Circulating adhesion molecules during kidney allograft reperfusion

Adhesion molecule expression is an important event during early transplant failure. The aim of the present study was to examine the release of adhesion molecules during the first minutes of kidney allograft reperfusion in relation to delayed graft function and acute graft rejection. We enrolled 49 renal transplant recipients, including 13 cases of delayed graft function (DGF) and 11 cases of acute graft rejection (AR).Plasma concentrations of E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 after 3 min of reperfusion were significantly higher than in the iliac vein before reperfusion. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without DGF as regards E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentrations in the iliac vein before and in the renal vein after 3 min of reperfusion.Concentrations of adhesion molecules in the iliac vein before reperfusion and in the renal vein after 3 min of reperfusion did not differ significantly between patients with and without AR except for ICAM-1 iliac vein concentration which was significantly increased in AR patients. Plasma levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were increased after kidney allograft reperfusion. Moreover, elevated serum levels of ICAM-1 before transplantation correlated with subsequent acute kidney allograft rejection.The results suggest that elevated ICAM-1 levels may be implicated in acute graft rejection.     

Outcomes of Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients Stratified by Histologic Biopsy Findings

Delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. We studied the histologic findings among adult kidney transplant recipients transplanted between January 2000 and June 2015 who had DGF and had a kidney biopsy within 14 days of transplant. Death censored graft failure (DCGF) and death at 1 and 3 years after transplant were examined. A total of 269 transplant recipients fulfilled our selection criteria, of which 152 (56.51%) had acute tubular necrosis (ATN), 44 (16.4%) had acute rejection (AR), mainly T-cell mediated rejection (n = 31), 35 (13%) had ATN with AR (mainly T-cell mediated rejection, n = 26), and 38 (14.1%) had other pathology. Compared with those with ATN alone, kidney transplant recipients with AR alone had a significantly higher risk of DCGF at 1 year post transplant (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.70; 95% confidence interval 1.5-9.5; P = .006). Those with AR alone had an increased risk of DCGF at 3 years post transplant (hazard ratio = 3.10; 95% confidence interval 1.3-8.5; P = .01) in crude analyses. There was no association between DGF etiology and mortality. Early renal biopsy can be used to distinguish AR, which has protocolized treatments, from other etiologies. This could potentially alter allograft survival within 1 year of transplant complicated by DGF.     

Oxypurine and nucleoside concentrations in renal veins during reperfusion are predictors of early graft function

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether purine and pyrimidine nucleoside concentrations as well as oxypurine concentrations in renal and peripheral veins during reperfusion correlate with graft function parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprised 25 recipients of cadaver kidney transplant. A first blood sample was taken from the recipient's peripheral vein before anastomosing the kidney allograft vessels with the recipient's iliac vessels. Subsequent samples were taken from the allograft renal vein and the recipient's peripheral vein 5 min after beginning reperfusion. High-performance liquid chromatography was done to measure plasma concentrations of the oxypurines hypoxanthine (Hyp), xanthine (Xan) and uric acid and the nucleosides guanosine, inosine (Ino) and uridine (Urd). RESULTS: Concentrations of Hyp, Xan and Ino were significantly higher in the renal than the peripheral vein. The differences between the Xan, Hyp, Ino and Urd plasma concentrations in the renal and peripheral veins before and 5 min after reperfusion correlated positively and significantly with serum creatinine concentrations 24 and 72 h after graft transplantation. Moreover, the concentrations of Hyp were significantly increased in renal transplant recipients with delayed graft function. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the concentration of Hyp in the kidney allograft vein can be a useful predictor of early graft function.     

The contribution of adhesion molecule expression in donor kidney biopsies to early allograft dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Renal allograft rejection is associated with the expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial and tubular epithelial cells. METHODS: To assess whether the number of cell adhesion molecules expressed in donor kidneys can predict early rejection or delayed graft function, kidney biopsies from 20 living and 53 cadaveric kidney donors were obtained before engraftment into the recipients and the expression of the cell adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (E-selectin) were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All biopsies from living donors showed significantly lower expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared to biopsies from cadaveric donors. There was no difference in the expression of adhesion molecules on tubular cells between transplants with primary function compared to allografts with early rejection in living donated kidneys (ICAM-1: 2+/-8 vs. 3+/-8%; VCAM-1: 9+/-7 vs. 1+/-1%), as well as in cadaveric kidneys (ICAM-1: 38+/-29 vs. 39+/-38%; VCAM-1: 55+/-27 vs. 48+/-29%). The expression of ICAM-1 molecules on tubular cells was determined to be a predictor for the occurrence of delayed graft function in cadaveric kidneys (ICAM-1: 65+/-24* vs. 38+/-29% delayed graft versus primary graft function). No delayed graft function occurred in recipients of living donated kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that adhesion molecule expression in donor biopsies is not a predictor for early allograft rejection, but can be used as a marker for the development of postischemic acute renal allograft failure.     

Hepatitis C, acute humoral rejection, and renal allograft survival

The effect of recipient hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on renal allograft loss and acute rejection in kidney transplantation remains controversial. We studied 354 renal allograft recipients transplanted during 1996 to 2001 who had HCV antibodies (Ab) measured before transplantation. The primary outcome was death-censored allograft loss and the secondary outcome was acute humoral rejection (AHR). Compared with HCV Ab-negative patients, those with positive HCV Ab had longer time on dialysis before transplantation, higher percentage of panel-reactive antibodies (PRA), were more likely to receive a cadaveric transplant, and were more likely to develop delayed graft function (DGF). In univariate analyses, predictors of renal allograft loss included HCV, cadaveric graft, PRA >20%, HLA mismatch > or =5, retransplantation, DGF, induction therapy, and AHR. When adjusted for PRA >20%, HLA mismatch > or =5, and multiple transplant status, HCV was not a statistically significant predictor of allograft loss. HCV was also associated with AHR but lost significance when adjusted for PRA >20%. HCV Ab-positive patients were more likely to have longer duration of dialysis before transplantation prior to kidney transplants, higher PRA, and to receive cadaveric transplants. These characteristics likely resulted in more DGF and AHR after transplantation. After adjusting for these confounding factors, the association between HCV Ab positivity and renal allograft loss was notably attenuated and no longer statistically significant.     

黏附分子在大鼠同种异体肝脏移植免疫反应中的作用

目的探讨黏附分子ICAM-1、P-selectin、E-selectin、L-selectin、PECAM-1和VCAM-1在肝脏移植中的表达及意义。方法用免疫组织化学方法和原位杂交法，检测大鼠肝脏移植后不同时间(1、3、5、7d)、不同模型中ICAM-1、P-selectin、L-selectin、E-selectin蛋白、VCAM-1 mRNA、PECAM-1 mRNA的表达情况。结果肝急性排斥组与自发耐受组相比，黏附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1、PECAM-1、E-selectin表达高；子代组与肝急性排斥组各指标表达类似，而ICAM-1的表达高于肝急性排斥组；半肝组与自发耐受组各指标表达类似，但ICAM-1、VCAM-1表达水平较自发耐受组高。P-selectin、L-selectin表达变化不明显。而正常大鼠肝脏未见黏附分子的表达。结论肝排斥反应可能与黏附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1、PECAM-1、E-selectin的高表达有关。     

Circulating Adhesion Molecules and Purine Nucleotides During Kidney Allograft Reperfusion

The impairment of organ function due to ischemia-reperfusion injury is still an important problem in solid organ transplantation. Numerous experimental and clinical studies of native organs have shown that ischemia-reperfusion constitutes an acute inflammatory process involving cell surface adhesion molecule expression. These markers are crucial for the recruitment and infiltration of effector cells into the postischemic tissue. Purines released by the postischemic tissue as the products of the degradation of high-energy nucleotides can be regarded as markers of disturbed energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between circulating adhesion molecules and purine metabolites in graft renal vein plasma during 49 cases of kidney reperfusion. E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 concentrations correlated positively with hypoxanthine concentrations during reperfusion, whereas the concentrations of ICAM-1 correlated negatively with xanthine concentrations. The results of the present study suggested that the concentrations of adhesion molecules in the renal vein during reperfusion correlated with purine metabolites, reflecting metabolic changes in renal tissue.     

Ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced abnormal dendritic cell traffic in the transplanted kidney with delayed graft function

Delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of acute rejection. Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in graft rejection, whereas plasmacytoid DCs may play a role in inducing tolerance. We evaluated the presence and phenotype of the DCs in renal graft biopsies of 15 patients with DGF collected before and 7-15 days after transplantation. Biopsies taken from normal patients and from transplant recipients with acute calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) nephrotoxicity served as a control group. Specific markers of myeloid, plasmacytoid, and mature DCs were imaged by confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. In normal kidneys and pre-transplant biopsies, sparse niches of myeloid and plasmacytoid cells were found but these were significantly increased with few mature cells during DGF. This same pattern was seen in acute rejection but with overall higher cell numbers. In CNI nephrotoxicity, myeloid cells were slightly increased but plasmacytoid cells were significantly higher than in DGF. Using a pig model, we found that a short period of warm ischemia followed by reperfusion led to myeloid cell infiltration of the kidney. Our data suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury may cause an imbalance between intragraft myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs, which might be related to DGF and acute rejection.     

Anti‐LG3 Antibodies Aggravate Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury and Long‐Term Renal Allograft Dysfunction

Pretransplant autoantibodies to LG3 and angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) are associated with acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients, whereas antivimentin autoantibodies participate in heart transplant rejection. Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can modify self‐antigenic targets. We hypothesized that ischemia–reperfusion creates permissive conditions for autoantibodies to interact with their antigenic targets and leads to enhanced renal damage and dysfunction. In 172 kidney transplant recipients, we found that pretransplant anti‐LG3 antibodies were associated with an increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF). Pretransplant anti‐LG3 antibodies are inversely associated with graft function at 1 year after transplantation in patients who experienced DGF, independent of rejection. Pretransplant anti‐AT1R and antivimentin were not associated with DGF or its functional outcome. In a model of renal IRI in mice, passive transfer of anti‐LG3 IgG led to enhanced dysfunction and microvascular injury compared with passive transfer with control IgG. Passive transfer of anti‐LG3 antibodies also favored intrarenal microvascular complement activation, microvascular rarefaction and fibrosis after IRI. Our results suggest that anti‐LG3 antibodies are novel aggravating factors for renal IRI. These results provide novel insights into the pathways that modulate the severity of renal injury at the time of transplantation and their impact on long‐term outcomes.     

Renal allograft rupture caused by acute tubular necrosis

Renal allograft rupture is a rare but potentially lethal complication of kidney transplantation. A renal allograft recipient receiving quadruple immunosuppressive therapy developed a spontaneous allograft rupture 13 days after kidney transplantation. Warm ischaemia time during the transplant was 80 minutes. The ruptured kidney graft could not be salvaged because of the patient's haemodynamic instability. The histopathological examination showed interstitial oedema with severe acute tubular necrosis with no signs of acute rejection. The most common causes of renal graft rupture are acute rejection and vein thrombosis, while acute tubular necrosis may only rarely be responsible for this complication. Renal graft rupture may be the result of interstitial damage attributed both to the prolonged warm ischaemia time during the transplant and to post-transplant acute tubular necrosis in the absence of graft rejection. In those patients whose haemodynamic status cannot be stabilized by appropriate aggressive haemodynamic support therapy, graft nephrectomy should be considered the only definitive treatment.     

Clinical research and social status investigation for donor and recipient of living-related kidney transplant

Objective

Renal transplantation is the best options for treating end-stage renal disease. Better patient and allograft survival rates are provided by living donation, which has been safe, with minimal immediate and long-term risk for the donor. This study aims to investigate the life status and summarize the clinical experience in living-related kidney transplant (LRKT) before and after renal transplantation.

Methods

A total of 310 cases of LRKT have been performed in our center since 1998. Tissue matching and risk factors assessment in donors and recipients were performed before donation. Small lumbar incision was used in all cases for unilateral nephrectomy. Donors and recipients were followed up regularly after renal transplantation.

Results

All living donors were healthy, with normal renal function after unilateral nephrectomy. The 1- and 5-year patient/graft survival rates of LRKT were 98.3 %/97.6 % and 91.3 %/86.9 %, respectively. The cumulative incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and acute rejection (AR) was 2.9 % (9 cases). Thirteen cases developed pulmonary infection (4.2 %) and eight cases were cured. The graft function in most cases returned to normal range soon after kidney transplant. Moreover, the creatinine and BUN levels of grafts donated by children or siblings of recipients were markedly lower than those donated by parents, at 1 month after transplant.

Conclusion

Adequate pretransplant assessment, better tissue matching, and reduced ischemia time may result in lower incidence of DGF, AR and higher patient/graft survival rates for LRKT. It is important to improve selection criteria and health assessment of donors. Long-term follow-up is essential to ensure a healthy life for donors and recipients after kidney transplant.     

Major effects of delayed graft function and cold ischaemia time on renal allograft survival.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence from experimental and clinical studies that the quality of organs from cadaver donors may be influenced by events occurring around the time of brain death, and that these may affect transplant outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of donor factors on renal allograft outcome in a homogeneous cohort of 518 patients transplanted in a single centre over a 9 year period. METHODS: Endpoints of the study were delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), 1 year graft survival and long-term survival of those grafts that reached 1 year. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors that may have influenced the graft outcome indicators. RESULTS: DGF was the major predictor of graft failure overall with cold ischaemia time (CIT) as an important independent factor. The level of histocompatibility did not influence graft survival. DGF was the major factor affecting 1 year graft survival (P<0.0005) with effects persisting beyond 1 year. DGF was significantly influenced by CIT, donor age, female kidney into male recipient and donor creatinine (P<0.05). Other donor factors and factors associated with donor management were not risk factors for DGF, rejection episodes or graft survival. The risk factors for a number of AR episodes were HLA-DR mismatch and DGF (P<0.005). When grafts surviving for 1 year were considered, only CIT, recipient age and creatinine at 1 year (P<0.05) were found to affect graft survival significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis of well-matched transplant recipients show that CIT and DGF are the most important predictors of poor short and long-term graft survival. Therefore, in order to improve the long-term survival of renal allografts efforts should focus on limiting CIT and the damage that occurs during this period and on improving our understanding of DGF.     

DNA microarray-based gene expression profiles of cytomegalovirus infection and acute rejection in liver transplants

An association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and alloresponse has been suggested. CMV increases inflammation and adhesion molecule expression in graft, and induces cytokines and growth factors, linked with transplant vasculopathy and chronic rejection. We have investigated the gene expression of various inflammatory factors in the CMV-associated immune response and compared this with the immune response of acute rejection in liver transplants by using DNA microarray technology. Gene expression was studied at mRNA level in biopsies from liver transplant patients experiencing CMV infection or acute rejection. RNA extracted from liver grafts after reperfusion was used as control material. Among the strongly upregulated genes in the specimens obtained from liver transplants during CMV infection were IFN-gamma, caspases 1 and 3, granzymes A and B, TGF-beta receptors II and III, IL-10 receptor alpha, VCAM-1, TNF receptor, IL-4, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-2 receptor beta, IL-1beta, PDGF-receptor beta, vascular adhesion protein-1, TGF-beta2, and ICAM-1. In biopsies with acute liver allograft rejection, the most significantly upregulated genes were MHC class II, IFN-gamma, caspases 1 and 3, IL-2R beta and gamma, granzymes A and B, VLA-4, L-selectin, E-selectin, VCAM-1, and IL-1beta. Upregulated genes common for CMV and alloresponse were granzyme A and B, E-selection, IFN-gamma, VCAM-1, VLA-4, TNF, caspases 1, 3, and 8, and PDGF. Microarray analysis defined different entities in the immune responses of CMV infection and acute rejection. The differences and similarities of the gene expression profiles related to those in CMV infection and rejection may help to understand the intragraft immunologic events.     

A randomized multicenter trial of the anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (enlimomab) for the prevention of acute rejection and delayed onset of graft function in cadaveric renal transplantation: a report of the European Anti-ICAM-1 Renal Transplant Study Group

BACKGROUND: T-cell activation through T-cell receptor engagement requires co-stimulatory molecules and also adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1. Moreover ICAM-1 mediates leukocyte invasion from the blood into tissue during inflammatory processes. In animal studies using mouse monoclonal antibodies against ICAM-1 (enlimomab), renal allograft survival has been improved and reperfusion damage from ischemia reduced. The European Anti-ICAM-1 Renal Transplant Study (EARTS) was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study lastingl year and performed in 10 transplant centers in Europe. METHODS: A total of 262 recipients of cadaveric kidneys were given either enlimomab or a placebo for 6 days and were given triple immunosuppressive therapy of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone. The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of the first acute rejection within 3 months, and each event was assessed by a committee including investigators and independent pathologists. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidences of first acute rejection at 3 months between the placebo and enlimomab groups (39% vs. 45%), and enlimomab did not reduce the risk of delayed onset of graft function (DGF) (26% vs. 31%). Neither was there a difference in patient survival (95% vs. 91%) or graft survival (89% vs. 84%) at 1 year. Fatal events occurred in 19 (7%) patients (7 placebo, 12 enlimomab). Clinically, the most important non-fatal adverse events were infections; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the incidences in the two groups (70% vs. 79%). CONCLUSION: Short term enlimomab induction therapy after renal transplantation did not reduce the rate of acute rejection or DGF.     

Association of graft neutrophil sequestration with delayed graft function in clinical renal transplantation

BACKGROUND: The authors studied the impact of neutrophil activation, detected in experimental models, on reperfusion injury in clinical renal transplantation. METHODS: Forty-five patients from a larger trial comparing three immunosuppressive protocols were recruited: perioperative antithymocyte globulin (ATG) with low initial cyclosporine A (CsA) triple therapy (group A, n=15); two-dose basiliximab with low initial CsA triple therapy (group B, n=16); and conventional triple therapy (group C, n=14). Blood samples were obtained preoperatively, before reperfusion, and at 1 and 5 min after reperfusion. During reperfusion, samples were collected from the iliac artery and the graft vein for calculation of transrenal differences (Delta) of study parameters. Leukocyte differential counts, plasma lactoferrin concentration, and neutrophil CD11b and L-selectin expressions were assessed. Graft blood flow was measured at 2 and 30 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: ATG induced neutrophil activation already before reperfusion. Thus, group A was excluded, but groups B and C were pooled for analysis of reperfusion-induced neutrophil activation. At 1 min after reperfusion, lactoferrin concentration was higher in graft vein than iliac artery, yielding Delta=15 microg/L (P<0.05). Concomitantly, Delta neutrophil count correlated with both Delta L-selectin expression (R=0.49, P=0.012) and graft blood flow at 2 min (R=0.51, P=0.007). At 5 min after reperfusion, 0.17 (-1.0-0.24)x10 cells/L neutrophils were sequestered in the graft (P<0.001). This sequestration correlated with graft blood flow at 30 min (R=0.53, P=0.005) and was stronger in patients with delayed graft function (DGF) (Delta = -0.38 [-1.45 to -0.2]) than those without (Delta = -0.12 [-0.41-0.24], P<0.001). In multiple regression analysis, sequestration was the most important parameter associated with DGF. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils are activated and sequestered in the reperfused graft during clinical renal transplantation. Neutrophil sequestration is a powerful independent factor explaining the incidence of DGF.     

再次肾移植受者和移植肾长期预后影响因素分析

目的探究再次肾移植受者和移植肾存活情况及长期预后影响因素。 方法回顾性分析1991年1月1日至2017年12月31日于浙江大学医学院附属第一医院肾脏病中心接受肾移植受者临床资料。共纳入再次肾移植受者37例,首次肾移植受者5 374例。根据再次肾移植受者移植肾存活时间长短,将其分为长期存活组(19例,>5年)和短期存活组(18例,≤5年)。采用成组t检验比较长期和短期存活组供受者年龄、首次与再次肾移植间隔时间、HLA错配数和再次移植供肾冷/热缺血时间。采用卡方检验比较长期和短期存活组受者性别、再次移植供肾类型、再次移植前后群体反应性抗体阳性比例、首次移植失功移植肾切除比例、再次移植前免疫诱导比例及再次移植后移植肾功能延迟恢复(DGF)和急性排斥反应发生比例。采用Kaplan-Meier法分析再次和首次肾移植受者/移植肾1、5和10年存活率。采用Cox比例风险模型分析影响再次肾移植术后移植肾长期存活影响因素。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果截至2018年3月1日,37例再次肾移植受者中位随访时间为152个月(11～323个月),2例死亡,18例发生移植肾失功,17例移植肾功能稳定。5 374例首次肾移植受者中位随访时间为108.9个月(0.1～350.0个月),459例死亡,1 343例发生移植肾失功。再次移植组受者/移植肾1、5和10年存活率分别为86%/81%、86%/62%和82%/36%,首次移植组受者/移植肾1、5和10年存活率分别为99%/98%、93%/89%和88%/80%。再次移植组移植肾1、5和10年存活率均低于首次移植组(χ²＝60.816、25.110和43.900,P均<0.05);再次移植组受者1年存活率低于首次移植组,差异有统计学意义(χ²＝40.409,P<0.05)。长期和短期存活组受者再次移植后移植肾DGF和急性排斥反应发生比例差异均有统计学意义(χ²＝4.039和4.748,P均<0.05)。Cox回归分析结果示DGF和急性排斥反应是影响再次肾移植受者移植肾长期存活的独立危险因素,差异有统计学意义(RR＝4.317和4.571,P均<0.05)。 结论再次肾移植受者移植肾存活率低于首次肾移植受者,DGF和急性排斥反应是影响再次移植受者移植肾存活的独立危险因素。     

Risk factors and outcomes analyses at 36 months of a prospective, randomized, multicenter, trial of daclizumab induction in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients

The purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors for acute rejection (AR) and long-term outcomes in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant (SKPT) patients enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study of daclizumab (DAC) versus no antibody induction. METHODS: A total of 298 SKPT patients were randomized into three groups and categorized based on an intent to treat analysis, and factors associated with AR and survival were identified using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient or allograft survival or rejection rates among the three groups at 36 months follow-up. Delayed (kidney) graft function (DGF) was a risk factor for subsequent kidney AR (odds ratio = 2.79, P = .002). The presence of kidney AR was also a risk factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.1, P = .003) for kidney graft loss, whereas risk factors for pancreas graft loss (censored for graft loss within 30 days or death with functioning graft) included pancreas AR (HR = 1.97, P = .012), kidney AR (HR = 1.61, P = .042), CMV serostatus donor +/recipient - (HR = 1.62, P = .026), and HLA-B mismatch (HR = 1.58, P = .01). Kidney graft loss (HR = 5.5, P = .02) was the only predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: At 36 months, no significant differences in outcomes were noted in the three study groups. DGF was the major risk factor for kidney AR, kidney AR was the major risk factor for kidney graft loss, and kidney graft loss was the major determinant of mortality. Prevention of kidney DGF and AR in SKPT recipients may play a pivotal role in optimizing long-term outcomes.     

Adhesion molecule polymorphisms in acute renal allograft rejection

Acute rejection is the main cause of early renal allograft failure. Adhesion molecules provide signals for activation and recruitment of effector cells leading to graft infiltration by host T cells, which are key to allograft rejection. This study was undertaken to analyze the adhesion molecule gene polymorphisms in renal transplant recipients and to investigate their potential association with the development of acute allograft rejection. A total of 120 renal transplant recipients and 100 controls were retrospectively genotyped. Seven nucleotide polymorphisms in intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, L-selectin, and E-selectin were analyzed using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-SSP assay and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Recipients were selected on the basis of the development of acute allograft rejection in the first 6 months after renal transplantation. Forty-one patients developed acute allograft rejection and 79 showed uneventful courses. There was no evidence for an association of any polymorphism with acute rejection. Thus, we concluded that these genes do not predispose to acute renal allograft rejection.