Host-Based Th2 Cell Therapy for Prolongation of Cardiac Allograft Viability

Donor T cell transfusion, which is a long-standing approach to prevent allograft rejection, operates indirectly by alteration of host T cell immunity. We therefore hypothesized that adoptive transfer of immune regulatory host Th2 cells would represent a novel intervention to enhance cardiac allograft survival. Using a well-described rat cardiac transplant model, we first developed a method for ex vivo manufacture of rat host-type Th2 cells in rapamycin, with subsequent injection of such Th2.R cells prior to class I and class II disparate cardiac allografting. Second, we determined whether Th2.R cell transfer polarized host immunity towards a Th2 phenotype. And third, we evaluated whether Th2.R cell therapy prolonged allograft viability when used alone or in combination with a short-course of cyclosporine (CSA) therapy. We found that host-type Th2.R cell therapy prior to cardiac allografting: (1) reduced the frequency of activated T cells in secondary lymphoid organs; (2) shifted post-transplant cytokines towards a Th2 phenotype; and (3) prolonged allograft viability when used in combination with short-course CSA therapy. These results provide further support for the rationale to use “direct” host T cell therapy for prolongation of allograft viability as an alternative to “indirect” therapy mediated by donor T cell infusion

Management of hyperglycaemia after pancreas transplantation: are new immunosuppressants the answer?

Pancreas transplantation is considered the optimal therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus who reach end-stage renal disease. Despite achievement of euglycaemia after this procedure, the progression to impaired pancreatic function and metabolic exhaustion still represents one of the major concerns that increase the risk of graft loss. This paper reviews the possible mechanisms that can induce post-transplant hyperglycaemia, including those related to immunosuppression and those non-related, and the new strategies available for minimising or preventing this complication. Different aetiologies can induce pancreatic dysfunction. Technical complications, acute pancreatitis and delayed graft function, mostly related to impaired insulin secretion, are considered the early causes for abnormal glucose control. In general, acute rejection does not affect the endocrine portion of the pancreas graft because islet destruction occurs later than the inflammation of the exocrine components. Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance represent the main concern for the progression of blood glucose intolerance. The anastomotic techniques of the exocrine portion of the pancreas and the immunosuppressive regimens are of critical importance for the development of impaired glucose metabolism. Hyperinsulinaemia, as a result of the fact that systemic-enteric or systemic-bladder drainages reducing the hepatic clearance of insulin, has led to the introduction of more physiological techniques using portal drainage of the endocrine secretions. Experimental and clinical data have shown that many of the current immunosuppressants account, to a large degree, for the increased risk of the development of post-transplant hyperglycaemia. The most common maintenance regimen in pancreatic transplantation still consists of triple therapy with a combination of corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (either ciclosporin [cyclosporine] or tacrolimus), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).The diabetogenic effects of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors have resulted in the need for protocols able to minimise their use. Recent studies have shown the safety and efficacy of steroid-sparing or -free regimens. Sirolimus has shown powerful immunosuppressive potency in absence of nephrotoxicity and diabetogenicity. Multicentre and single-centre reports have demonstrated that both calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal and avoidance were possible when sirolimus was used in a concentration-controlled fashion, with low-dose corticosteroids and MMF. Although the experience with sirolimus in pancreatic transplantation is still limited, the results are promising. Patients affected by diabetic gastroparesis seem to better tolerate a regimen with sirolimus and low-dose tacrolimus than one with tacrolimus in combination with MMF.For successful, long-term results of pancreatic transplantation, it is crucial to combine donor selection, technical aspects, modified anastomotic techniques and new therapeutic approaches designed to minimise the metabolic and non-metabolic adverse effects of the immunosuppressive regimens

The effect of transfusions on renal allograft survival in the cyclosporine era: a single center report

The potential efficacy of prior transplant transfusions on graft survival in the cyclosporine era has been reported from several centers which are reconsidering their transfusion policy. The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the results obtained in a large series of first kidney transplant patients (N=284) treated with cyclosporine. Our past experience showed a beneficial effect of blood transfusions in cadaveric renal transplants on conventional immunosuppression. Forty-eight patients never received blood transfusions, 85 patients received 1-2 transfusions, 72 patients received 3-5 transfusions and 79 patients received more than 5 transfusions in their pre-transplant periods. We did not show an obvious beneficial effect of prior blood transfusions in improving 1- and 2-year patient and graft survival. In fact, no statistically significant differences were found among any of the groups depending upon the transfusion status. In the transfused group, graft survival rates were 81.4% (1 year) and 77.8% (2 years) while in the non-transfused group they were 81.2% (1 year) and 78.4% (2 years)(p=n.s.). The patients who rejected had a significantly lower graft survival in the transfused group as compared to the non-transfused group. On the other hand, the transfused patients without rejection episodes experienced the best graft survival, suggesting a beneficial transfusion effect. We conclude that since it is impossible to determine which patients will not reject, pre-transplant transfusions under certain circumstances might be harmful, or at least not beneficial. We would recommend restricting transfusions in cyclosporine-tested patients only in cases of therapeutic necessity

Nephrolithiasis and hypertension: possible links and clinical implications.

A definite epidemiological association exists between kidney stone disease and arterial hypertension, but the pathophysiological mechanisms are still not fully understood. Hypercalciuria or inflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed as possible links. However, there is more convincing evidence that the association between nephrolithiasis and hypertension may be considered as a part of the association between kidney stone disease, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. From a clinical point of view, this association represents a crucial aspect of the clinical management of patients affected by kidney stone disease. In order to implement early prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and/or renal damage physicians should be encouraged to assess individual cardiovascular risk factors in any adult with kidney stones. Consequently, patients with kidney stones need a comprehensive approach rather than an intervention limited to the urinary tract and focused on stone resolution and recurrence prevention. It is time to view kidney stone disease as a systemic disorder, associated to or predictive of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, bone and cardiovascular damage. All these conditions negatively affect patient prognosis. This multi-systemic approach could increase the clinical impact of the kidney stone clinic

Vitamin D status and cholecalciferol supplementation in chronic kidney disease patients: an Italian cohort report

Adamasco Cupisti, Valentina Vigo, Maria Enrica Baronti, Claudia D'Alessandro, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Maria Francesca Egidi Nephrology, Transplant and Dialysis Division, AOUP, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy Abstract: This study investigated the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D, in a cohort of 405 prevalent patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2–4, living in Italy and followed-up in tertiary care. The effect of cholecalciferol 10,000 IU once-a-week for 12 months was evaluated in a subgroup of 100 consecutive patients with hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 269 patients (66.4%) whereas vitamin D insufficiency was found in 67 patients (16.5%). In diabetic patients, 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was detected in 80% of cases. In patients older than 65 years, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 89%. In the univariate analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D was negatively related to age, parathyroid hormone (PTH), proteinuria, and Charlson index, while a positive relationship has emerged with hemoglobin level. On multiple regression analysis, only age and PTH levels were independently associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. No relationship emerged between vitamin D deficiency and renal function. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or prevalence of hypovitaminosis D did not differ between patients on a free-choice diet and on a renal diet, including low-protein, low-phosphorus regimens. Twelve-month oral cholecalciferol administration increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and reduced PTH serum levels. In summary, hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent in CKD patients (83%) in Italy, and it is similar to other locations. PTH serum levels and age, but not renal function, are the major correlates of hypovitaminosis D. Implementation of renal diets is not associated with higher risk of vitamin D depletion. Oral cholecalciferol administration increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and mildly reduced PTH serum levels. Oral cholecalciferol supplementation should be recommended as a regular practice in CKD patients, also when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D determination is not available or feasible. Keywords: CKD, vitamin D, cholecalciferol, calcifediol, hypovitaminosis, PTH, renal disease, CKD-MB