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Nowańska K, Wiśnicki K, Kuriata-Kordek M, Krajewska M, Banasik M. The role of endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) in transplant injury. Transpl Immunol 2021; 70:101505. [PMID: 34793957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibody-mediated rejection is the leading cause of deterioration of graft function and graft loss after kidney transplantation. Recent studies have reported an increasing role of non-HLA antibodies in the humoral injury after kidney transplantation. We decided to present the influence of non-HLA antibodies - anti-endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) on a transplanted kidney and characterize the significance of their receptor. RECENT FINDINGS The role of non-HLA antibodies is still uncertain. Many studies suggest that the presence of non-HLA antibodies, including anti-ETAR antibodies, is among the risk factors for antibody-mediated rejection, graft injury, and graft loss. The discovery of new antigen targets and antibodies, which participate in the humoral response, has provided a significantly better understanding of the mechanism of antibody-mediated rejection after organ transplantation. SUMMARY Endothelin and its receptors play an important role in physiology and pathophysiology after solid organ transplantation. ETAR and antibodies against ETAR may participate in humoral rejection and graft damage. The measurement of anti-ETAR antibodies may identify patients with an increased risk of rejection and even loss of a transplanted organ. Expression of ETAR detected in biopsy of transplant could become an additional tool used to better understand humoral activity. More research is needed to address many questions about non-HLA directed rejection and graft damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Nowańska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wiśnicki
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuriata-Kordek
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
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Zhang MW, Wang XH, Shi J, Yu JG. Sinomenine in Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases: Potential Therapeutic Effects and Pharmacological Evidences. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:749113. [PMID: 34660748 PMCID: PMC8517137 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.749113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, as a major cause of health loss all over the world, contribute to an important part of the global burden of disease. A large number of traditional Chinese medicines have been proved effective both clinically and in pharmacological investigations, with the acceleration of the modernization of Chinese medicine. Sinomenine is the main active constituent of sinomenium acutum and has been generally used in therapies of rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia. Varieties of pharmacological effects of sinomenine in cardio-cerebrovascular system have been discovered recently, suggesting an inspiring application prospect of sinomenine in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Sinomenine may retard the progression of atherosclerosis by attenuating endothelial inflammation, regulating immune cells function, and inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Sinomenine also alleviates chronic cardiac allograft rejection relying on its anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperplastic activities and suppresses autoimmune myocarditis by immunosuppression. Prevention of myocardial or cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by sinomenine is associated with its modulation of cardiomyocyte death, inflammation, calcium overload, and oxidative stress. The regulatory effects on vasodilation and electrophysiology make sinomenine a promising drug to treat hypertension and arrhythmia. Here, in this review, we will illustrate the pharmacological activities of sinomenine in cardio-cerebrovascular system and elaborate the underlying mechanisms, as well as give an overview of the potential therapeutic roles of sinomenine in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, trying to provide clues and bases for its clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Wan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Parikh RV, Khush K, Pargaonkar VS, Luikart H, Grimm D, Yu M, Okada K, Honda Y, Yeung AC, Valantine H, Fearon WF. Association of Endothelin-1 With Accelerated Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy and Late Mortality Following Heart Transplantation. J Card Fail 2018; 25:97-104. [PMID: 30543947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in the development of post-heart transplantation (HT) cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), but has not been well studied in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS In 90 HT patients, plasma ET-1 was measured within 8 weeks after HT (baseline) via a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Three-dimensional volumetric intravascular ultrasound of the left anterior descending artery was performed at baseline and at 1 year. Accelerated CAV (lumen volume loss) was defined with the 75th percentile as a cutoff. Patients were followed beyond the first year after HT for late death or retransplantation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that a baseline ET-1 concentration of 1.75 pg/mL provided the best accuracy for diagnosis of accelerated CAV at 1 year (area under the ROC curve 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.82; P = .007). In multivariate logistic regression, a higher baseline ET-1 concentration was independently associated with accelerated CAV (odds ratio [OR] 2.13, 95% CI 1.15-3.94; P = .01); this relationship persisted when ET-1 was dichotomized at 1.75 pg/mL (OR 4.88, 95% CI 1.69-14.10; P = .003). Eighteen deaths occurred during a median follow-up period of 3.99 (interquartile range 2.51-9.95) years. Treated as a continuous variable, baseline ET-1 was not associated with late mortality in multivariate Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% CI 0.72-2.05; P = .44). However, ET-1 >1.75 pg/mL conferred a significantly lower cumulative event-free survival on Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = .047) and was independently associated with late mortality (HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.12-7.72; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Elevated ET-1 early after HT is an independent predictor of accelerated CAV and late mortality, suggesting that ET-1 has durable prognostic value in the HT arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushi V Parikh
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kiran Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Helen Luikart
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - David Grimm
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Michelle Yu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Kozo Okada
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Yasuhiro Honda
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Alan C Yeung
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Hannah Valantine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - William F Fearon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
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Endothelin receptor polymorphisms in the cardiovascular system: potential implications for therapy and screening. Heart Fail Rev 2014; 19:743-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s10741-014-9426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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The pathophysiology of endothelin in complications after solid organ transplantation: a potential novel therapeutic role for endothelin receptor antagonists. Transplantation 2013; 94:885-93. [PMID: 23037008 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e31825f0fbe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although short-term allograft survival after solid organ transplantation has improved during the past two decades, improvement in long-term graft survival has been less pronounced. Common complications after transplantation include chronic allograft rejection, nephrotoxicity from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), and systemic hypertension, which all impact posttransplantation morbidity and mortality. Endothelin (ET)-1, a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor, inducer of fibrosis, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, may play a key role in both the development of CNI-induced nephrotoxicity and endothelial vasculopathy in chronic allograft rejection. ET-1 levels increase after isograft implantation, and ET-1 plays a key role in CNI-induced renal vasoconstriction, sodium retention, and hypertension. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) can reduce or prevent CNI-induced hypertension after renal transplantation. In addition, ERAs can ameliorate CNI-induced renal vasoconstriction and improve proteinuria and preserve renal function in animal models of renal transplantation. ET-1 may also play a significant role in cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and in animal models, ERAs improve pulmonary function and ischemic-reperfusion injury in lung transplantation and hepatic function and structure in liver transplantation. Emerging pharmacokinetic data suggest that the selective ERA ambrisentan may be used safely in conjunction with the most commonly used immunosuppressive agents tacrolimus and mycophenolate, albeit with appropriate dose adjustment. The weight of available evidence pointing toward a potential beneficial role of ERAs in ameliorating common complications after solid organ transplantation must be balanced with potential toxicities of ERAs but suggests that a randomized clinical trial of ERAs in transplant patients is warranted.
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Rockx MA, Haddad H. Use of calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors after cardiac transplantation. Curr Opin Cardiol 2007; 22:128-32. [PMID: 17284992 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0b013e3280210681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are very common problems following heart transplantation and may contribute to the development and progression of graft coronary artery disease. This article reviews current data on clinical use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers in patients who have had heart transplants. RECENT FINDINGS Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are established therapy for patients with cardiovascular disease. Use of these medications correlates with decreasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. SUMMARY After heart transplantation, hypertension associated with calcineurin inhibitors can be managed effectively with antihypertensive therapy, but it may require use of more than one antihypertensive agent. Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been associated with improved outcome measures in graft coronary artery disease.
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Siddiqui I, Khan ZA, Lian D, Jiang J, Zhong R, Garcia B, Chakrabarti S. Endothelin-Mediated Oncofetal Fibronectin Expression in Chronic Allograft Nephropathy. Transplantation 2006; 82:406-14. [PMID: 16906041 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000228905.44649.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic allograft nephropathy is a sclerotic process characterized by an increased extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition. Fibronectin (FN) is a major component of ECM. FN has been reported to undergo alternative splicing and produce several isoforms including the extra domain-B (ED-B) containing embryonic isoform. In the present study, we investigated ED-B FN expression in chronic allograft nephropathy and its relationship with endothelins (ET). METHODS To establish chronic allograft nephropathy, allografts were performed between Fisher 344 --> Lewis rats. Allograft recipients were then randomly divided into two groups, allografts and allografts treated with ET receptor antagonist bosentan. Lewis --> Lewis recipients were used as isograft controls. Grafts were harvested at 30, 90 and 140 days for histological and gene expression analyses with respect to ED-B FN, ET-1 and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA. ED-B FN protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, we analyzed human renal allograft biopsies. RESULTS Our data demonstrates that rat chronic allograft nephropathy is associated with progressive upregulation of ED-B FN mRNA and protein. ET-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA were also upregulated. Treatment of allograft recipient rats with bosentan prevented upregulation of ED-B FN and TGF-beta1. We further show that total FN, ED-B FN, ET-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA expression were upregulated in human chronic allograft nephropathy specimens. CONCLUSION Results obtained from both human and rat renal allograft tissues suggest that expression of ED-B FN is upregulated in chronic allograft nephropathy and such upregulation is mediated via ET-1 and its interaction with TGF-beta1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Frank K, Zeier M, Gross ML, Waldherr R, Ritz E, Amann K. Comprehensive immunohistological analysis of the endothelin system in human kidney grafts. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2006; 21:1365-72. [PMID: 16449275 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfk087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In experimental models of renal transplantation, upregulation of the endothelin (ET) system and amelioration of renal injury by ET-receptor blockers have been documented. In contrast, little information is available on the expression of the ET system in human kidney allografts. It was the purpose of the present study to analyse by immunohistology the expression of ET-1 as well as of the two ET receptors (ET-RA and ET-RB) in the different cells and compartments of kidney grafts and control kidneys. METHODS Fifty-five graft biopsies were taken from 55 kidney allograft recipients (mean age: 32+/-2.8 years) who were all on a calcineurin inhibitor. The indication for biopsies was delayed graft function or suspected rejection. The underlying diagnoses were acute allograft rejection (n = 14), chronic allograft nephropathy (n = 14), cyclosporin A (CSA) toxicity (n = 10), post-operative acute tubular necrosis (ATN) (n = 11) and recurrent primary disease (n = 6). As control, tissues of non-grafted kidneys with ATN (mean age: 35+/-24 years), of primary glomerulonephritis (mean age: 69+/-10 years) and of non-tumour-bearing parts of eight tumour nephrectomy specimens (mean age: 67+/-5 years) were assessed. The biopsies were scored using the 1997 Banff criteria. Expression of ET-1, ET-RA and ET-RB as well as of vascular endothelial growth factor was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and a semi-quantitative scoring system. Interstitial infiltrating cells were characterized using antibodies against T cells, B cells and macrophages (CD3, CD20 and CD68). RESULTS Control cases showed only faint expression of ET-1 in glomeruli (in podocytes and endothelial cells), whereas marked expression was seen in distal, but less in proximal tubular cells. The interstitium was completely negative. ET-1 expression was seen in vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Only faint expression of ET-RA and ET-RB was found in glomeruli and tubuli (distal more than proximal). Marked ET-RA and ET-RB expression was seen in VEC and VSMC. In all transplanted kidneys, irrespective of the underlying diagnosis, expression of ET-1, ET-RA and ET-RB was markedly higher compared with control kidneys. ET-1 was strikingly upregulated in glomeruli and tubuli, but surprisingly not in the vasculature of grafts with CSA toxicity. Expression of ET-RB was markedly increased in CSA toxicity in glomeruli, tubuli and vessels. In grafts with ATN and acute rejection, pronounced expression of ET-RA was noted. There was a strong correlation between proteinuria and expression of ET-1 in glomeruli and proximal tubuli and of ET-RB in proximal tubuli. CONCLUSIONS The above data in human kidney allograft biopsies are consistent with an important role of the ET system in different types of renal allograft damage. This finding extends and clarifies the somewhat contradictory results in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Frank
- Department of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Suzuki C, Takahashi M, Morimoto H, Izawa A, Ise H, Fujishiro J, Murakami T, Ishiyama J, Nakada A, Nakayama J, Shimada K, Ikeda U, Kobayashi E. Efficacy of mycophenolic acid combined with KRP-203, a novel immunomodulator, in a rat heart transplantation model. J Heart Lung Transplant 2006; 25:302-9. [PMID: 16507424 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2005.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Revised: 09/19/2005] [Accepted: 09/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore a more effective and less toxic immunosuppressive strategy in organ transplantation, we recently developed the novel sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist KRP-203. This study examined the efficacy of KRP-203 combined with mycophenolic acid (MPA), an active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, in rat heart allografts. METHODS Heterotopic heart transplantation was performed in a rat combination of DA (MHC haplotype: RT1(a)) to Lewis (RT1). The recipients were divided into 12 groups (n = 5-7): Syngeneic (Lewis to Lewis), Vehicle, KRP-203 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg), MPA (10 and 20 mg/kg), 10 mg/kg MPA with KRP-203 (0.03, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg), and 20 mg/kg MPA with KRP-203 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg). MPA, KRP-203, and vehicle were given orally. RESULTS The mean days of survival were 5.8 (vehicle), 7 and 7.9 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg KRP-203, respectively), 12.7 and >54.4 (10 and 20 mg/kg MPA), >39.6 and >30.5 (10 mg/kg MPA with 1 and 3 mg/kg KRP-203), >100 and >87.8 (20 mg/kg MPA with 0.3 and 1 mg/kg KRP-203). Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that diffuse mononuclear cell infiltration (macrophages and T cells), hemorrhage, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, and expression of endothelin-1, transforming growth factor-beta1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-8, and E-selectin were markedly diminished in the allografts treated with MPA combined with KRP-203. Pharmacokinetic experiments indicated no interaction between MPA and KRP-203, and both combination regimens were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of MPA with KRP-203 has a therapeutic potential as a novel immunosuppressant strategy in clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Suzuki
- Division of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Organ Regeneration, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Bédard ELR, Jiang J, Parry N, Wang H, Liu W, Garcia B, Kim P, Chakrabarti S, Buelow R, Zhong R. Peritransplant treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin attenuates chronic renal allograft rejection. Transpl Int 2005; 18:341-9. [PMID: 15730496 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2004.00062.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Allogen-independent injury contributes to chronic rejection in renal allografts and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been shown to be protective in a number of settings. This study evaluated the effect of renal allograft recipient HO-1 up-regulation on chronic rejection in a rat model. Rat (F344 to Lewis) renal transplantation recipients were grouped: (i) cyclosporine (CsA) alone (0.75 mg/kg s.c. x 10 day; n = 5); (ii) CsA + low dose cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) an HO-1 inducer (0.5 mg/kg i.p. on days -5,0,5; n = 13) and (iii) CsA + high dose CoPP (5.0 mg/kg i.p. on days -5,0,5; n = 8). Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine levels on day 140. Histopathologic changes in allografts were graded. Morphometric analyses performed to objectively quantify the vascular changes and glomerulosclerosis. HO-1 expression quantified by Western blot and both HO-1 and endothelin (ET-1) localized using immunohistochemistry. Recipients treated with CsA + high dose CoPP had significantly decreased cortical scarring, vascular hyalinization and intimal thickness. They also had a significant, dose-dependent, reduction in luminal obliteration and glomerulosclerosis by morphometric analyses. This freedom from chronic rejection in recipients treated with CoPP translated into quiescent grafts at postoperative day 140 with immunostaining and Western blot demonstrating decreased level of HO-1 versus controls (P = 0.012). In summary, the peritransplant up-regulation of HO-1 in renal allograft recipients significantly attenuates chronic rejection in rat renal allografts by inhibiting transplant vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L R Bédard
- The Department of Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Boots JMM, Christiaans MHL, van Hooff JP. Effect of immunosuppressive agents on long-term survival of renal transplant recipients: focus on the cardiovascular risk. Drugs 2004; 64:2047-73. [PMID: 15341497 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-200464180-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the control of acute rejection, attention is being focused more and more on the long-term adverse effects of the immunosuppressive agents used. Since cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in renal transplant recipients, optimal control of cardiovascular risk factors is essential in the long-term management of these patients. Unfortunately, several commonly used immunosuppressive drugs interfere with the cardiovascular system. In this review, the cardiovascular adverse effects of the immunosuppressive agents currently used for maintenance immunosuppression are thoroughly discussed. Optimising immunosuppression means finding a balance between efficacy and safety. Corticosteroids induce endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus, and impair fibrinolysis. The use of corticosteroids in transplant recipients is undesirable, not only because of their cardiovascular effects, but also because they induce such adverse effects as osteoporosis, obesity, and atrophy of the skin and vessel wall. Calcineurin inhibitors are the most powerful agents for maintenance immunosuppression. The calcineurin inhibitor ciclosporin (cyclosporine) not only induces these same adverse effects as corticosteroids but is also nephrotoxic. Tacrolimus has a more favourable cardiovascular risk profile than ciclosporin and is also less nephrotoxic. It has little or no effect on blood pressure and serum lipids; however, its diabetogenic effect is more prominent in the period immediately following transplantation, although at maintenance dosages, the diabetogenic effect appears to be comparable to that of ciclosporin. The diabetogenic effect of tacrolimus can be managed by reducing the dose of tacrolimus and early corticosteroid withdrawal. The effect of tacrolimus on endothelial function has not been completely elucidated. The proliferation inhibitors azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) have little effect on the cardiovascular system. Yet, indirectly, by inducing anaemia, they may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. MMF is an attractive alternative to azathioprine because of its higher potency and possibly lower risk of malignancies. Sirolimus also induces anaemia, but may be promising because of its antiproliferative features. Whether the hyperlipidaemia induced by sirolimus counteracts its beneficial effects is, as yet, unknown. It may be combined with MMF, however, initial attempts resulted in severe mouth ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M M Boots
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Shimizu H, Takahashi M, Takeda SI, Inoue S, Fujishiro J, Hakamata Y, Kaneko T, Murakami T, Takeuchi K, Takeyoshi I, Morishita Y, Kobayashi E. MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL PREVENTS TRANSPLANT ARTERIOSCLEROSIS BY DIRECT INHIBITION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL PROLIFERATION1. Transplantation 2004; 77:1661-7. [PMID: 15201664 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000127592.13707.b6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND.: Transplant arteriosclerosis is one of the main features of chronic graft failure in organ transplantation. In this article, the authors investigate mechanisms of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on prevention of transplant arteriosclerosis in a rat aortic allograft model. METHODS Orthotopic rat abdominal aortic transplantation was performed from Brown Norway (RT1) to Lewis (RT1) rats. The recipients were divided into three oral treatment groups: (1). vehicle; (2). MMF40 (40 mg/kg); and (3). MMF20 (20 mg/kg). The authors histologically and immunohistochemically evaluated neointima formation; infiltration of macrophages and T cells; and expression of endothelin (ET)-1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B, PDGF receptor-beta (Rbeta), transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1, and osteopontin (OPN). Using cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), effects of mycophenolic acid (MPA) on ET-1-induced proliferation and ERK1/2 activation were also examined in vitro. RESULTS In the vehicle group, marked neointima formation was observed, with massive macrophages and T-cell infiltration in neointima, media, and adventitia. Marked expression of ET-1, PDGF-B, PDGFR-beta, TGFbeta1, and OPN were also observed in neointima. In the MMF40 and MMF20 groups, neointima formation was halted, but macrophages and T cells were infiltrated in the adventitia and adhered to the endothelium. In the MMF40 group, medial infiltration by macrophages and T cells and intimal expression of ET-1, PDGF-B, PDGFR-beta, TGFbeta1, and OPN was inhibited compared with the vehicle and MMF20 groups. Furthermore, MPA inhibited ET-1-induced VSMC proliferation but failed to inhibit its ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSIONS MMF treatment might have preventive potential in transplant patients with chronic vasculopathy through inhibition of VSMC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Shimizu
- Division of Organ Replacement Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan
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Mark W, Schneeberger S, Seiler R, Stroka DM, Amberger A, Offner F, Candinas D, Margreiter R. Sinomenine blocks tissue remodeling in a rat model of chronic cardiac allograft rejection. Transplantation 2003; 75:940-5. [PMID: 12698077 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000056610.22062.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rejection (CR) with graft vasculopathy is recognized as a major cause of graft loss over time. Sinomenine (SN) has anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and immunomodulatory effects. Previously, we demonstrated antimacrophage and anti-T cell effects of SN in acute rejection. In the current study, we investigated the effect of SN in a rat cardiac allograft model of CR. MATERIALS AND METHODS After a brief course of cyclosporine A (CsA), Lewis recipients of F344 hearts were treated with SN alone, CsA alone, or a combination of both drugs. Grafts were analyzed morphometrically and by immunohistochemistry. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelin 1 was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Antidonor IgM formation was investigated by FACS. RESULTS Cardiac grafts from SN-treated rats showed less pronounced vasculopathy in comparison with untreated rats or CsA-treated recipients. After treatment with a combination of both drugs, rats had significantly less graft vasculopathy than rats receiving either drug alone. Treatment with CsA alone led to a decrease in bFGF expression, whereas SN alone did not affect gene expression. SN in combination with CsA, however, markedly reduced expression of bFGF, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelin 1. SN alone did not inhibit antidonor antibody formation. CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate for the first time the therapeutic value of SN in a model of chronic cardiac allograft rejection. SN in combination with low-dose T cell-targeted immunosuppression is effective in controlling tissue remodeling in the context of CR and is associated with inhibition of intragraft expression of mediators involved in angiogenesis, vascular tone, and tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mark
- Department of Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Weis M, Cooke JP. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy and dysregulation of the NO synthase pathway. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2003; 23:567-75. [PMID: 12649081 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000067060.31369.f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is the most aggressive form of atherosclerosis in humans and is the leading cause of death after the first year of heart transplantation. Endothelial dysfunction is a major contributing factor to the acceleration of coronary vascular disease in these individuals. A reflection of this endothelial dysfunction is the severe impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilation that occurs early after transplantation. The etiology of this allograft endothelial alteration is multifactorial and may include preexisting atherosclerosis of the graft vessels, reperfusion injury during transplantation, denervation, disruption of the lymphatic system, and acute and chronic immune injury, as well as traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or hyperhomocysteinemia) and pathogens, such as cytomegalovirus. The alteration in endothelial function affects vasomotor tone of the coronary arteries. Evidence indicates that there may be an impairment of endothelial production and/or activity of NO. Because NO is a potent vasodilator, its deficiency would explain the abnormal vasomotor tone in these individuals. In addition, because NO inhibits key processes in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, its absence may contribute to the acceleration of transplant vascular disease. Recent studies from our group and others have shed light on the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and its importance in cardiac allograft vasculopathy. In addition, the alteration in endothelial function contributes to vascular inflammation and progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif 94305-5406, USA
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15
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Vamvakopoulos J, Häyry P. Cytomegalovirus and transplant arteriopathy: evidence for a link is mounting, but the jury is still out. Transplantation 2003; 75:742-3. [PMID: 12669719 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000054929.87347.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joannis Vamvakopoulos
- Rational Drug Design Programme, Biomedicum Helsinki and Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Jelicks LA, Chandra M, Shirani J, Shtutin V, Tang B, Christ GJ, Factor SM, Wittner M, Huang H, Weiss LM, Mukherjee S, Bouzahzah B, Petkova SB, Teixeira MM, Douglas SA, Loredo ML, D'Orleans-Juste P, Tanowitz HB. Cardioprotective effects of phosphoramidon on myocardial structure and function in murine Chagas' disease. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32:1497-506. [PMID: 12392915 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(02)00136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease is an important cause of cardiomyopathy. Endothelin-1, a vasoactive peptide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chagasic cardiomyopathy. C57BL/6 x 129sv and CD1 mice were thus, infected with trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain) and these infected mice were compared with infected mice treated with phosphoramidon. This compound inhibits endothelin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidases and does not affect the growth of the parasite in culture. Phosphoramidon was given in a dose of 10mg/kg for the initial 15 days post-infection None of the C57Bl/6 x 129sv mice died as a result of infection. However, there was marked myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in infected, untreated mice. The hearts of the infected, phosphoramidon-treated mice showed significantly less pathology. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of infected mice revealed right ventricular dilation that was less severe in those treated with phosphoramidon. Phosphoramidon-treated CD1 mice survived the acute infection. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular dilation and reduced percent fractional shortening and relative wall thickness. These alterations were also attenuated as a result of phosphoramidon treatment. These data suggest that endothelin-1 contributes to the pathogenesis of chagasic cardiomyopathy and interventions that inhibit the synthesis of endothelin-1 and/or neutral endopeptidase might have a protective effect on myocardial structure and function in murine Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Jelicks
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weis
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
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Cantin B, Zhu D, Wen P, Panchal SN, Dai X, Gwathmey JK, Reaven GM, Valantine HA. Reversal of diabetes-induced rat graft transplant coronary artery disease by metformin. J Heart Lung Transplant 2002; 21:637-43. [PMID: 12057696 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00768-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of diabetes in rat heterotopic heart transplantation models leads to an accelerated form of severe transplant coronary artery disease (TxCAD). We undertook this study to determine whether treatment of diabetes with metformin would favorably affect TxCAD. METHODS Heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation was performed in rat isograft and allograft models. After transplantation, diabetes was induced with streptozotocin. Fifty percent of the animals received metformin at 500 mg/kg twice daily. We quantitatively assessed TxCAD using histologic sections of harvested hearts at 30 and 60 days with computer-assisted morphometry. We compared vessels in the first tertile of the area distribution with vessels in the last tertile. RESULTS Fasting glucose levels in metformin-treated animals were 161 +/- 45 mg/dl compared with 400 +/- 120 mg/dl (p < 0.05) in untreated rats. Treatment with metformin led to decreased diabetes-induced TxCAD in the larger vessels. This effect was sustained during the study course in the isografts but not in the allografts. Treatment with metformin did not prevent progression of TxCAD in the smaller vessels at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS Metformin reduced luminal occlusion and severe TxCAD in the larger vessels but did not alter the course of TxCAD in the smaller vessels. These results may have therapeutic implications for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Cantin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5406, USA
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19
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Ferri C, Properzi G, Tomassoni G, Santucci A, Desideri G, Giuliani AE, Starling RC, Ratliff NB, Cook DJ, McCarthy P, Young JB, Yamani MH. Patterns of myocardial endothelin-1 expression and outcome after cardiac transplantation. Circulation 2002; 105:1768-71. [PMID: 11956116 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000015606.69079.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, is released in response to several inflammatory cytokines after heart transplantation. The present study correlated patterns of myocardial ET-1 expression in heart biopsies with acute rejection, post-transplantation ischemic injury, and subsequent development of coronary vasculopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS Patterns of myocardial ET-1 expression were evaluated in 47 heart transplant recipients at 3 months after transplant. Transplant vasculopathy was documented by coronary angiography at 2 years after transplant. Expression of ET-1 was tabulated for both blood vessels and the interstitium. Vascular ET-1 expression was positive in 7/17 (41%) of patients with greater than grade 2 (International Society Heart Lung Transplant) rejection compared with 3/30 (10%) of patients with grade 0 and grade 1A rejection (P=0.02). Compared with patients with negative interstitial ET-1 expression (n=22), patients with positive interstitial ET-1 expression (n=25) had higher incidence of post-transplantation ischemic injury (52% versus 9%, P=0.002), lower mean episodes of acute rejection (> or = grade 2) during the first 3 months of transplant (1.09+/-0.66 versus 1.86+/-1.6, P=0.048), and more common vasculopathy at 2 years (50% versus 15%, P=0.02), and they tended to have worse survival (83.2% versus 100%, P=0.058). CONCLUSIONS Vascular ET-1 expression is likely to be associated with acute rejection. Interstitial ET-1 expression, however, is more likely to be associated with post-transplantation ischemic injury and subsequent development of coronary vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ferri
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, Italy
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20
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Simonson MS, Robinson AV, Schulak JA, Hricik DE. Inhibition of endothelin-1 improves survival and vasculopathy in rat cardiac transplants treated with cyclosporine. Transplantation 2002; 73:1054-9. [PMID: 11965031 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200204150-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animal models, endothelin-1 (ET-1) blockade attenuates transplant vasculopathy and chronic allograft dysfunction even in the absence of cyclosporine (CsA). As CsA has side effects and ET-1 antagonism alone has significant benefits, we postulated that allograft survival could be significantly improved by combining an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor with low-dose CsA. METHODS Survival of Lewis to Fisher 344 rat heterotopic cardiac allografts was determined in untreated animals and compared with those treated with high-dose CsA (62 mg/kg i.m. on day 2), low-dose CsA (25 mg/kg), an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor, phosphoramidon (PA, 10 mg/kg/day), or low-dose CsA + PA. RESULTS Untreated allografts had a median survival of 16 days compared with 20 days for low-dose CsA. Grafts treated with PA survived for 28 days, and combination of PA and low-dose CsA improved median survival to 47 days (P<0.01). Median survival with combination therapy was similar to that for high-dose CsA (42 days). To explore mechanisms underlying the benefits of combination therapy, cardiac allografts treated as above (n=4 each group) were explanted at 20 d and analyzed for parenchymal rejection, neointimal vasculopathy, myocardial fibrosis, and macrophage infiltration. Low-dose CsA alone but not PA improved parenchymal rejection; in contrast, PA alone but not low-dose CsA improved vasculopathy. Both parenchymal rejection and vasculopathy were improved by combination therapy with low-dose CsA and PA. Unlike CsA, inhibition of ET-1 biosynthesis significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis in allografts. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the combination of low-dose CsA and endothelin-converting enzyme inhibition may prove useful to improve long-term graft survival while minimizing potential side effects of CsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Simonson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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21
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Sihvola RK, Pulkkinen VP, Koskinen PK, Lemström KB. Crosstalk of endothelin-1 and platelet-derived growth factor in cardiac allograft arteriosclerosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002; 39:710-7. [PMID: 11849873 DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(01)01782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the crosstalk of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in coronary artery smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in the rat cardiac allograft model. BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested an independent role of ET-1 and PDGF in the development of cardiac allograft arteriosclerosis (i.e., chronic rejection). METHODS Heterotopic heart transplantations were performed from Dark Agouti to Wistar Furth rats. Grafts were harvested after five days in an acute rejection model and after 60 days in a chronic rejection model. In the in vitro part of the study, SMC proliferation and migration were quantitated, as well as messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of ET-1 and PDGF ligands and receptors after growth factor stimulation. RESULTS Acute rejection induced both ET-1 receptors in the arterial wall. On linear regression analysis of chronically rejecting cardiac allografts, a strong correlation between intimal thickening and immunoreactivity of ET-1 and ET receptors A and B (ET(A) and ET(B)) in the arterial walls was observed. Treatment with Bosentan, a mixed ET-1 receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the incidence and intensity of arteriosclerotic lesions in rat cardiac allografts, as well as total intragraft ET(A) and ET(B) mRNA expression and intimal cell ET-1 and receptor immunoreactivity. This was associated with significantly reduced intragraft PDGF beta-receptor (PDGF-Rbeta) mRNA expression. In contrast, CGP 53716, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor selective for the PDGF receptor, did not reduce intragraft ET-1, ET(A) or ET(B) mRNA expression. In rat coronary artery SMC cultures, ET-1 stimulation significantly upregulated PDGF-Ralpha and -Rbeta mRNA expression and augmented PDGF-BB-mediated SMC proliferation as well as PDGF-AB- and PDGF-BB-mediated SMC migration. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the ET-1/PDGF-Rbeta/PDGF-BB axis may operate in SMC migration and proliferation in cardiac allograft arteriosclerosis, thus explaining the marked beneficial effects of blocking the signaling downstream of ET-1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roope K Sihvola
- Cardiopulmonary Research Group, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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22
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Cantin B, Wen P, Zhu D, Dai M, Panchal SN, Billingham ME, Gwathmey JK, Valantine HA. Transplant coronary artery disease: a novel model independent of cellular alloimmune response. Circulation 2001; 104:2615-9. [PMID: 11714659 DOI: 10.1161/hc4601.099398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allograft coronary atherosclerosis (TxCAD) is the leading cause of death after the first year after transplantation. TxCAD is believed to be a form of chronic rejection of the cardiac allografts. This study was undertaken to determine whether TxCAD could develop in the absence of a cellular alloimmune response. METHODS AND RESULTS Inbred lean Zucker rats (>26 generations) served as donors and recipients of the cardiac grafts. Donor hearts were explanted at 60 or 90 days. Explanted hearts were processed for coronary artery histological analysis. Cytokine expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the presence of T cells within the explanted hearts was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Forty-six transplantations were made, and TxCAD developed in all but one of the transplanted hearts. Overall, one third of the vessels examined were affected by TxCAD, and in roughly half of these vessels, the disease was severe. Native hearts were free of atherosclerosis. Interleukin-2 was absent from the transplanted hearts, and T cells were present in minimal amounts (<1 per low-power field). CONCLUSIONS TxCAD developed in the absence of a cellular alloimmune response in these genetically similar donors and recipients. The observed TxCAD was significant and comparable to what is found in rat allografting models.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cantin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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23
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Uhlmann D, Witzigmann H, Senninger N, Hauss J, Spiegel HU. Protective role of an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor (FR901533) in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Microvasc Res 2001; 62:43-54. [PMID: 11421659 DOI: 10.1006/mvre.2001.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that endothelin (ET) contributes to disturbances of the hepatic microcirculation after warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) by causing vasoconstriction and by enhancing leukocyte endothelium interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible protective role of the endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor FR901533 in this setting. METHODS In an in vivo model (42 Wistar rats), hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min by Pringle's maneuver. Sham operated (I), untreated ischemic (II), and treatment (III) groups with FR901533 (1 mg/kg bw iv) were investigated. The effect of FR901533 in I/R was assessed by in vivo microscopy (30-90 min after reperfusion), measurement of local tissue pO2 (30 and 60 min after reperfusion), and determination of AST/ALT levels (2 h, 6 h, and 2, 6, and 14 days after reperfusion). RESULTS In the untreated ischemic group (II) sinusoidal constriction to 76.3 +/- 4.2% of basic diameters was observed, leading to significant decreases in perfusion rate (82.3 +/- 3.6% of sham group) and in liver tissue pO(2) (43.5 +/- 3.2% of sham group) (P < 0.05). In addition, we found an increased percentage of stagnant leukocytes in sinusoids (138.3 +/- 9.8) and sticking leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules (155.2 +/- 3.3% of sham group) (P < 0.05). Hepatocellular damage (AST/ALT increase to 430.6 +/- 47.7 U/L/200.2 +/- 23.8 U/L, pre: 27.4 +/- 2.7 U/L/28.1 +/- 2.7 U/L) was detected 6 h after reperfusion (P < 0.05). Administration of the ECE inhibitor before ischemia significantly reduced I/R injury. Sinusoidal diameters were maintained (102.2 +/- 1.7%), while perfusion rate (93.1 +/- 1.8%) and tissue pO2 (105.3 +/- 2.7%) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Hepatocellular damage was decreased (AST/ALT levels after 6 h of reperfusion: 166.6 +/- 26.3 U/L/132.4 +/- 22.5 U/L, P < 0.05) and leukocyte sticking and rolling were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results provide evidence that the new therapeutic approach with an ECE inhibitor is effective in reducing hepatic I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Uhlmann
- Second Department of Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
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24
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Charpin JM, Stern M, Lebrun G, Aubin P, Grenet D, Israël-Biet D. Increased endothelin-1 associated with bacterial infection in lung transplant recipients. Transplantation 2001; 71:1840-7. [PMID: 11455267 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200106270-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has fibrogenic and inflammatory properties. Its pathogenic role in pulmonary fibrosis and certain inflammatory airway diseases is now well known. Its production is, in part, triggered by infectious processes. Episodes of infection are suspected to be involved in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which is the main feature of chronic lung rejection and the major factor limiting the long-term survival of transplanted patients. We postulated that ET-1 is upregulated during infectious complications arising from the graft and that this could partly explain the remodeling of airway structures observed in BOS. We, therefore, set up this study to assess ET-1 expression in relation to complications of the graft in human lung transplant recipients. METHODS ET-1 mRNA was quantified by reverse transcription-competitive polymerase chain reaction in cells from 119 samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from 17 lung transplant recipients. ET-1 and big ET-1 proteins were assessed in BAL cell culture supernatants by enzyme immunoassay. Transbronchial biopsies (n=21) were stained immunohistochemically for ET-1 receptors. RESULTS Episodes of bacterial infection strongly correlated with increased ET-1 mRNA and protein expression. ET-1 receptors were also upregulated during these episodes, especially on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Five of the seven patients with the highest ET-1 levels subsequently developed BOS. CONCLUSIONS These results raise the possibility that ET-1, part of whose production is triggered by infectious postgraft complications, might play a role in the development of BOS through its potential effects on airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Charpin
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie Pulmonaire, UPRES EA 220, UFR Biomédicale des Sts Pères, Université Paris V, Paris, France
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25
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Miniati DN, Robbins RC. Oxidative stress and graft coronary artery disease: Early factors contributing to late outcomes. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0955-470x(05)80005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
An increasing number of immunosuppressive drugs became available for clinical use over the past few decades. These include substances with recently recognized immunosuppressive properties, which needed careful evaluation in various trials before they could be approved for use in different diseases. The effectiveness of other agents was already established, but knowledge about their modes of action or the mechanisms that lead to side effects was acquired much later. This understanding also contributed to the development of new drugs that display synergistic effects or lack certain adverse effects. The greater choice afforded by such research endeavours allows us to select the best therapeutic strategy for an individual patient; however, this requires a comprehensive knowledge of the available options. The present review provides an update of current knowledge of the most important substances (including calcineurin and target of rapamycin inhibitors, regulators of gene expression, and inhibitors of purine and pyrimidine synthesis) and surveys some of the novel agents that are expected to play an important role in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pohanka
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University of Vienna, Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
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Chareandee C, Herman WH, Hricik DE, Simonson MS. Elevated endothelin-1 in tubular epithelium is associated with renal allograft rejection. Am J Kidney Dis 2000; 36:541-9. [PMID: 10977786 DOI: 10.1053/ajkd.2000.9795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels are elevated in patients with renal allograft rejection, and the mitogenic and pressor actions of ET-1 might contribute to transplant vasculopathy, posttransplantation hypertension, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In contrast, relatively little is known about tubular expression of ET-1 in acute or chronic rejection of renal allografts. We sought to determine whether tubular ET-1 levels were altered in patients with acute or chronic renal allograft rejection. Immunohistochemical analysis of tubular ET-1 was performed in renal biopsy specimens from 18 patients with acute rejection, 7 patients with chronic rejection, and 5 normal kidneys excised for localized neoplasm. The diagnosis of acute or chronic rejection in each patient was verified and graded using the Banff schema. Renal tubular epithelium from patients with allograft rejection had markedly elevated staining for ET-1 compared with normal kidneys. Tubular ET-1 levels were elevated in 18 of 18 patients with acute rejection and 5 of 7 patients with chronic rejection. Tubular ET-1 staining was graded from 0 to +3 as follows: normal kidneys, 1.2 +/- 0.2; acute rejection, 2.3 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.01); and chronic rejection, 2.2 +/- 0.5 (P < 0.01). ET-1 staining was prominent in both proximal and distal tubules, and we observed abundant ET-1 secretion from proximal tubular epithelium in culture. Moreover, ET-1 activated the c-fos immediate early gene promoter in proximal tubular cells transfected with a c-fos luciferase reporter. We conclude that elevated tubular ET-1 levels are associated with acute and chronic rejection of renal allografts. Our results also suggest distinct pathophysiological roles for the tubular and vascular ET-1 systems in renal allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chareandee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
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28
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Deng DX, Jiang J, Garcia B, Zhong R, Chakrabarti S. Endothelin-1, endothelin-3 and their receptors (endothelin Aand endothelin B) in chronic renal transplant rejection in rats. Transpl Int 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2000.tb01063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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