged ischemia and donor comorbidity. Therefore, preventing or ameliorating IRI may improve graft survival. Animal experiments focus on understanding the mechanism behind IRI and try to find methods to minimize IRI either before, during or after ischemia. This review evaluates the different experimental strategies that have been investigated to prevent or ameliorate renal IRI. In addition, we review the current state of translation to the clinical setting. Experimental research has contributed to the development of strategies to prevent or ameliorate IRI, but promising results in animal studies have not yet been successfully translated to clinical use.

Comparison of Ultrasound Corticomedullary Strain with Doppler Parameters in Assessment of Renal Allograft Interstitial Fibrosis/Tubular Atrophy

To compare the capability of ultrasound strain and Doppler parameters in the assessment of renal allograft interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA), we prospectively measured ultrasound corticomedullary strain (strain) and intra-renal artery Doppler end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) in 45 renal transplant recipients before their kidney biopsies. We used 2-D speckle tracking to estimate strain, the deformation ratio of renal cortex to medulla produced by external compression using the ultrasound transducer. We also measured Doppler EDV, PSV and RI at the renal allograft inter-lobar artery. Using the Banff scoring system for renal allograft IF/TA, 45 patients were divided into the following groups: group 1 with ≤5% (n = 12) cortical IF/TA; group 2 with 6%-25% (n = 12); group 3 with 26%-50% (n = 11); and group 4 with >50% (n = 10). We performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to test the accuracy of these ultrasound parameters and duration of transplantation in determining >26% cortical IF/TA. In our results, strain was statistically significant in all paired groups (all p < 0.005) and inversely correlated with the grade of cortical IF/TA (p < 0.001). However, the difference in PSV and EDV was significant only between high-grade (>26%, including 26%-50% and >50%) and low-grade (≤25%, including <5% and 6%-25%) cortical IF/TA (p < 0.001). RI did not significantly differ in any paired group (all p > 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for strain, EDV, PSV, RI and duration of transplantation in determining >26% cortical IF/TA were 0.99, 0.94, 0.88, 0.52 and 0.92, respectively. Our results suggest that corticomedullary strain seems to be superior to Doppler parameters and duration of transplantation in assessment of renal allograft cortical IF/TA.

Meclizine Preconditioning Protects the Kidney Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Global or local ischemia contributes to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). Currently there are no specific therapies to prevent AKI. Potentiation of glycolytic metabolism and attenuation of mitochondrial respiration may decrease cell injury and reduce reactive oxygen species generation from the mitochondria. Meclizine, an over-the-counter anti-nausea and -dizziness drug, was identified in a 'nutrient-sensitized' chemical screen. Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg of meclizine, 17 h prior to ischemia protected mice from IRI. Serum creatinine levels at 24 h after IRI were 0.13 ± 0.06 mg/dl (sham, n = 3), 1.59 ± 0.10 mg/dl (vehicle, n = 8) and 0.89 ± 0.11 mg/dl (meclizine, n = 8). Kidney injury was significantly decreased in meclizine treated mice compared with vehicle group (p < 0.001). Protection was also seen when meclizine was administered 24 h prior to ischemia. Meclizine reduced inflammation, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fragmentation, and tubular injury. Meclizine preconditioned kidney tubular epithelial cells, exposed to blockade of glycolytic and oxidative metabolism with 2-deoxyglucose and NaCN, had reduced LDH and cytochrome c release. Meclizine upregulated glycolysis in glucose-containing media and reduced cellular ATP levels in galactose-containing media. Meclizine inhibited the Kennedy pathway and caused rapid accumulation of phosphoethanolamine. Phosphoethanolamine recapitulated meclizine-induced protection both in vitro and in vivo.

Minimization of immunosuppression in adult liver transplantation: new strategies and tools

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe most relevant data regarding strategies to achieve immunosuppression minimization and/or complete withdrawal in liver transplantation and to discuss the development of tolerance biomarkers to predict the success of immunosuppression weaning.

RECENT FINDINGS

In clinical organ transplantation allograft tolerance has been attained through two different pathways: (1) tolerance or immunosuppression minimization has been attempted by administering induction therapies with or without infusion of donor hematopoietic cells; and (2) the availability of spontaneously tolerant liver and kidney recipients has been exploited to develop biomarkers of allograft tolerance. The use of transcriptional profiling is the most promising approach. Recent publications have identified a gene expression signature in tolerant patients.

SUMMARY

Current immunosuppressive regimens reduce acute rejection episodes but promote a number of complications that have a negative impact on patient morbidity, mortality and quality of life. In this setting, achievement of tolerance is a major goal. Although there are no reliable markers to identify tolerant patients, recent studies have found that tolerant liver recipients exhibit unique peripheral blood transcriptional patterns. The difference in expression patterns is related to the immune response and could constitute the basis of a future diagnostic test of tolerance.

Late acute rejection: incidence, risk factors, and effect on graft survival and function

Long-term graft survival and function has not kept pace with short-term success in kidney transplant (Tx) recipients. LAR ≥6 months post-Tx may contribute to lack of improvement; risk factors for LAR are not well known. Of 64 Tx recipients followed over six yr, 23 (35.9%) had LAR (LAR group) and 41 had no LAR (no LAR group). Of all variables, significant risk factors for LAR included DGF, (43.4% LAR vs. 14.6% in no LAR group, p = 0.0096); de novo DSA (65.2% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.003); mean COV% of TAC (41.8% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.03); and non-adherence (34.8% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.0043). DGF and DSA remained statistically significant (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively); COV% TAC had borderline significance (p = 0.057), and non-adherence was not significant on multivariate regression analysis. Patients with LAR had inferior graft survival and function, whereas graft function was stable in the no LAR group over a mean follow-up of 31.2 months. Patients with de novo DSA and DGF should be considered at risk of LAR; an early diagnosis and treatment of LAR may improve graft survival and function.

Altered mitochondrial functioning induced by preoperative fasting may underlie protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

We reported previously that the robust protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice by fasting was largely initiated before the induction of renal I/R. In addition, we found that preoperative fasting downregulated the gene expression levels of complexes I, IV, and V of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, while it did not change those of complexes II and III. Hence, we now investigated the effect of 3 days of fasting on the functioning of renal mitochondria in order to better understand our previous findings. Fasting did not affect mitochondrial density. Surprisingly, fasting significantly increased the protein expression of complex II of the mitochondrial OXPHOS system by 19%. Complex II-driven state 3 respiratory activity was significantly reduced by fasting (46%), which could be partially attributed to the significant decrease in the enzyme activity of complex II (16%). Fasting significantly inhibited Ca(2+) -dependent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening that is directly linked to protection against renal I/R injury. The inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore did not involve the expression of the voltage-dependent anion channel by fasting. In conclusion, 3 days of fasting clearly induces the inhibition of complex II-driven mitochondrial respiration state 3 in part by decreasing the amount of functional complex II, and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. This might be a relevant sequence of events that could contribute to the protection of the kidney against I/R injury.

Reduction of chronic rejection of renal allografts by anti-transforming growth factor-β antibody therapy in a rat model

There is no effective treatment for chronic rejection (CR) that largely limits long-term survival of kidney transplants. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a fibrogenic factor for tissue fibrosis. This study was to test the efficacy of an anti-TGF-β antibody in preventing the CR of renal allografts in a preclinical model. Male Lewis rats (RT1¹) were orthotopically transplanted with donor kidneys from male Fischer 344 (RT11v1) rats and were treated with either anti-TGF-β or a control antibody. The CR of renal allografts was assessed by semiquantitative histological analyses, and intragraft cytokines and fibrosis-related genes ware examined by PCR arrays. Compared with the control antibody, anti-TGF-β antibody treatment significantly reduced recipients' proteinuria (P = 0.0002), and CR in renal transplants, which was indicated by the fewer injured renal tubules, glomeruli, and interlobular arterioles or arteries, and by less mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis in the anti-TGF-β antibody-treated group (P < 0.05), but not significantly attenuate the ratios of different infiltrating leukocytes. These pathological changes were associated with downregulation of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and proinflammatory cytokines, or with upregulation of anti-fibrotic HGF, BMP5, and BMP7. The therapeutic effect of the anti-TGF-β antibody was further confirmed by its prevention of graft dysfunction, indicated by lower levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen or higher creatinine clearance in anti-TGF-β antibody-treated recipients compared with those in control recipients (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the anti-TGF-β antibody (1D11) treatment significantly reduces CR of renal allografts in rats, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this antibody therapy for treating CR of kidney transplants in patients.

Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in the treatment of late acute renal allograft rejection

Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in the treatment of AR in children after renal transplantation is unknown. Five episodes of refractory late AR in three children (three episodes in patient 1 and a single episode in patients 2 and 3 occurring after 7-23 months of transplantation) were treated with one dose of alemtuzumab as a rescue therapy. Four episodes (Banff IA-IB) in patients 1 and 2 reversed fully or partially with alemtuzumab, whereas patient 3 with Banff IB-IIA AR failed to respond. Patient 1 had recurrent AR 5, 13, and 15 months later; first two episodes responded to retreatment with alemtuzumab, and the last episode was not treated causing allograft failure. Patient 2 had steroid-responsive AR after two months and had a functioning allograft 25 months later. A transient reduction in all lymphocyte subsets except natural killer cells occurred in all patients. Patient 3 (treated with steroids, Thymoglobulin(R) , intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab prior to alemtuzumab) suffered many bacterial infections during one-yr period after therapy. However, symptomatic viral infections were not observed in any of the children. Treatment with alemtuzumab may prolong allograft survival in multidrug-resistant AR but may not prevent recurrent AR in non-adherent children.

Non-HLA antibodies to immunogenic epitopes predict the evolution of chronic renal allograft injury

Chronic allograft injury (CAI) results from a humoral response to mismatches in immunogenic epitopes between the donor and recipient. Although alloantibodies against HLA antigens contribute to the pathogenesis of CAI, alloantibodies against non-HLA antigens likely contribute as well. Here, we used high-density protein arrays to identify non-HLA antibodies in CAI and subsequently validated a subset in a cohort of 172 serum samples collected serially post-transplantation. There were 38 de novo non-HLA antibodies that significantly associated with the development of CAI (P<0.01) on protocol post-transplant biopsies, with enrichment of their corresponding antigens in the renal cortex. Baseline levels of preformed antibodies to MIG (also called CXCL9), ITAC (also called CXCL11), IFN-γ, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor positively correlated with histologic injury at 24 months. Measuring levels of these four antibodies could help clinicians predict the development of CAI with >80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In conclusion, pretransplant serum levels of a defined panel of alloantibodies targeting non-HLA immunogenic antigens associate with histologic CAI in the post-transplant period. Validation in a larger, prospective transplant cohort may lead to a noninvasive method to predict and monitor for CAI.

Pediatric renal transplantation

Although the number of children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in need for renal transplantation is small compared with adults, the problem associated with renal transplant in children are numerous, varied, and often peculiar. Pre-emptive transplantation has recently been growing in popularity as it avoids many of the associated long-term complications of ESRD and dialysis. Changes in immunosuppression to more potent agents over the years will have affected transplant outcome; there is also evidence that tacrolimus is more effective than cyclosporine. This review will discuss the short- and long-term complications such as acute and chronic rejection, hypertension, infections, and malignancies as well as factors related to long-term graft function. Chronic allograft nephropathy is the leading cause of renal allograft loss in pediatric renal transplant recipients. It is likely that it reflects a combination of both immune and nonimmune injury occurring cumulatively over time so that the ultimate solution will rely on several approaches. Transplant and patient survival have shown a steady increase over the years. The major causes of death after transplantation are cardiovascular disease, infection and malignancy. Transplantation in special circumstances such as children with abnormal urinary tracts and children with diseases that have the potential to recur after transplantation will also be discussed in this review. Non-compliance with therapeutic regimen is a difficult problem to deal with and affects patients and families at all ages, but particularly so at adolescence. Growth may be severely impaired in children with ESRD which may result in major consequences on quality of life and self-esteem; a better height attainment at transplantation is recognized as one of the most important factors in final height achievement. Although pediatric kidney transplantation is active in some parts of many developing countries, it is still inactive in many others and mostly relying on living donors. The lacking deceased programs in most of these countries is one of the main issues to be addressed to adequately respond to organ shortage. In conclusion, transplantation is currently the best option for children with ESRD. Although improvement in immunosuppression demonstrated excellent results and has led to greater 1-year graft survival rates, chronic graft loss remains relatively unchanged and opportunistic infectious complications remain a problem.

Glucose supplementation does not interfere with fasting-induced protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Preoperative fasting induces robust protection against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice but is considered overcautious and possibly detrimental for postoperative recovery in humans. Furthermore, fasting seems to conflict with reported benefits of preoperative nutritional enhancement with carbohydrate-rich drinks. Here, we investigated whether preoperative ingestion of a glucose solution interferes with fasting-induced protection against renal I/R injury.

METHODS

Mice were randomized into the following groups: fasted for 3 days with access to water (fasted) or a glucose solution (fasted+glc) and fed ad libitum with water (fed) or a glucose solution (fed+glc). After induction of bilateral renal I/R injury, all animals had free access to food and water. Calorie intake, body weight, insulin sensitivity, kidney function, and animal survival were determined.

RESULTS

Fed+glc mice had a comparable daily calorie intake as fed mice, but 50% of those calories were obtained from the glucose solution. Fasted+glc mice had a daily calorie intake of approximately 75% of the intake of both fed groups. This largely prevented the substantial body weight loss seen in fasted animals. Preoperative insulin sensitivity was significantly improved in fasted+glc mice versus fed mice. After I/R injury, kidney function and animal survival were superior in both fasted groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of fasting and preoperative nutritional enhancement with carbohydrates are not mutually exclusive and may be a clinically feasible regimen to protect against renal I/R injury.

MicroRNA profiles in allograft tissues and paired urines associate with chronic allograft dysfunction with IF/TA

Despite the advances in immunosuppression, renal allograft attrition over time remains unabated due to chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) with interstitial fibrosis (IF) and tubular atrophy (TA). We aimed to evaluate microRNA (miRNA) signatures in CAD with IF/TA and appraise correlation with paired urine samples and potential utility in prospective evaluation of graft function. MiRNA signatures were established between CAD with IF/TA versus normal allografts by microarray. Validation of the microarray results and prospective evaluation of urine samples was performed using real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR). Fifty-six miRNAs were identified in samples with CAD-IF/TA. Five miRNAs were selected for further validation based on array fold change, p-value and in silico predicted mRNA targets. We confirmed the differential expression of these five miRNAs by RT-qPCR using an independent set of samples. Differential expression was detected for miR-142-3p, miR-204, miR-107 and miR-211 (p < 0.001) and miR-32 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, differential expression of miR-142-3p (p < 0.01), miR-204 (p < 0.01) and miR-211 (p < 0.05) was also observed between patient groups in urine samples. A characteristic miRNA signature for IF/TA that correlates with paired urine samples was identified. These results support the potential use of miRNAs as noninvasive markers of IF/TA and for monitoring graft function.

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) ELISA: a novel tool for monitoring fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of diseases with significant fibrosis-related complications such as hepatitis, diabetes and renal transplantation. Increasing evidence shows that CTGF levels in plasma, serum and urine have promising biomarker applicability in these disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To present an overview of current knowledge on CTGF in various patient populations and the technical aspects of CTGF measurement by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

METHOD

We performed a comprehensive literature search by using electronic bibliographic databases.

CONCLUSION

CTGF is associated with disease severity parameters and outcome in fibrotic disease and may have diagnostic and prognostic values. However, CTGF ELISA needs standardization.

Conversion of long-term kidney transplant recipients from calcineurin inhibitor therapy to everolimus: a randomized, multicenter, 24-month study

BACKGROUND

Benefits of conversion from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based immunosuppression in long-term kidney transplant patients remain uncertain.

METHODS

ASCERTAIN was a 24-month, open-label, multicenter study. Kidney transplant patients more than 6 months posttransplant receiving CNI (baseline glomerular filtration rate [GFR] 30-70 mL/min/1.73 m) were randomized to everolimus with CNI elimination (n=127) or CNI minimization (n=144), or continued CNI unchanged (controls, n=123) to assess the effect on measured GFR at month 24 after randomization.

RESULTS

Renal function was stable in all groups to month 24. Mean measured GFR at month 24, the primary endpoint, was 48.0±22.0 mL/min/1.73 m, 46.6±21.1 mL/min/1.73 m, and 46.0±20.4 mL/min/1.73 m in the CNI elimination, CNI minimization, and control groups, respectively. Differences between CNI elimination (1.12 mL/min/1.73 m, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.51 to 5.76, P=0.63) and CNI minimization (0.59 mL/min/1.73 m, 95% CI -3.88 to 5.07, P=0.79) versus controls at month 24 were nonsignificant that is, the primary endpoint was not met. No efficacy endpoint differed significantly between groups. Post hoc analyses showed that patients with baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) more than 50 mL/min had a significantly greater increase in measured GFR after CNI elimination versus controls (difference 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m, 95% CI 2.1 to 20.8 mL/min/1.73 m, P=0.017). Adverse events resulted in discontinuation in 36 (28.3%) CNI elimination patients, 24 (16.7%) CNI minimization patients, and 5 (4.1%) controls (P<0.001 vs. CNI elimination; P=0.020 vs. CNI minimization).

CONCLUSION

Conversion to everolimus with CNI elimination or minimization a mean of 5.6 years after kidney transplantation had no overall renal benefit and was associated with more frequent adverse events and discontinuations. Patients with CrCl more than 50 mL/min may benefit from a change in therapy more than 6 months after renal transplantation.

Gene expression changes are associated with loss of kidney graft function and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy: diagnosis versus prediction

BACKGROUND

Loss of kidney graft function due to interstitial fibrosis (IF) and tubular atrophy (TA) is the most common cause of kidney allograft loss.

METHODS

One hundred one allograft tissues (26 samples with IF/TA, 17 normal allografts, and an independent biopsy group collected at 3 month [n=34] posttransplantation) underwent microarray analysis to identify early detection/diagnostic biomarkers of IF/TA. Profiling of 24 allograft biopsies collected at or after 9-month posttransplantation (range 9-18 months) was used for validation. Three-month posttransplantation biopsies were classified as IF/TA nonprogressors (group 1) or progressors (group 2) using graft function and histology at 9-month posttransplantation.

RESULTS

We identified 2223 differentially expressed probe sets between IF/TA and normal allograft biopsies using a Bonferroni correction. Genes up-regulated in IF/TA were primarily involved in pathways related to T-cell activation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and programmed cell death. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model was derived from the differentially expressed probe sets, resulting in a final model that included 10 probe sets and had 100% training set accuracy. The N-fold crossvalidated error was 2.4% (sensitivity 95.8% and specificity 100%). When 3-month biopsies were tested using the model, all the samples were classified as normal. However, evaluating gene expression of the 3-month biopsies and fitting a new penalized model, 100% sensitivity was observed in classifying the samples as group1 or 2. This model was evaluated in the sample set collected at or after 9-month posttransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

An IF/TA gene expression signature was identified, and it was useful for diagnosis but not prediction. However, gene expression profiles at 3 months might predict IF/TA progression.

The pathology of chronic allograft dysfunction

Chronic allograft dysfunction is associated with a variety of fibrosing/sclerosing changes in the allograft. Fibrosis is multifactorial, a final pathway following varying types of injury. Using a range of diagnostic criteria, the pathologist can and should define specific lesions enabling identification of pathogenic processes affecting the allograft. Although some cases remain 'interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, no specific cause', specific diagnoses can be made in most cases. Drug toxicity, bacterial or viral infection, hypertension, obstruction, recurrent or de novo renal diseases, and acute and chronic cell- and/or antibody-mediated rejection can be diagnosed in this setting. Of particular concern is a combination of persistent inflammation and fibrosis, which has repeatedly been shown to be correlated with poor graft outcomes. Identification of ongoing activity, and the stage of evolution of fibrosis/sclerosis provides important diagnostic and therapeutic information for patient management. Histological, immunohistological, ultrastructural, and molecular studies may be needed to adequately assess the kidney in the setting of chronic allograft dysfunction. Protocol biopsies may provide diagnostic insights in early stages of late graft deterioration, or even before evident dysfunction develops.

Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on renal function of patients with chronic allograft nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Cordyceps sinensis (Bailing capsule, fermented agent of C. sinensis) on renal function of patients with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

METHODS

A total of 231 CAN patients who underwent transplantation between 2005 and 2008 and experienced chronic graft dysfunction were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in group A (n = 122) were treated with immunosuppressive agents and C. sinensis (2.0 g/day, 3 times a day), while patients in group B (n = 109) were treated with traditional immunosuppressive drugs. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine clearance rate (C(Cr)) and urinary protein in 24 h (24-hour Upro) of all patients were measured before and after treatment. Urinary concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β(1), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and β(2)-microglobulin (β(2)-MG) were detected at the same time.

RESULTS

After 6-month treatment with C. sinensis, SCr and C(Cr) in group A were significantly improved (p < 0.05), while there was no significant improvement observed for group B. There was no significant change in BUN in groups A and B (p > 0.05). 24-hour Upro, RBP and β(2)-MG were lower in group A after treatment with C. sinensis (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and urinary TGF-β(1) in group A was significantly lower than the values before C. sinensis treatment (p < 0.05), but showed no change in patients of group B. In group A, renal function had improved in 72 cases, stabilized in 38 cases, and worsened in 12 cases. In group B, renal function had improved in 14 cases, stabilized in 50 cases, and worsened in 45 cases (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

C. sinensis therapy is advantageous in improving renal function of CAN patients by retarding CAN progression.

Analysis of machine perfusion benefits in kidney grafts: a preclinical study

Background

Machine perfusion (MP) has potential benefits for marginal organs such as from deceased from cardiac death donors (DCD). However, there is still no consensus on MP benefits. We aimed to determine machine perfusion benefits on kidney grafts.

Methods

We evaluated kidney grafts preserved in ViaspanUW or KPS solutions either by CS or MP, in a DCD pig model (60 min warm ischemia + 24 h hypothermic preservation). Endpoints were: function recovery, quality of function during follow up (3 month), inflammation, fibrosis, animal survival.

Results

ViaspanUW-CS animals did not recover function, while in other groups early follow up showed similar values for kidney function. Alanine peptidase and β-NAG activities in the urine were higher in CS than in MP groups. Oxydative stress was lower in KPS-MP animals. Histology was improved by MP over CS. Survival was 0% in ViaspanUW-CS and 60% in other groups. Chronic inflammation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis were lowest in KPS-MP, followed by KPS-CS and ViaspanUW-MP.

Conclusions

With ViaspanUW, effects of MP are obvious as only MP kidney recovered function and allowed survival. With KPS, the benefits of MP over CS are not directly obvious in the early follow up period and only histological analysis, urinary tubular enzymes and red/ox status was discriminating. Chronic follow-up was more conclusive, with a clear superiority of MP over CS, independently of the solution used. KPS was proven superior to ViaspanUW in each preservation method in terms of function and outcome. In our pre-clinical animal model of DCD transplantation, MP offers critical benefits.

Thrombin inhibition during kidney ischemia-reperfusion reduces chronic graft inflammation and tubular atrophy

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable component of transplantation and correlates with delayed graft function, acute rejection, chronic fibrosis, and graft loss. Currently, new donor pools are considered to alleviate pressure on waiting lists, such as deceased after cardiac death donors (DCD) and extended criteria donors. Because these organs are particularly sensitive to IRI, there is a need for novel preservation paradigms. We assessed the effect of anticoagulation therapy during graft preservation on IRI and graft outcome.

METHODS

In a large white autotransplanted pig model, kidneys underwent warm ischemia for 60 min, mimicking DCD, then were preserved for 24 hr at 4°C, in University of Wisconsin solution. Animals were followed up 3 months, functional, histologic, and molecular parameters were assessed. In treated groups, antithrombin was added to collection and preservation protocols.

RESULTS

Treatment improved chronic graft function, reduced tubular atrophy, and substantially increased animal survival. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis determined that markers of inflammation, such as interferon-[gamma], tumor necrosis factor-[alpha], interleukin (IL)-2, -1Rn, and -10, were significantly reduced in treated grafts. Histologic analysis revealed a lowering of CD3+ invasion. P selectin and C3 mRNA expressions were reduced in treated groups, indicative of lowered complement production and endothelial cell activation. Vascular endothelium growth factor protein expression was up-regulated, suggesting vascular network remodeling.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of thrombin during preservation of DCD graft preserved renal integrity and function, protecting against chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Thus, coagulation seems to be a critical target for the development of therapeutic strategies to improve kidney quality for transplantation.

Fibrosis with inflammation at one year predicts transplant functional decline

Lack of knowledge regarding specific causes for late loss of kidney transplants hampers improvements in long-term allograft survival. Kidney transplants with both interstitial fibrosis and subclinical inflammation but not fibrosis alone after 1 year have reduced survival. This study tested whether fibrosis with inflammation at 1 year associates with decline of renal function in a low-risk cohort and characterized the nature of the inflammation. We studied 151 living-donor, tacrolimus/mycophenolate-treated recipients without overt risk factors for reduced graft survival. Transplants with normal histology (n = 86) or fibrosis alone (n = 45) on 1-year protocol biopsy had stable renal function between 1 and 5 years, whereas those with both fibrosis and inflammation (n = 20) exhibited a decline in GFR and reduced graft survival. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased interstitial T cells and macrophages/dendritic cells in the group with both fibrosis and inflammation, and there was increased expression of transcripts related to innate and cognate immunity. Pathway- and pathologic process-specific analyses of microarray profiles revealed that potentially damaging immunologic activities were enriched among the overexpressed transcripts (e.g., Toll-like receptor signaling, antigen presentation/dendritic cell maturation, IFN-γ-inducible response, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated and acute rejection-associated genes). Therefore, the combination of fibrosis and inflammation in 1-year protocol biopsies associates with reduced graft function and survival as well as a rejection-like gene expression signature, even among recipients with no clinical risk factors for poor outcomes. Early interventions aimed at altering rejection-like inflammation may improve long-term survival of kidney allografts.

Bone marrow mononuclear cells attenuate fibrosis development after severe acute kidney injury

One of the early phases that lead to fibrosis progression is inflammation. Once this stage is resolved, fibrosis might be prevented. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) are emerging as a new therapy for several pathologies, including autoimmune diseases, because they enact immunosuppression. In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of BMMC administration in a model of kidney fibrosis induced by an acute injury. C57Bl6 mice were subjected to unilateral severe ischemia by clamping the left renal pedicle for 1h. BMMCs were isolated from femurs and tibia, and after 6h of reperfusion, 1 x 10(6) cells were administrated intraperitoneally. At 24h after surgery, treated animals showed a significant decrease in creatinine and urea levels when compared with untreated animals. Different administration routes were tested. Moreover, interferon (IFN) receptor knockout BMMCs were used, as this receptor is necessary for BMMC activation. Labeled BMMCs were found in ischemic kidney on FACS analysis. This improved outcome was associated with modulation of inflammation in the kidney and systemic modulation, as determined by cytokine expression profiling. Despite non-amelioration of functional parameters, kidney mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 at 6 weeks was lower in BMMC-treated animals, as were levels of collagen 1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vimentin. Protective molecules, such as IL-10, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and bone morphogenetic 7 (BMP-7), were increased in treated animals after 6 weeks. Moreover, Masson and Picrosirius red staining analyses showed less fibrotic areas in the kidneys of treated animals. Thus, early modulation of inflammation by BMMCs after an ischemic injury leads to reduced fibrosis through modulation of early inflammation.