In vivo oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) aopp and tas after kidney transplantation: a prospective, randomized one year study comparing cyclosporine a and tacrolimus based regiments

Immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation in adults: a systematic review and economic model

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease is a long-term irreversible decline in kidney function requiring renal replacement therapy: kidney transplantation, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The preferred option is kidney transplantation, followed by immunosuppressive therapy (induction and maintenance therapy) to reduce the risk of kidney rejection and prolong graft survival.

OBJECTIVES

To review and update the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab (BAS) (Simulect(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd) and rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG) (Thymoglobulin(®), Sanofi) as induction therapy, and immediate-release tacrolimus (TAC) (Adoport(®), Sandoz; Capexion(®), Mylan; Modigraf(®), Astellas Pharma; Perixis(®), Accord Healthcare; Prograf(®), Astellas Pharma; Tacni(®), Teva; Vivadex(®), Dexcel Pharma), prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf(®) Astellas Pharma), belatacept (BEL) (Nulojix(®), Bristol-Myers Squibb), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (Arzip(®), Zentiva; CellCept(®), Roche Products; Myfenax(®), Teva), mycophenolate sodium (MPS) (Myfortic(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd), sirolimus (SRL) (Rapamune(®), Pfizer) and everolimus (EVL) (Certican(®), Novartis) as maintenance therapy in adult renal transplantation.

METHODS

Clinical effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Online Library) and Web of Science (via ISI), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment (The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library) and Health Management Information Consortium (via Ovid). Cost-effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 using a costs or economic literature search filter in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (via Wiley Online Library), Web of Science (via ISI), Health Economic Evaluations Database (via Wiley Online Library) and the American Economic Association's electronic bibliography (via EconLit, EBSCOhost). Included studies were selected according to predefined methods and criteria. A random-effects model was used to analyse clinical effectiveness data (odds ratios for binary data and mean differences for continuous data). Network meta-analyses were undertaken within a Bayesian framework. A new discrete time-state transition economic model (semi-Markov) was developed, with acute rejection, graft function (GRF) and new-onset diabetes mellitus used to extrapolate graft survival. Recipients were assumed to be in one of three health states: functioning graft, graft loss or death.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs), of variable quality, were included. For induction therapy, no treatment appeared more effective than another in reducing graft loss or mortality. Compared with placebo/no induction, rATG and BAS appeared more effective in reducing biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) and BAS appeared more effective at improving GRF. For maintenance therapy, no treatment was better for all outcomes and no treatment appeared most effective at reducing graft loss. BEL + MMF appeared more effective than TAC + MMF and SRL + MMF at reducing mortality. MMF + CSA (ciclosporin), TAC + MMF, SRL + TAC, TAC + AZA (azathioprine) and EVL + CSA appeared more effective than CSA + AZA and EVL + MPS at reducing BPAR. SRL + AZA, TAC + AZA, TAC + MMF and BEL + MMF appeared to improve GRF compared with CSA + AZA and MMF + CSA. In the base-case deterministic and probabilistic analyses, BAS, MMF and TAC were predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). When comparing all regimens, only BAS + TAC + MMF was cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

For included trials, there was substantial methodological heterogeneity, few trials reported follow-up beyond 1 year, and there were insufficient data to perform subgroup analysis. Treatment discontinuation and switching were not modelled.

FUTURE WORK

High-quality, better-reported, longer-term RCTs are needed. Ideally, these would be sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis and include health-related quality of life as an outcome.

CONCLUSION

Only a regimen of BAS induction followed by maintenance with TAC and MMF is likely to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013189.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

The Characteristics and Roles of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products in Atherosclerosis

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are novel biomarkers of oxidative damage to proteins and a novel class of inflammatory mediators. AOPPs can promote oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation and thus participate in many pathophysiological disease processes. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels that is characterized by low-density lipoprotein infiltration into the endothelial intima and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Inflammation and OS are established risk factors for the formation of atherosclerosis. Accumulated studies show that AOPPs can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis through OS and inflammation. Additionally, AOPPs can accelerate the formation of atherosclerotic plaques by inhibiting high-density lipoprotein receptor scavenger receptor class B type I-mediated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reverse transport, leading to metabolic disturbances. Some studies have suggested that plasma AOPPs levels are independently positively correlated with blood pressure and are also independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. AOPPs can trigger oxidative bursts of neutrophils, monocytes and phagocytic cells, increase the generation of reactive oxygen species and promote the secretion of cytokines to accelerate endothelial cell injury. Detecting the levels and inhibiting the formation of AOPPs may provide a novel approach to monitor the progress and improve the prognosis of atherosclerosis.

Nutritional status, energy expenditure, and protein oxidative stress after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between nutritional status, resting energy expenditure (REE), and protein oxidative stress in patients after kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODOLOGY

The study evaluated 35 patients transplanted at the time of hospital discharge and 3 months after regarding: body composition, REE (by indirect calorimetry), and injury factor (IF); serum urea, creatinine, glucose, albumin, total protein, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), vitamin C.

RESULTS

Three months after discharge, there was an improvement in renal function, nutritional status, and oxidative stress, with a standardization in the REE/kg. There was an increase in body weight, mainly in fat mass. The correlations showed that a greater cold ischemia time resulted in a deeper decline in vitamin C; a longer hospital length stay resulted in a greater reduction in AOPP; the higher preoperative body weight showed greater increases in body fat and glucose after transplantation. For decreases in REE and IF, there were increases in total protein. Finally, at hospital discharge there was a greater gain in weight, lower albumin, and total protein among individuals who had rejection episodes.

DISCUSSION

The KT improves many of metabolic abnormalities, with the improvement of nutritional status, oxidative stress, and normalization of REE.

Increased Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Generation by Cyclosporine-A and Angiotensin II in Human Gingival Fibroblasts - Ex-vivo Study

INTRODUCTION

Cyclosporin-A (CsA), an immunosuppressant, induces renal fibrosis and Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) is known to play a major role. CsA has the potential to increase the oxidative stress; specifically through the Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) which could possibly stimulate fibrosis. A similar type of pathology occurs even in the gingiva known as CsA Induced Gingival Overgrowth (CIGO).

AIM

This study was undertaken to estimate the AOPP generation by Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) under the influence of CsA and Angiotensin II (Ang II).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six healthy gingival tissue samples were obtained during crown lengthening procedure and primary HGF were cultured using enzymatic digestion method. The ideal non-cytotoxic concentrations of CsA and Ang II were identified using cytotoxicity assay. Later, HGF were incubated with CsA and Ang II for 12 hours and AOPP assay was performed at zero and one hour interval.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in AOPP production in both the CsA and Ang II when compared to the control group with a p value<0.05.

CONCLUSION

CsA can induce oxidative stress and preventing/controlling it may be necessary to prevent untoward effect of the drug.

Oxidative stress is associated with weight gain in recipients at 12-months following kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Weight gain after kidney transplantation (Tx) is considered a risk factor for poor outcomes. Increased oxidative stress is associated with not only chronic renal disease and Tx, but also obesity and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this pilot study was to test whether oxidative stress is related to weight gain at 12-months after kidney Tx and to obtain preliminary insight into potential mechanisms involved.

DESIGN & METHODS

Recipients (n=33) were classified into two groups; weight loss and weight gain, based on their weight changes at 12-months post-transplant. Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were measured to evaluate oxidative stress from plasma at baseline and 12-months. A secondary data analysis was conducted to identify potential gene regulation.

RESULTS

Seventeen recipients lost (-6.63±5.52kg), and sixteen recipients gained weight (8.94±6.18kg). TAOC was significantly decreased at 12-months compared to baseline for the total group, however, there was no significant difference between groups at either time point. TBARS was higher in weight gain group, at both time points, and it was significantly higher at 12-months (p=0.012). Gene expression profiling analysis showed that 7 transcripts annotated to reactive oxygen species related genes in adipose tissue were expressed significantly lower in weight gain group at baseline, which might be a negative feedback mechanism to reduce oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

These results may indicate that elevated oxidative stress (TBARS) is associated with weight gain after kidney Tx and that incorporating early clinical prevention strategies known to decrease oxidative stress could be recommended.

Effects of calcineurin inhibitors on paraoxonase and arylesterase activity after a kidney transplant

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney failure, before and after a kidney transplant. Oxidation of lipoproteins that contain apolipoprotein B may contribute to the initiation of atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase may prevent cardiovascular disease. We compared the effects of different calcineurin inhibitors on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in kidney transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 16 kidney transplant recipients, treatment included tacrolimus in 8 patients and cyclosporine in 8 patients. Hemoglobin, glucose, renal function, lipid parameters, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine, malondialdehyde, paraoxonase activity, and arylesterase activity were measured before transplant and at 1, 6, and 12 months after the transplant.

RESULTS

The levels of homocysteine and malondialdehyde did not change significantly in patients who received either tacrolimus or cyclosporine. The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was decreased (tacrolimus group, 1 mo) and increased (cyclosporine group, 6 and 12 mo) after the kidney transplant. Paraoxonase activity was increased (tacrolimus group, 1 mo). Arylesterase activity was increased (tacrolimus group, 1, 6, and 12 mo; cyclosporine group, 1 and 6 mo). The percentage of change in arylesterase activity was higher at 12 months in the tacrolimus than in the cyclosporine group.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus may be more effective than cyclosporine in improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease after kidney transplant.

The essential role of annexin A1 mimetic peptide in the skin allograft survival

Immunosuppressive drugs have a critical role in inhibiting tissue damage and allograft rejection. Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of the annexin A1 (AnxA1) in the regulation of transmigration and apoptosis of leucocytes. In the present study, an experimental skin allograft model was used to evaluate a potential protective effect of AnxA1 in transplantation survival. Mice were used for the skin allograft model and pharmacological treatments were carried out using either the AnxA1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26, with or without cyclosporine A (CsA), starting 3 days before surgery until rejection. Graft survival, skin histopathology, leucocyte transmigration and expression of AnxA1 and AnxA5 post-transplantation were analysed. Pharmacological treatment with Ac2-26 increased skin allograft survival related with inhibition of neutrophil transmigration and induction of apoptosis, thereby reducing the tissue damage compared with control animals. Moreover, AnxA1 and AnxA5 expression increased after Ac2-26 treatment in neutrophils. Interestingly, the combination of Ac2-26 and cyclosporine A showed similar survival of transplants when compared with the cyclosporine A group, which could be attributed to a synergistic effect of both drugs. Investigations in vitro revealed that cyclosporine A inhibited extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation induced by Ac2-26 in neutrophils. Overall, the results suggest that AnxA1 has an essential role in augmenting the survival of skin allograft, mainly owing to inhibition of neutrophil transmigration and enhancement of apoptosis. This effect may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches relevant to transplant rejection.