Protective effects of atorvastatin on chronic allograft nephropathy in rats

OBJECTIVE: Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is the leading cause of late kidney allograft loss. Recent studies have suggested that atorvastatin (ATO) may interact with the acute inflammatory process in the renal interstitium and suppress the proliferation of mesangial cells. We hypothesized that ATO could also inhibit the chronic inflammatory process and prevent the progression of CAN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fisher (F344) kidneys were orthotopically transplanted into Lewis rat recipients. Lewis-to-Lewis rat kidney transplantation was served as the syngeneic control (Syn group). Allograft recipients were randomized and treated with cyclosporine A alone (Allo group) or in combination with ATO (15 or 30 mg/kg/d intrgastric, respectively, the low dose treatment group/high dose treatment group [LT/HT] groups). Renal function and the urine protein excretion were analyzed. Animals were sacrificed 20 weeks posttransplantation for histological and immunohistochemical studies, as well as analysis of mRNA levels of cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS: Renal function progressively deteriorated and substantial proteinuria developed in the Allo group compared with the Syn group. ATO-treated rats had significantly higher creatinine clearance rate and less amount of proteinuria. Histological examination revealed obvious features of CAN in the Allo group, whereas LT/HT groups demonstrated minimal glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, intimal thickening, and tubular atrophy. The numbers of infiltrating mononuclear cells (ED1+, CD8+, and CD68+) decreased markedly, and the intragraft expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and collagen III were also significantly attenuated in the LT/HT groups, as compared with the Allo group. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, interleukin-10), chemokines (RANTES, MCP-1), and profibrotic genes (TGF-beta1, collagen III) were significantly down-regulated in ATO-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin showed excellent favorable effects on blocking renal inflammation and fibrosis, and thus, efficiently inhibited the development and progression of CAN, which might improve the long-term survival rate of renal allografts.     

Chronic allograft nephropathy

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is the leading cause of renal allograft loss in paediatric renal transplant recipients. CAN is the result of immunological and nonimmunological injury, including acute rejection episodes, hypoperfusion, ischaemia reperfusion, calcineurin toxicity, infection and recurrent disease. The development of CAN is often insidious and may be preceded by subclinical rejection in a well-functioning allograft. Classification of CAN is histological using the Banff classification of renal allograft pathology with classic findings of interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, fibrointimal hyperplasia and arteriolar hyalinosis. Although improvement in immunosuppression has led to greater 1-year graft survival rates, chronic graft loss remains relatively unchanged and opportunistic infectious complications remain a problem. Protocol biopsy monitoring is not current practice in paediatric transplantation for CAN monitoring but may have a place if new treatment options become available. Newer immunosuppression regimens, closer monitoring of the renal allograft and management of subclinical rejection may lead to reduced immune injury leading to CAN in the paediatric population but must be weighed against the risk of increased immunosuppression and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.     

Contrast-enhanced sonography as early diagnostic tool of chronic allograft nephropathy.

A resistance index (RI) obtained by colour Doppler ultrasonographyis a standard procedure in the routine diagnosis of renal allografts,and has recently been shown to be associated not only with allograft,but also with patient survival [1]. Although the value of colourDoppler ultrasonography of the renal allograft—especiallyin the early post-operative period—is undisputed, uncertaintiespersist as to its diagnostic and prognostic value and its clinicalapplication. It is worth noting that RI not only reflects renovascularresistance, but also indirectly reflects haemodynamic parameterssuch as elasticity     

Renoprotective effects of the AGE-inhibitor pyridoxamine in experimental chronic allograft nephropathy in rats.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The AGE formation inhibitor pyridoxamine (PM) is renoprotective in DN and in normoglycaemic obese Zucker rats. In chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), renal AGE accumulation occurs as well. METHODS: To investigate whether inhibition of AGE formation is renoprotective in CAN, we studied the Fisher 344 to Lewis (F-L) allograft rat model of experimental CAN. Fisher to Fisher (F-F) isografts served as controls. Proteinuria, renal function and renal histology of untreated transplanted rats (F-L n = 8, F-F n = 8) were compared to rats receiving PM 2 g/l in drinking water for 20 weeks starting at transplantation (F-L n = 5, F-F n = 10). All rats received cyclosporin A (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 10 days after transplantation to prevent early acute rejection. RESULTS: Compared to untreated allografts, PM significantly decreased proteinuria (76 +/- 18 vs 29 +/- 3 mg/day), serum creatinine (130 +/- 12 vs 98 +/- 5 micromol/l), focal glomerulosclerosis (116 +/- 27 vs 16 +/- 5 AU), glomerular macrophage influx (5.6 +/- 0.6 vs 3.3 +/- 1.0), interstitial fibrosis (132 +/- 24 vs 76 +/- 2 AU) and interstitial macrophage influx (47.0 +/- 8.7 vs 15.4 +/- 5.0. Moreover, PM significantly ameliorated tubular accumulation of pentosidine, compared to untreated allografts (2.5 +/- 0.6 vs 0.3 +/- 0.3, all p < 0.05). In the isograft controls, these values did not differ between untreated and PM treated rats. CONCLUSION: PM exerts renoprotective effects and decreases renal pentosidine accumulation in experimental CAN, suggesting a detrimental role for renal AGE accumulation in the pathogenesis of renal damage in this non-diabetic model. These results indicate that inhibition of AGE formation might be a useful adjunct therapy to attenuate CAN.     

Chronic renal allograft nephropathy

Chronic rejection/chronic allograft nephropathy is the most prevalent cause of renal graft loss after the first year post-transplant. Chronic rejection/chronic allograft nephropathy is characterized by a slow progressive deterioration of graft function, often in combination with proteinuria and hypertension. Both immunologic and non-immunologic factors play key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft nephropathy. Acute rejection episodes are the most prevalent risk factor for chronic rejection. Many risk factors for chronic allograft nephropathy have been identified, such as delayed graft function, nephron-dosing mismatch, repeated acute rejection episodes, and pathologically severe rejection. However, the precise pathogenesis of chronic allograft nephropathy remains elusive. The differential diagnosis of immunologically mediated chronic rejection and chronic rejection caused by non-immunologic factors is usually not possible using clinical parameters. The histopathologic findings of chronic allograft nephropathy are progressive interstitial fibrosis and remodelling of the vascular wall, and these findings are nonspecific. However, typical chronic transplant glomerulopathy, which affects glomerular tufts, as well as the multilayering of the peritubular capillary basement membrane, are characteristic of immunologic chronic rejection. Furthermore, in long-surviving patient with an allograft treated with a potent immunosuppressive agent, a calcineurin inhibitor, two or more concomitant independent lesions often develop. Therefore, the term "chronic allograft nephropathy" may be clinically preferable to "chronic rejection" to describe the gradual decline in graft function months or years after transplantation, in the absence of a well defined mechanism of graft dysfunction. The most effective way to prevent chronic allograft nephropathy is to avoid any kind of graft damage via either immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms. Received: April 1, 2000 / Accepted: May 2, 2000     

Post-transplant C-reactive protein monitoring can predict chronic allograft nephropathy

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is a major problem after renal transplantation and chronic inflammation can be one of its promoters. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important marker of inflammation and atherosclerosis. We retrospectively analyzed the predictive role of serum CRP levels on the development of CAN and graft failure. One hundred and twenty-five renal transplant patients were randomly included into the study. Serum CRP levels were measured at pre-transplant period, first month after transplantation and at yearly intervals throughout follow-up. CAN was diagnosed in 40.8% of patients and 82.4% of them had graft failure in 60.9 +/- 36.7 months. There was no difference at pre-transplant CRP levels of patients with and without CAN, but the first month CRP levels were higher in those who experienced CAN. The initial 3-yr mean CRP levels were higher, but not statistically different between the patients with and without CAN. The simultaneously detected CRP levels when CAN were diagnosed was significantly higher in those with CAN. High post-transplant CRP levels at the first month and at the diagnosis of CAN significantly influenced the allograft failure according to the regression analysis. CRP monitoring gives important information about the risk for CAN and graft failure. Therefore, CRP levels should be included in the follow-up data after renal transplantation.     

大豆异黄酮对大鼠慢性移植肾肾病的防治作用

目的通过对肾移植大鼠的饮食营养干预，观察大豆异黄酮对慢性移植肾肾病的防治作用。方法选择近交系雄性Fisher（F344）大鼠作为供者，雄性Lewis（Lew）大鼠作为受者，采用显微外科技术制作肾移植模型。将受者随机分为三组，分别给予高异黄酮大豆蛋白饲料（HIS组）、低异黄酮大豆蛋白饲料（LIS组）或酪蛋白饲料（CAS组）。移植前和移植后第4、12和24周时检测血压，并收集受者的血和尿样，检测尿蛋白和血肌酐含量。24周时处死大鼠获取移植肾，行组织学和免疫组织化学检查。结果在移植后4周时，HIS组受者的尾动脉收缩压、24h尿蛋白含量和血肌酐浓度即低于LIS组和CAS组，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；移植后12周和24周时，HIS组的受者尾动脉收缩压、24h尿蛋白含量和血肌酐浓度均较LIS组和CAS组显著降低（P〈0．05）；移植后24周时，HIS组移植肾组织的间质纤维化和炎症、血管硬化、肾小球硬化和肾小管萎缩等慢性病变均较LIS组和CAS组为轻（P〈0．05）；HIS组移植肾组织中转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）的表达和分泌均较LIS组和CAS组为少（P〈0．05）。结论大豆异黄酮对移植肾功能和结构有保护作用，可作为一种防治慢性移植肾肾病的新方法。     

Chronic allograft nephropathy and nephrotic range proteinuria

While the association between post-transplant nephrotic range proteinuria (PTx-NP) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) has been described, the factors that determine graft survival in such patients are unclear. We retrospectively identified 30 patients with biopsy-proven CAN who presented with PTX-NP between 1988 and 2002. Patients were stratified into two groups according to PTX-NP onset: <1 yr vs. >1 yr post-transplantation. Both groups were comparable with respect to the degree of renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 4.3 +/- 2.5 mg/dL vs. 3.4 +/- 1.5 mg/dL) and proteinuria (4.7 +/- 1.6 gm/d vs. 5.8 +/- 3 gm/d). After a mean follow-up of 14 months post-biopsy, 87% of patients had lost their grafts in both groups (89% vs. 83%, p = NS). Overall, patients with serum creatinine 2 mg/dL (75% vs. 4%, Fisher Exact Probability p = 0.0038). Using Kaplan-Meier estimate, the 5-yr graft survival rate was 100% for patients with serum creatinine 2 mg/dL (p = 0.06). The magnitude of proteinuria beyond 3 gm/d did not influence graft survival. One-half of the patients (n = 15) received therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Graft survival, however, was not different between the patients who received ACEI compared with the patients who did not receive ACEI (13% vs. 13%). PTx-NP related to CAN was associated with poor allograft survival, irrespective of the time of onset of presentation, especially when renal function was reduced at the time of biopsy.     

CD20阳性淋巴细胞在慢性移植肾肾病组织中浸润的意义

目的 探讨肾移植术后慢性移植物肾病(CAN)组织CD20阳性淋巴细胞浸润的临床意义及其机制.方法 选择肾移植术后2年内活检证实为CAN病例为研究对象,应用免疫组织化学方法检测补体C4d的沉积和CD20阳性淋巴细胞在移植肾组织的浸润,同时分析临床随访资料.结果 人选CAN病例44例,其中CD20阳性淋巴细胞浸润13例(29.5％),CD20阴性为31例(70.5％),移植肾组织不同病理分级者中CD20阳性者所占比例的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).44例中,12例(27.3％)出现管周毛细血管内皮细胞(PTC)补体C4d的线性沉积,CD20阳性和阴性者中补体C4d表达阳性率的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).确诊为CAN时移植肾组织CD20为阴性和阳性者的肾功能分别为( 140.8±22.0)μmol/L和(183.5±25.5) μmol/L(P＜0.01),1年后分别为(165.6±37.6)μmol/L和(242.2±59.1 )μmol/L(P＜0.01).结论 CD20阳性淋巴细胞在移植肾组织的浸润与移植物的预后相关,其机制可能不是通过慢性体液免疫反应.     

Upregulation of connective tissue growth factor in a rat model of chronic allograft nephropathy

AIM: To study the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in transplanted rat kidney and its relationship with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). METHODS: Kidney transplantation was performed from Lewis to Fisher 344 allogeneic rat strain, and kidney grafts were harvested at the eighth, 12th and 16th week. The morphological changes were studied, and collagen deposition was determined by Masson trichrome stain. Serum creatinine was examined. The fibrotic process and the CAN grades were evaluated according to Banff 97 schema. The expressions of transforming growth factor beta, CTGF and alpha-smooth muscle actin were detected to assess the development of grafted kidney fibrosis and to discuss their relationships. Spearman correlation was used for correlation study between CTGF expression and development of CAN. RESULTS: Serum creatinine was promoted in a time-dependent manner. Morphological changes suggested that the grafted kidneys were under abnormalities. At the end stage, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was seen; tubular epithelial cells lost their phenotype and interstitial fibrosis was notable. Masson trichrome stain showed significant collagen accumulation in a time-dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting results showed that the transforming growth factor beta, CTGF and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression were markedly promoted compared with the control group. CTGF was mainly expressed in the plasm of proximal tubular epithelial cells based on the severity of CAN. CONCLUSION: Connective tissue growth factor might play an important role in the pathological changes of CAN after kidney transplantation. The expression of CTGF in epithelial cells could act as a molecular marker of interstitial fibrosis and CAN.     

Impact of recurrent disease and chronic allograft nephropathy on the long‐term allograft outcome in patients with IgA nephropathy

Although recurrent IgA nephropathy (IgAN) may lead to graft dysfunction after transplantation, donation from living related donor (LRD), with whom the risk of recurrence may be higher, is not a contraindication. Herein, we evaluated the natural history of allograft in recipients with IgAN and the risk factors influencing long‐term allograft outcome. Recurrence rate and graft survival were assessed retrospectively in 221 IgAN patients, including transplants from 139 LRDs (62.9%). Ten‐year cumulative rate for recurrent IgAN was 30.8%. The operation at younger age and donation from LRD were significant for the recurrence by multivariate analysis. Ten‐year graft survival was affected by recurrent IgAN (61.0% in recurrent IgAN group vs. 85.1% in nonrecurrent, P < 0.01). However, transplants from LRDs did not show poor graft survival when compared with those from other types of donors. In transplants from LRDs, the incidence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) was lower than those in grafts from deceased donors (10.8% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.05). When CAN was considered in addition to recurrence, the variance of graft survival was affected significantly by the development of CAN than by the recurrence. These results suggest that the detection and adequate management of CAN could improve graft outcome in transplant recipients with IgAN.     

Chronic rejection with or without transplant vasculopathy

BACKGROUND: Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is defined and graded in the Banff '97 scheme by the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. It has been denoted that chronic rejection can be diagnosed if the typical vascular lesions are seen, consisting of fibrointimal thickening. We observed several patients who developed CAN without vascular changes or signs of cyclosporine toxicity. Therefore, we assessed the risk factor profiles of CAN with and without transplant vasculopathy. METHODS: A cohort of 654 cadaveric renal transplants performed between 1983 and 1997 that functioned for more than 6 months was studied. Fifty-four transplants had CAN defined by a significant decline in renal function together with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy without signs of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity or recurrent disease. Using the Banff chronic vascular (CV) score, 23 of 54 cases (43%) had a chronic vasculopathy score of 0 or 1 whereas 31 cases (57%) had a CV score of 2 or 3. Applying multivariate logistic regression, predictor variables of the two groups were compared with 231 transplants with a stable function for at least 5 yr. RESULTS: Graft histology was obtained at a mean of 2.4 and 2.9 yr after transplantation in the group with or without vasculopathy, respectively. Acute rejection episodes (AREs) after 3 months post-transplantation were the strongest risk factor for both forms of CAN, odds ratio (OR) 14.7 (6.0-36.0). CAN with vasculopathy was also associated with transplants performed in the 1980s, OR 4.95 (1.65-14.9) and with creatinine clearance at 6 months, OR 0.58 (0.44-0.75) per 10 mL/min increase. In contrast, young recipient age, OR 0.69 (0.47-0.99) per 10-yr increase, and the presence of panel reactive antibodies at the time of transplantation, OR 1.26 (1.08-1.47) per 10% increase, were independent risk factors for CAN without vasculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: After exclusion of cyclosporine toxicity or recurrent disease CAN occurred without moderate or severe transplant vasculopathy in 43% of the cases. The correlation with young recipient age, sensitization and late ARE suggest an immune pathogenesis, consistent with chronic rejection.     

Effects of progesterone and selective oestrogen receptor modulators on chronic allograft nephropathy in rats.

BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated that oestrogens ameliorate the progression of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). In our present study, we investigated the role of progesterone and selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in this process. METHODS: Female Fisher (F344) kidneys were orthotopically transplanted into intact or ovariectomized female Lewis recipients. Ovariectomized recipients were divided into four groups and were treated with either progesterone alone or in combination with oestradiol, oestradiol alone or vehicle. Intact recipients were divided into three groups and were treated with SERMs such as tamoxifen and one of its new derivatives, droloxifene or vehicle. Animals were harvested 24 weeks after transplantation for histological and immunohistological studies as well as for molecular analysis. RESULTS: Administration of progesterone resulted in increased urinary protein excretion as well as profound glomerulosclerosis and mononuclear cell infiltration. The combined treatment had similar detrimental effects on the development of CAN. In contrast, oestradiol treatment alone improved graft function, reduced glomerulosclerosis and diminished cellular infiltration. SERMs again impaired allograft function and promoted the development of CAN. Renal allograft damage paralleled intragraft mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that addition of progesterone diminishes the beneficial effects of oestrogens on the development of CAN in rats. Similarly to progesterone, SERMs worsened long-term renal allograft outcome.     

洛沙坦治疗慢性移植物肾病的临床研究

目的明确血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂洛沙坦能否改善慢性移植物肾病患者的肾功能。方法2001年8月至2003年4月期间,对病理诊断为慢性移植物肾病(Ⅰ级)肾功不全的24例患者(组Ⅰ)使用洛沙坦治疗1年以上,与同期内未使用洛沙坦的27例慢性移植物肾病患者(组Ⅱ)进行对比,比较两组的肾功能、血和尿转移生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)浓度及使用洛沙坦的不良反应等。结果治疗1年后,组Ⅰ有15例(62.5%)患者移植肾功能得以好转或不再继续恶化,而组Ⅱ除6例(22.2%)移植肾功能维持在原有水平外,其他患者肾功能均进行性恶化。组Ⅰ血和尿TGF-β1浓度及肾功能损失量均明显低于组Ⅱ,使用洛沙坦无不良反应发生。结论洛沙坦能改善部分慢性移植物肾病患者的肾功能,其药理作用可能与降低移植肾内TGF-β1的分泌有关。     

The aetiology and pathogenesis of chronic allograft nephropathy

Renal transplantation is the ultimate form of renal replacement therapy, and is the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage renal failure. The advent of calcineurin inhibitor based immunosuppression resulted in the 1-year renal allograft failure rate dropping from around 50% twenty years ago to less than 10% in more recent times. Despite a massive improvement in renal allograft survival in the first year following transplantation 10-year graft survival can be as low as 50%. Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is recognised as the main cause of renal allograft failure following the first year after transplantation. The diagnosis of CAN can only be made histologically. Typically biopsy specimens in grafts with CAN demonstrate an overall fibrotic appearance effecting the vascular endothelium, renal tubules, interstitium, and glomerulus. The risk factors for CAN are divided into alloimmune and alloimmune independent. Alloimmune dependent factors include acute cellular rejection, severity of rejection, subclinical rejection and HLA mismatch. Alloimmune independent factors such as delayed graft function, donor age, Cytomegalovirus infection, donor/recipient co-morbidity and of course calcineurin inhibitor toxicity are important in the development of CAN. The pathogenesis of CAN is complex, multifactorial, and unfortunately incompletely understood. There are a number of pivotal steps in the initiation and propagation of the fibrosis seen in biopsy specimens from kidneys with CAN. Endothelial activation in response to one or more of the aforementioned risk factors stimulates leukocyte activation and recruitment. Recruited leukocytes subsequently infiltrate through the endothelium and induce key effector cells to secrete excessive and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM). Enhanced deposition of ECM is a histological hallmark of CAN. This paper aims to present a concise yet accurate and up-to-date review of the literature concerning the aetiological factors and pathological processes which are present in the generation of CAN.     

将钙调磷酸酶抑制剂转换为西罗莫司在慢性移植肾肾病中的临床治疗效果

目的 探讨慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)患者将免疫抑制方案中钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)转换为西罗莫司(SRL)的有效性及安全性.方法 选取72例经移植肾活检证实发生CAN的受者,其中35例将免疫抑制方案中CNI转换为SRL(SRL组),其余37例继续原CNI方案(CNI组).另取10例因其他原因将CNI转换为SRL治疗的受者,将45例转换为SRL的患者分为A组[血肌酐(SCr)＜120 μmol/L),B组(SCr为120～200 μol/L,且Banff分级为Ⅰ～Ⅱ级),C组(SCr为120～200 μmol/L,且Banff分级在Ⅱ级以上),D组(SCr＞200 μmol/L).随访期为24个月,检测各组随访期内的各临床指标.结果 转换治疗前,两组间SCr和肾小球滤过率(eGFR)的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);转换治疗后24个月内,SRL组SCr水平和eGFR较CNI组明显改善(P＜0.05),而CNI组的移植肾功能有逐渐衰退的趋势.SRL组尿蛋白及血脂明显上升(P＜0.05),而CNI组变化不大;SRL组血小板计数较CNI组明显下降(P＜0.05),两组间其他指标的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).A组患者各指标在转换治疗前后的变化并不大,B组患者的肾功能及蛋白尿有改善明显,C组和D组患者肾功能有不同程度衰退情况,且蛋白尿加重.结论 SRL转换治疗对于稳定及改善CAN患者的移植肾功能是有效、安全的,CAN早期进行转换(SCr＜200 μmol/L)效果明显.     

川芎嗪联合丹参延缓肾移植大鼠慢性移植肾肾病进程的作用

目的 研究川芎嗪(TMP)联合丹参延缓肾移植大鼠慢性移植肾肾病进程的作用及机制.方法 以Fisher 344大鼠和Lewis大鼠分别作为肾移植的供、受者进行原位肾移植,并建立CAN模型.按随机数字表法将受鼠分为5组:环孢素A(CsA)组(A组),TMP+ CsA组(B组)、丹参+ CsA组(C组)、TMP+丹参+CsA组(D组)及空白对照组(E组,术使用任何药物).分别于术后2、4、6、8和12周,处死每组5只受鼠,取移植肾进行移植肾组织病理学变化,采用免疫组织化学法检测移植肾组织转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)的表达,采用荧光定量聚合酶链反应法检测移植肾组织TGF-β1 mRNA的表达.结果　术后空白对照组受鼠的存活时间均未超过2周.A组于术后4周时最早出现CAN病理改变,B组和C组出现CAN病理改变的时间较A组晚,D组出现CAN病理改变的时间最晚,且病理改变程度最轻.术后各组Banff评分均呈现明显的上升趋势,相同时间点,A组明显高于其他3组(P＜0.05和P＜0.0 1),D组明显低于与B组和C组(P＜0.05),而B组与C组间无显著差异(P＞0.05).随着术后时间的推移,各组TGFβ1表达强度呈逐渐增加的趋势,相同时间点,A组TGF-β1表达强度最高,与其他3组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05和P＜0.01),D组明显低于B组和C组(P＜0.05),B组与C组间无明显差异(P＞0.05).各组TGF-β1 mRNA表达的变化趋势及组间差异与TGF-β表达强度的情况相一致.结论 TMP或丹参均具有通过下调TGF-β1 的表达延缓肾移植大鼠CAN进程的作用,当两者联合应用时作用更为明显.     

西罗莫司与钙调磷酸酶抑制剂联合方案在慢性移植肾肾病中的应用

目的 探讨西罗莫司(SRL)与减低剂量的环孢素A(CsA)或他克莫司(Tac)联合方案在慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)中的应用.方法 53例无特定病因所致的CAN患者,在原CsA(或Tac)+吗替麦考酚酯(MMF)+泼尼松(Pred)的免疫抑制方案上加用SRL(四联方案),其中CsA(或Tac)和MMF的用量减少25％～50％.治疗12个月,观察受者血肌酐、肾小球滤过率(GFR)、血胆固醇、血甘油三酯、尿蛋白等的改变.结果 四联方案治疗前患者血肌酐为(161.51±106.48)μmol/L,治疗后1个月为(138.47±67.74) μmol/L,治疗后6个月为(126.51±56.21)μmol/L,治疗后12个月为(123.43±54.18)μmol/L.与治疗前相比较,治疗6个月和12个月后,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).四联方案治疗前患者GFR为(0.754±0.302) ml/s,治疗后1个月为(0.868±0.358)ml/s,治疗后6个月为(0.952±0.347) ml/s,治疗后12个月为(1.007±0.394) ml/s.治疗6个月和12个月后,患者GFR与治疗前相比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).治疗1、6和12个月后,患者血胆固醇和甘油三酯与治疗前相比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05,P＞0.05).四联方案治疗前患者尿蛋白阳性率为9.4％,治疗后1个月为13.2％,治疗后6个月为22.6％,治疗后12个月为26.4％.治疗12个月后蛋白尿阳性率与治疗前相比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 应用SRL+ CsA(或Tac)+ MMF+ Pred四联方案改善了CAN患者的血肌酐和GFR,但增加了患者蛋白尿的发生率.     

A new alloantigen-independent control for chronic allograft nephropathy rat models

BACKGROUND: Isografts are used as controls in many transplant experiments. Our laboratory and others have noticed histological changes in control isograft groups of rats similar to allograft groups, suggesting alloantigen-independent factors contributing to chronic allograft nephropathy. However, the isograft model as a nonalloantigen control is flawed because of the potential of unrecognized minor antigen differences between rats. We designed a study using autografts to isolate alloantigen-independent factors in the rat renal transplant allograft model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Lewis rats weighing 150-250 g underwent a procedure designed to mimic the injury of renal transplant, in which the left kidney was perfused with cold University of Wisconsin solution and subjected to similar cold and warm ischemic times as Lewis isograft rats undergoing renal transplanation. RESULTS: Six autograft rats were compared to five isograft and three single nephrectomy rats. Autograft rats showed normal kidney function according to serum BUN, Cr, and urinary protein. At 360 days, four of six autografts displayed normal renal parenchymal histology, whereas the remaining two autografts displayed histological changes scored as Banff acute rejection 1a and 1b. At sacrifice time, four of five isografts showed histological changes scored as Banff chronic rejection 1 and the single nephrectomy group showed normal histology in the remaining native kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the chronic nephropathy observed in the isograft cannot be completely freed from suspicion of immunological origin. We propose that the autograft model for rat renal transplant research is a better nonimmunologic control than the isograft model for chronic allograft nephropathy.