Evaluating Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Inflammasome Proteins and Serum Levels of IL-18 and IL-1ß in Kidney Interstitial Damage in Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis.

The inflammasome regulates the innate inflammatory response and is involved in autoimmune diseases. In this study, we explored the levels of IL-18 and IL-1ß in serum and urine and the influence of various single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on kidney lesions at diagnosis in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and their clinical outcomes. Ninety-two patients with renal AAV were recruited, and blood and urine were collected at diagnosis. Serum and urine cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. DNA was extracted and genotyped using TaqMan assays for SNPs in several inflammasome genes. Lower serum IL-18 (p = 0.049) and the IL-18 rs187238 G-carrier genotype (p = 0.042) were associated with severe fibrosis. The IL-18 rs1946518 TT genotype was associated with an increased risk of relapse (p = 0.05), whereas GG was related to better renal outcomes (p = 0.031). The rs187238 GG genotype was identified as a risk factor for mortality within the first year after AAV diagnosis, independent of the requirement for dialysis or lung involvement (p = 0.013). We suggest that decreased cytokine levels could be a surrogate marker of scarring and chronicity of the renal lesions, together with the rs187238 GG genotype. If our results are validated, the rs1946518 TT genotype predicts the risk of relapse and renal outcomes during follow-up.

Immunosuppressive drug combinations after kidney transplantation and post-transplant diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation (KT). This systematic review investigated the effect of different immunosuppressive regimens on the risk of PTDM. We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included KT recipients with any immunosuppression and reported PTDM outcomes up to 1 October 2023. The analysis included 125 RCTs. We found no differences in PTDM risk within induction therapies. In de novo KT, there was an increased risk of developing PTDM with tacrolimus versus cyclosporin (RR 1.71, 95%CI [1.38-2.11]). No differences were observed between tacrolimus+mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) and tacrolimus+MMF/MPA, but there was a tendency towards a higher risk of PTDM in the cyclosporin+mTORi group (RR 1.42, 95%CI [0.99-2.04]). Conversion from cyclosporin to an mTORi increased PTDM risk (RR 1.89, 95%CI [1.18-3.03]). De novo belatacept compared with a calcineurin inhibitor resulted in 50% lower risk of PTDM (RR 0.50, 95%CI [0.32-0.79]). Steroid avoidance resulted in 31% lower PTDM risk (RR 0.69, 95%CI [0.57-0.83]), whereas steroid withdrawal resulted in no differences. Immunosuppression should be decided on an individual basis, carefully weighing the risk of future PTDM and rejection.

Tools for a personalized tacrolimus dose adjustment in the follow-up of renal transplant recipients. Metabolizing phenotype according to CYP3A genetic polymorphisms versus concentration-dose ratio.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION: The strategy of the concentration-dose (C/D) approach and the different profiles of tacrolimus (Tac) according to the cytochrome P450 polymorphisms (CYPs) focus on the metabolism of Tac and are proposed as tools for the follow-up of transplant patients. The objective of this study is to analyse both strategies to confirm whether the stratification of patients according to the pharmacokinetic behaviour of C/D corresponds to the classification according to their CYP3A4/5 cluster metabolizer profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 425 kidney transplant patients who received Tac as immunosuppressive treatment have been included. The concentration/dose ratio (C/D) was used to divide patients in terciles and classify them according to their Tac metabolism rate (fast, intermediate, and slow). Based on CYP3A4 and A5 polymorphisms, patients were classified into 3 metabolizer groups: fast (CYP3A5*1 carriers and CYP34A*1/*1), intermediate (CYP3A5*3/3 and CYP3A4*1/*1) and slow (CYP3A5*3/*3 and CYP3A4*22 carriers). RESULTS: When comparing patients included in each metabolizer group according to C/D ratio, 47% (65/139) of the fast metabolizers, 85% (125/146) of the intermediate and only 12% (17/140) of the slow also fitted in the homonym genotype group. Statistically lower Tac concentrations were observed in the fast metabolizers group and higher Tac concentrations in the slow metabolizers when compared with the intermediate group both in C/D ratio and polymorphisms criteria. High metabolizers required approximately 60% more Tac doses than intermediates throughout follow-up, while poor metabolizers required approximately 20% fewer doses than intermediates. Fast metabolizers classified by both criteria presented a higher percentage of times with sub-therapeutic blood Tac concentration values. CONCLUSION: Determination of the metabolizer phenotype according to CYP polymorphisms or the C/D ratio allows patients to be distinguished according to their exposure to Tac. Probably the combination of both classification criteria would be a good tool for managing Tac dosage for transplant patients.

CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 Cluster Polymorphism Effects on LCP-Tac Tacrolimus Exposure: Population Pharmacokinetic Approach.

The aim of the study is to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model and to investigate the influence of CYP3A5/CYP3A4 and ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Tacrolimus PK parameters after LCP-Tac formulation in stable adult renal transplant patients. The model was developed, using NONMEM v7.5, from full PK profiles from a clinical study (n = 30) and trough concentrations (C0) from patient follow-up (n = 68). The PK profile of the LCP-Tac formulation was best described by a two-compartment model with linear elimination, parameterized in elimination (CL/F) and distributional (CLD/F) clearances and central compartment (Vc/F) and peripheral compartment (Vp/F) distribution volumes. A time-lagged first-order absorption process was characterized using transit compartment models. According to the structural part of the base model, the LCP-Tac showed an absorption profile characterized by two transit compartments and a mean transit time of 3.02 h. Inter-individual variability was associated with CL/F, Vc/F, and Vp/F. Adding inter-occasion variability (IOV) on CL/F caused a statistically significant reduction in the model minimum objective function MOFV (p < 0.001). Genetic polymorphism of CYP3A5 and a cluster of CYP3A4/A5 SNPs statistically significantly influenced Tac CL/F. In conclusion, a PopPK model was successfully developed for LCP-Tac formulation in stable renal transplant patients. CYP3A4/A5 SNPs as a combined cluster including three different phenotypes (high, intermediate, and poor metabolizers) was the most powerful covariate to describe part of the inter-individual variability associated with apparent elimination clearance. Considering this covariate in the initial dose estimation and during the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) would probably optimize Tac exposure attainments.

Measurement of apixaban concentrations in different human biological fluids by UHPLC-MS/MS. Clinical pharmacokinetic application in a subject with chronic kidney disease and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Apixaban's technical sheet does not recommend its use in clinical practice for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis. However, recent studies indicate that apixaban could be a safe oral anticoagulant in these kinds of patients who do not present valvular atrial fibrillation. We developed and validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) procedures for measuring apixaban concentrations in plasma, dialysate liquid, and urine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Simple protein precipitation was implemented to prepare samples. Chromatographic separations were achieved on an Acquity®-UPLC®-BEHTM (2.1x100 mm id, 1.7 µm) reverse-phase C18 column using a water/acetonitrile non-linear gradient containing 0.1 % formic acid at a 0.4 mL/min flow rate. Apixaban and its internal standard (apixaban-d3) were detected by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry in positive and multiple reaction monitoring modes, using transitions of 460.3 â†’ 199.0/443.2 and 463.3 â†’ 202.0, respectively. RESULTS: No significant interferences and carry-overs were observed. Precisions, absolute relative biases, normalised-matrix factors, and normalised recoveries were ≤ 12.2%, ≤8.0%, 94.3-105.1%, and 93.9-105.4%, respectively. Linearity was observed between 5 and 500 µg/L for plasma/dialysate liquid and 5-1000 µg/L for urine. CONCLUSIONS: The validated UHPLC-MS/MS procedures could help support a pharmacokinetic study in non-valvular atrial fibrillation subjects with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis and apixaban-based anticoagulant therapy.

A prospective controlled, randomized clinical trial of kidney transplant recipients developed personalized tacrolimus dosing using model-based Bayesian Prediction.

For three decades, tacrolimus (Tac) dose adjustment in clinical practice has been calculated empirically according to the manufacturer's labeling based on a patient's body weight. Here, we developed and validated a Population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model including pharmacogenetics (cluster CYP3A4/CYP3A5), age, and hematocrit. Our study aimed to assess the clinical applicability of this PPK model in the achievement of Tac Co (therapeutic trough Tac concentration) compared to the manufacturer's labelling dosage. A prospective two-arm, randomized, clinical trial was conducted to determine Tac starting and subsequent dose adjustments in 90 kidney transplant recipients. Patients were randomized to a control group with Tac adjustment according to the manufacturer's labeling or the PPK group adjusted to reach target Co (6-10 ng/ml) after the first steady state (primary endpoint) using a Bayesian prediction model (NONMEM). A significantly higher percentage of patients from the PPK group (54.8%) compared with the control group (20.8%) achieved the therapeutic target fulfilling 30% of the established superiority margin defined. Patients receiving PPK showed significantly less intra-patient variability compared to the control group, reached the Tac Co target sooner (5 days vs 10 days), and required significantly fewer Tac dose modifications compared to the control group within 90 days following kidney transplant. No statistically significant differences occurred in clinical outcomes. Thus, PPK-based Tac dosing offers significant superiority for starting Tac prescription over classical labeling-based dosing according to the body weight, which may optimize Tac-based therapy in the first days following transplantation.

The Effect of Intracellular Tacrolimus Exposure on Calcineurin Inhibition in Immediate- and Extended-Release Tacrolimus Formulations.

Despite intensive monitoring of whole blood tacrolimus concentrations, acute rejection after kidney transplantation occurs during tacrolimus therapy. Intracellular tacrolimus concentrations could better reflect exposure at the site of action and its pharmacodynamics (PD). Intracellular pharmacokinetic (PK) profile following different tacrolimus formulations (immediate-release (TAC-IR) and extended-release (TAC-LCP)) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim was to study intracellular tacrolimus PK of TAC-IR and TAC-LCP and its correlation with whole blood (WhB) PK and PD. A post-hoc analysis of a prospective, open-label, crossover investigator-driven clinical trial (NCT02961608) was performed. Intracellular and WhB tacrolimus 24 h time-concentration curves were measured in 23 stable kidney transplant recipients. PD analysis was evaluated measuring calcineurin activity (CNA) and simultaneous intracellular PK/PD modelling analysis was conducted. Higher dose-adjusted pre-dose intracellular concentrations (C0 and C24) and total exposure (AUC0-24) values were found for TAC-LCP than TAC-IR. Lower intracellular peak concentration (Cmax) was found after TAC-LCP. Correlations between C0, C24 and AUC0-24 were observed within both formulations. Intracellular kinetics seems to be limited by WhB disposition, in turn, limited by tacrolimus release/absorption processes from both formulations. The faster intracellular elimination after TAC-IR was translated into a more rapid recovery of CNA. An Emax model relating % inhibition and intracellular concentrations, including both formulations, showed an IC50, a concentration to achieve 50% CNA inhibition, of 43.9 pg/million cells.

Comparison of Three Renal Function Formulas for Ganciclovir/Valganciclovir Dose Individualization in CMV-Infected Solid Organ Transplantation Patients Using a Population Approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The gold standard treatment of established cytomegalovirus infection or prevention in solid organ transplantation is the intravenous administration of ganciclovir (GCV) or oral administration of valganciclovir (VGCV), both adjusted to the renal function. In both instances, there is a high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability, mainly owing to the wide range of variation of both the renal function and body weight. Therefore, accurate estimation of the renal function is crucial for GCV/VGCV dose optimization. This study aimed to compare three different formulas for estimating the renal function in solid organ transplantation patients with cytomegalovirus infection, for individualizing antiviral therapy with GCV/VGCV, using a population approach. METHODS: A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM 7.4. A total of 650 plasma concentrations obtained after intravenous GCV and oral VGCV administrations were analyzed, from intensive and sparse sampling designs. Three different population pharmacokinetic models were built with the renal function given by Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, or Chronic Kidney Disease EPIdemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formulas. Pharmacokinetic parameters were allometrically scaled to body weight. RESULTS: The CKD-EPI formula was identified as the best predictor of between-patient variability in GCV clearance. Internal and external validation techniques showed that the CKD-EPI model had better stability and performed better compared with the others. CONCLUSIONS: The model based on the more accurate estimation of the renal function with the CKD-EPI formula and body weight as a size metric most used in the clinical practice can refine initial dose recommendations and contribute to GCV and VGCV dose individualization when required in the prevention or treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplantation patients.

Tacrolimus CYP3A Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Preformed T- and B-Cell Alloimmune Memory Improve Current Pretransplant Rejection-Risk Stratification in Kidney Transplantation.

Achieving fast immunosuppression blood exposure after kidney transplantation is key to abrogating both preformed and de novo anti-donor humoral and cellular alloresponses. However, while tacrolimus (TAC) is the cornerstone immunosuppressant inhibiting adaptive alloimmunity, its blood exposure is directly impacted by different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP3A TAC-metabolizing enzymes. Here, we investigated how functional TAC-CYP3A genetic variants (CYP3A4*22/CYP3A5*3) influence the main baseline clinical and immunological risk factors of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) by means of preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and donor-specific alloreactive T cells (DSTs) in a large European cohort of 447 kidney transplants receiving TAC-based immunosuppression. A total of 70 (15.7%) patients developed BPAR. Preformed DSAs and DSTs were observed in 12 (2.7%) and 227 (50.8%) patients, respectively. According to the different CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3 functional allele variants, we found 4 differential new clusters impacting fasting TAC exposure after transplantation; 7 (1.6%) were classified as high metabolizers 1 (HM1), 71 (15.9%) as HM2, 324 (72.5%) as intermediate (IM), and 45 (10.1%) as poor metabolizers (PM1). HM1/2 showed significantly lower TAC trough levels and higher dose requirements than IM and PM (p < 0.001) and more frequently showed TAC underexposure (<5 ng/ml). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that CYP3A HM1 and IM pharmacogenetic phenotypes (hazard ratio (HR) 12.566, 95% CI 1.99-79.36, p = 0.007, and HR 4.532, 95% CI 1.10-18.60, p = 0.036, respectively), preformed DSTs (HR 3.482, 95% CI 1.99-6.08, p < 0.001), DSAs (HR 4.421, 95% CI 1.63-11.98, p = 0.003), and delayed graft function (DGF) (HR 2.023, 95% CI 1.22-3.36, p = 0.006) independently predicted BPAR. Notably, a significant interaction between T-cell depletion and TAC underexposure was observed, showing a reduction of the BPAR risk (HR 0.264, 95% CI 0.08-0.92, p = 0.037). Such variables except for DSAs displayed a higher predictive risk for the development of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). Refinement of pretransplant monitoring by incorporating TAC CYP3A SNPs with preformed DSAs as well as DSTs may improve current rejection-risk stratification and help induction treatment decision-making.

The Role of Inflammasomes in Glomerulonephritis.

The inflammasome is an immune multiprotein complex that activates pro-caspase 1 in response to inflammation-inducing stimuli and it leads to IL-1ß and IL-18 proinflammatory cytokine production. NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes are the best characterized and they have been related to several autoimmune diseases. It is well known that the kidney expresses inflammasome genes, which can influence the development of some glomerulonephritis, such as lupus nephritis, ANCA glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy and anti-GBM nephropathy. Polymorphisms of these genes have also been described to play a role in autoimmune and kidney diseases. In this review, we describe the main characteristics, activation mechanisms, regulation and functions of the different inflammasomes. Moreover, we discuss the latest findings about the role of the inflammasome in several glomerulonephritis from three different points of view: in vitro, animal and human studies.

TP53-Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) Is Upregulated in Lymphocytes Stimulated with Concanavalin A.

The glycolytic modulator TP53-Inducible Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) is overexpressed in several types of cancer and has a role in metabolic rewiring during tumor development. However, little is known about the role of this enzyme in proliferative tissues under physiological conditions. In the current work, we analysed the role of TIGAR in primary human lymphocytes stimulated with the mitotic agent Concanavalin A (ConA). We found that TIGAR expression was induced in stimulated lymphocytes through the PI3K/AKT pathway, since Akti-1/2 and LY294002 inhibitors prevented the upregulation of TIGAR in response to ConA. In addition, suppression of TIGAR expression by siRNA decreased the levels of the proliferative marker PCNA and increased cellular ROS levels. In this model, TIGAR was found to support the activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), since the inhibition of TIGAR reduced G6PDH activity and increased autophagy. In conclusion, we demonstrate here that TIGAR is upregulated in stimulated human lymphocytes through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which contributes to the redirection of the carbon flux to the PPP.

The gene silencing of IRF5 and BLYSS effectively modulates the outcome of experimental lupus nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a highly complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease mostly mediated by B cells. It is characterized by circulating self-reactive antibodies that deposit and form immune complexes in kidney, leading to irreparable tissue damage and resulting in lupus nephritis. In a New Zealand Black X New Zealand White F1 mouse model, we tested two different small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing treatments against interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) and B cell-activating factor (BLYSS) expression and their combination in a second set of animals. The administration of these two siRNAs separately prevented the progression of proteinuria and albuminuria at similar levels to that in cyclophosphamide animals. These treatments effectively resulted in a reduction of serum anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies and histopathological renal score compared with non-treated group. Treated groups showed macrophage, T cell, and B cell infiltrate reduction in renal tissue. Moreover, kidney gene expression analysis revealed that siRNA treatments modulated very few pathways in contrast to cyclophosphamide, despite showing similar therapeutic effects. Additionally, the combined therapy tested in a second set of animals, in which the disease appeared more virulent, exhibited better results than monotherapies in the disease progression, delaying the disease onset and ameliorating the disease outcome. Herein, we provide the potential therapeutic effect of both selective IRF5 and BLYSS silencing as an effective and potential treatment, particularly in early phases of the disease.

Influence of the Circadian Timing System on Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics After Kidney Transplantation.

Introduction: Tacrolimus is the backbone immunosuppressant after solid organ transplantation. Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic window with large intra- and inter-patient pharmacokinetic variability leading to frequent over- and under-immunosuppression. While routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) remains the standard of care, tacrolimus pharmacokinetic variability may be influenced by circadian rhythms. Our aim was to analyze tacrolimus pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles on circadian rhythms comparing morning and night doses of a twice-daily tacrolimus formulation. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis from a clinical trial to study the area under curve (AUC) and the area under effect (AUE) profiles of calcineurin inhibition after tacrolimus administration in twenty-five renal transplant patients. Over a period of 24 h, an intensive sampling (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 15, 20, and 24 h) was carried out. Whole blood and intracellular tacrolimus concentrations and calcineurin activity were measured by UHPLC-MS/MS. Results: Whole blood and intracellular AUC12-24 h and Cmax achieved after tacrolimus night dose was significantly lower than after morning dose administration (AUC0-12 h) (p < 0.001 for both compartments). AUE0-12 h and AUE12-24 h were not statistically different after morning and night doses. Total tacrolimus daily exposure (AUC0-24 h), in whole blood and intracellular compartments, was over-estimated when assessed by doubling the morning AUC0-12 h data. Conclusion: The lower whole blood and intracellular tacrolimus concentrations after night dose might be influenced by a distinct circadian clock. This significantly lower tacrolimus exposure after night dose was not translated into a significant reduction of the pharmacodynamic effect. Our study may provide conceptual bases for better understanding the TDM of twice-daily tacrolimus formulation.

Impact of Olive Oil Supplement Intake on Dendritic Cell Maturation after Strenuous Physical Exercise: A Preliminary Study.

Physical exercise is known to have a dose-dependent effect on the immune system and can result in an inflammatory process in athletes that is proportional to the intensity and duration of exertion. This inflammatory process can be measured by cell markers such as dendritic cells (DCs), which, in humans, consist of the myeloid DC (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DC (pDCs) subpopulations. The aim of this study was to measure DC differentiation to determine the possible anti-inflammatory effects, after intense aerobic effort, of the intake of a 25 mL extra-virgin olive oil supplement. Three healthy sports-trained subjects went through resistance exercise loads on two days separated by a week: on one day after active supplement intake and on the other day after placebo supplement intake. The results show that the highest increase (77%) in the percentage of mDCs as a proportion of pDCs was immediately after testing. Independently of the supplement taken, mature mDCs showed a decreasing trend between the test one hour after and 24 h after testing ended. Nevertheless, measured in terms of the coefficient of variation, only the decrease (46%) for extra-virgin olive oil supplementation was statistically significant (95% CI: 30-62%; p = 0.05). In conclusion, an extra-virgin olive oil supplement could reduce the inflammatory impact of intense aerobic effort and improve recovery at 24 h.

Sustained Inhibition of Calcineurin Activity With a Melt-Dose Once-daily Tacrolimus Formulation in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Tacrolimus (Tac) is the cornerstone calcineurin inhibitor in transplantation. Extended-release Meltdose formulation (Tac-LCP) offers better bioavailability compared with immediate-release formulation (Tac-IR). We postulated that the less fluctuating pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of Tac-LCP might maintain a sustained inhibition of calcineurin activity (CNA) between dose intervals. Higher concentrations (peak plasma concentration (Cmax )) after Tac-IR may not result in a more potent CNA inhibition due to a capacity-limited effect. This study was aimed at evaluating the pharmacodynamic (PD)/PK profiles of Tac-IR compared with Tac-LCP. An open-label, prospective, nonrandomized, investigator-driven study was conducted. Twenty-five kidney transplant recipients receiving Tac-IR were switched to Tac-LCP. Before and 28 days after conversion, intensive CNA-PD and PK sampling were conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem accurate mass spectrometry. PD nonlinear mixed effects model was performed in Phoenix-WinNonlin. Statistically significant higher Cmax (P < 0.001) after Tac-IR did not result in lower CNA as compared with after Tac-LCP (P = 0.860). Tac-LCP showed a statistically more maintained CNA inhibition between dose intervals (area under the effect-time curve from 0 to 24 hours (AUE0-24h )) compared with Tac-IR, in which CNA returned to predose levels after 4 hours of drug intake (373.8 vs. 290.5 pmol RII·h/min·mg prot, Tac-LCP vs. Tac-IR; P = 0.039). No correlation was achieved between any PD and PK parameters in any formulations. Moreover, Tac concentration to elicit a 50% of the maximum response (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) was 9.24 ng/mL. The higher Cmax after Tac-IR does not result in an additional CNA inhibition compared with Tac-LCP attributable to a capacity-limited effect. Tac-LCP may represent an improvement of the PD of Tac due to the more sustained CNA inhibition during dose intervals.

Mycophenolic acid interferes the transcriptional regulation and protein trafficking of maturation surface markers in dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: The ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to regulate adaptive immunity makes them interesting cells to be used as therapeutic targets modulating alloimmune responses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressor commonly used in transplantation, and its effect on DCs has not been fully investigated. METHODS: Monocyte-derived DCs were obtained from healthy volunteers and cultured for 7 days. Cells were treated with MPA on day 2 and matured by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Functionality of mature DC (mDCs) was evaluated by allogeneic mixed lymphocytes reaction. Surface expression of maturation markers (CD40, CD83, CD86, and ICAM-1) was analyzed in both immature DCs (iDCs) and mDCs by flow cytometry. To assess transcriptional regulation and protein subcellular location, RT-PCR and confocal microscopy were used, respectively. RESULTS: MPA decreased surface expression of all maturation markers in mDCs and significantly abrogated DCs-induced allogeneic T-cell proliferation after MPA pre-treatment. In iDCs, the reduced surface protein expression after MPA paralleled with mRNA downregulation of their genes. In mDCs, the mRNA levels of ICAM-1, CD40 and CD83 were enhanced in MPA-treated mDCs with an increase in the expression of CD83 and ICAM-1 near the Golgi compared to non-treated mDCs. In contrast, mRNA levels of CD86 were diminished after MPA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced surface markers expression in mDCs exerted by MPA produced a decline in their capacity to activate immune responses. Moreover, the inhibition of guanosine-derived nucleotide biosynthesis by MPA treatment leads to DC maturation interference by two mechanisms depending on the marker, transcriptional downregulation or disrupted intracellular protein trafficking.

Integrated miRNA/mRNA Counter-Expression Analysis Highlights Oxidative Stress-Related Genes CCR7 and FOXO1 as Blood Markers of Coronary Arterial Disease.

Our interest in the mechanisms of atherosclerosis progression (ATHp) has led to the recent identification of 13 miRNAs and 1285 mRNAs whose expression was altered during ATHp. Here, we deepen the functional relationship among these 13 miRNAs and genes associated to oxidative stress, a crucial step in the onset and progression of vascular disease. We first compiled a list of genes associated to the response to oxidative stress (Oxstress genes) by performing a reverse Gene Ontology analysis (rGO, from the GO terms to the genes) with the GO terms GO0006979, GO1902882, GO1902883 and GO1902884, which included a total of 417 unique Oxstress genes. Next, we identified 108 putative targets of the 13 miRNAs among these unique Oxstress genes, which were validated by an integrated miRNA/mRNA counter-expression analysis with the 1285 mRNAs that yielded 14 genes, Map2k1, Mapk1, Mapk9, Dapk1, Atp2a2, Gata4, Fos, Egfr, Foxo1, Ccr7, Vkorc1l1, Rnf7, Kcnh3, and Mgat3. GO enrichment analysis and a protein-protein-interaction network analysis (PPI) identified most of the validated Oxstress transcripts as components of signaling pathways, highlighting a role for MAP signaling in ATHp. Lastly, expression of these Oxstress transcripts was measured in PBMCs from patients suffering severe coronary artery disease, a serious consequence of ATHp. This allowed the identification of FOXO1 and CCR7 as blood markers downregulated in CAD. These results are discussed in the context of the interaction of the Oxstress transcripts with the ATHp-associated miRNAs.

Donor/Recipient HLA Molecular Mismatch Scores Predict Primary Humoral and Cellular Alloimmunity in Kidney Transplantation.

Donor/recipient molecular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch predicts primary B-cell alloimmune activation, yet the impact on de novo donor-specific T-cell alloimmunity (dnDST) remains undetermined. The hypothesis of our study is that donor/recipient HLA mismatches assessed at the molecular level may also influence a higher susceptibility to the development of posttransplant primary T-cell alloimmunity. In this prospective observational study, 169 consecutive kidney transplant recipients without preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and with high resolution donor/recipient HLA typing were evaluated for HLA molecular mismatch scores using different informatic algorithms [amino acid mismatch, eplet MM, and Predicted Indirectly Recognizable HLA Epitopes (PIRCHE-II)]. Primary donor-specific alloimmune activation over the first 2 years posttransplantation was assessed by means of both dnDSA and dnDST using single antigen bead (SAB) and IFN-γ ELISPOT assays, respectively. Also, the predominant alloantigen presenting pathway priming DST alloimmunity and the contribution of main alloreactive T-cell subsets were further characterized in vitro. Pretransplantation, 78/169 (46%) were DST+ whereas 91/169 (54%) DST-. At 2 years, 54/169 (32%) patients showed detectable DST responses: 23/54 (42%) dnDST and 31/54 (57%) persistently positive (persistDST+). 24/169 (14%) patients developed dnDSA. A strong correlation was observed between the three distinct molecular mismatch scores and they all accurately predicted dnDSA formation, in particular at the DQ locus. Likewise, HLA molecular incompatibility predicted the advent of dnDST, especially when assessed by PIRCHE-II score (OR 1.014 95% CI 1.001-1.03, p=0.04). While pretransplant DST predicted the development of posttransplant BPAR (OR 5.18, 95% CI=1.64-16.34, p=0.005) and particularly T cell mediated rejection (OR 5.33, 95% CI=1.45-19.66, p=0.012), patients developing dnDST were at significantly higher risk of subsequent dnDSA formation (HR 2.64, 95% CI=1.08-6.45, p=0.03). In vitro experiments showed that unlike preformed DST that is predominantly primed by CD8+ direct pathway T cells, posttransplant DST may also be activated by the indirect pathway of alloantigen presentation, and predominantly driven by CD4+ alloreactive T cells in an important proportion of patients. De novo donor-specific cellular alloreactivity seems to precede subsequent humoral alloimmune activation and is influenced by a poor donor/recipient HLA molecular matching.

Effects of body weight variation in obese kidney recipients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obese kidney allograft recipients have worse results in kidney transplantation (KT). However, there is lack of information regarding the effect of body mass index (BMI) variation after KT. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of body weight changes in obese kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: In this study we used data from the Catalan Renal Registry that included KT recipients from 1990 to 2011 (n = 5607). The annual change in post-transplantation BMI was calculated. The main outcome variables were delayed graft function (DGF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and patient and graft survival. RESULTS: Obesity was observed in 609 patients (10.9%) at the time of transplantation. The incidence of DGF was significantly higher in obese patients (40.4% versus 28.3%; P < 0.001). Baseline obesity was significantly associated with worse short- and long-term graft survival (P < 0.05) and worse graft function during the follow-up (P < 0.005). BMI variations in obese patients did not improve eGFR or graft or patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our conclusion is that in obese patients, decreasing body weight after KT does not improve either short-term graft outcomes or long-term renal function.

Validation and evaluation of four sample preparation methods for the quantification of intracellular tacrolimus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by UHPLC-MS/MS.

Rejection and toxicity occur despite monitoring of tacrolimus blood levels during clinical routine. The intracellular concentration in lymphocytes could be a better reflection of the tacrolimus exposure. Four extraction methods for tacrolimus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were validated and evaluated with UHPLC-MS/MS. Methods based on protein precipitation (method 1), solid phase extraction (method 2), phospholipids and proteins removal (method 3) and liquid-liquid extraction (method 4) were evaluated on linearity, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), imprecision and bias. Validation was completed for the methods within these requirements, adding matrix effect and recovery. Linearity was 0.126 (LLOQ)-15 µg/L, 0.504 (LLOQ)-15 µg/L and 0.298 (LLOQ)-15 µg/L with method 1, 2 and 3, respectively. With method 4 non-linearity and a LLOQ higher than 0.504 µg/L were observed. Inter-day imprecision and bias were ≤4.6%, ≤10.9%; ≤6.8%, ≤-11.2%; ≤9.4%, ≤10.3% and ≤44.6%, ≤23.1%, respectively, with methods 1, 2, 3 and 4. Validation was completed for method 1 and 3 adding matrix effect (7.6%; 15.0%) and recovery (8.9%; 10.8%), respectively. The most suitable UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of intracellular tacrolimus was protein precipitation due to the best performance characteristics and the least time-consuming rate and complexity.