Dogs'olfactory diagnostics applied on human species: state of the art and clinical perspectives.

Dogs'smell ability is about 10000-100000 more developed than humans' one. Dogs smell is usually exploited in forensic medicine, to find missing people and specific substances showing peculiar sensorial features. In clinic, there is the possibility to take advantage of dogs smell, which are conveniently trained, for the screening of cancers and other diseases. The common feature is the presence of molecules in organic samples that may be considered as biomarkers of a specific pathology. In cancer, scientific evidences exist about screening of melanoma, lung, breast, rectum, ovarian, prostate and bladder cancer. Instead, other pathologies manifest the presence of organic volatile compounds in biologic materials, such as spit, faeces and urine that may be studied by dogs smell in order to identify the presence of a specific disease. This review shows the state of the art of actual dogs' olfactory ability based on scientific principles and the advantages and the disadvantages of this method. The authors also reveal some potential pathologies joined by the presence of organic volatile compounds, which may be investigated by dogs smell.

Liver Regeneration Induced By Extracorporeal Portal Vein Arterialization in a Swine Model of Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine whether a controlled portal blood arterialization by a liver extracorporeal device (L.E.O2 NARDO) is effective in treating acute hepatic failure (AHF) induced in swine by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen swine with AHF induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in oil solution were randomly divided into 2 groups: animals that received L.E.O2 NARDO treatment 48 hours after the intoxication (study group; n = 8); and animals that were sham operated 48 hours after the intoxication (control group; n = 8). Blood was withdrawn from the iliac artery and reversed in the portal venous system by an interposed extracorporeal device. Each treatment lasted 6 hours. The survival was assessed at 5 days after L.E.O2 NARDO treatment or sham operation. In both groups blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis at different study time and liver biopsies were performed 48 hours after intoxication and at humane killing. RESULTS: In the study group decreased transaminases levels and a more rapid international normalized ratio (INR) recover were detected as compared with the control group. Six animals of the study group (75%) versus 1 animal (12.5%) of the control group survived at 5 days after surgery with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). Liver biopsies performed at humane killing showed damaged areas of the livers reduced in the study group compared with biopsies of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial blood supply in the portal system through the L.E.O2 NARDO device is easily applicable, efficacious, and safe in a swine model of AHF induced by CCl4 intoxication.

Complications and graft survival in kidney transplants with vascular variants: our experience and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: In the literature several reconstructive techniques for vascular anastomoses in case of kidney graft vascular variants are reported. This article reports our experience in kidney transplants with vascular anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and June 2012, 154 cadaveric kidney transplantations were performed at our center. In 35 case, vascular variants were found. Among the arterial variants we observed 27 double arteries, 2 cases with 3 arteries, and 1 case with 4 arteries. All cases of Venous variants were double veins. Based on the type of reconstructive technique used, we divided transplants into group A (n = 22) separate multiple arterial anastomoses; group B (n = 8) anastomosis on the aortic patch; group C (n = 4) single anastomosis in case of 2 arteries with a common ostium at the aortic origin. The venous variants were treated with ligation of the vein of smaller caliber. RESULTS: Kidney preparation to the back table lasted on average 50 minutes with no significant differences between the 3 groups and no significant timing increase compared to renal transplants without vascular anomalies (mean warm ischemia 40 minutes, range 30-60 minutes). The mean cold ischemia time was limited to 16 hours from the removal and the mean warm ischemia was 50 minutes (range 30-70 minutes). There were no differences in timing between group C and single anastomoses, whereas groups A and B showed mean warm ischemia time was slightly increased compared to group C (P < .05). There were no significant differences in terms of delayed upturn of graft function and graft survival between groups A, B, and C and compared to transplants without vascular anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: In our series we observed similar results performing the reimplantation on aortic patch and separate multiple arterial anastomoses. Considering our experience, we believe that vascular variants are not an indication to exclude a graft for transplantation.

Laparoscopic placement of "self-locating catheter": our experience and a review of literature.

Among the available devices for peritoneal dialysis, the Di Paolo self-locating catheter (SLC) represents a milestone using to its ability to ensure a permanent reliable means of access to the peritoneum. Our experience included 20 laparoscopic peritoneal catheter placements from 2008 to 2011. We performed the laparoscopic surgical technique using 3 trocars: 2 10 mm and 1 5 mm. The technique allows catheter introduction into the pouch of Douglas under direct vision. Among 20 treated patients, 1 died due to causes unrelated to peritoneal dialysis; 1 underwent transplantation, and 1 was switched to hemodialysis because of ultrafiltration failure. The complications included 2 catheter displacements, only 1 of them needing repositioning by open laparotomy, and 1 case of peritonitis. No infection in the subcutaneous tunnel or obstruction and malfunction occurred among our patients. The Di Paolo SLC is similar to Tenckhoff catheter but includes a small tungsten cylinder at the tip that engenders continuous gravity in the peritoneal cavity, producing a reduced risk of dislocation. In a large series of cases, Di Paolo et al. reported a 0.8% dislocation rate after SLC placement compared with 12% using Tenckhoff catheters. They also demonstrated a reduced risk of other complications, such as peritonitis, infection, obstruction, and failure. These data have been confirmed by other authors with smaller case series. Thus, introduction of the SLC and improved surgical techniques result in better efficiency of peritoneal dialysis.

Analysis of 80 dual-kidney transplantations: a multicenter experience.

INTRODUCTION: The use of kidneys from expanded criteria donors (ECD) is an attractive strategy to enlarge the pool of organs available for transplantation. Considering the fact that ECD organs have a reduced nephron mass, they are preferentially allocated for dual-kidney transplantation (DKT). Authors have reported excellent results of DKT when pretransplant ECD organs are evaluated for histological scores. The aim of this study was to evaluate DKT donor and recipient characteristics for comparison with DKT posttransplant outcomes versus those of recipients of single-kidney transplantations from expanded criteria (edSKT) and ideal donors (idSKT). We analyzed the potential prognostic factors involved in DKT among a population derived from three transplant centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2007, DKT (n = 80) were performed based upon the ECD kidney allocation assessed by biopsy. RESULTS: The average donor ages for the DKT, edSKT, and idSKT groups were 68.8 ± 7.8, 65.3 ± 7.2, and 40.1 ± 13.8 years, respectively (P < .001). The number of human leukocyte antigen mismatches was greater in the DKT group (3.1 ± 1.2, P < .05). Patient and graft 5-year survival rates were similar among DKT, edSKT, and idSKT recipients, namely, 97.5% versus 95.8% versus 96.9% and 93.7% versus 87.4% versus 86.9%, respectively. Mean serum creatinine values at discharge were lower in the DKT and idSKT recipients (1.5 ± 0.9 and 1.6 ± 0.7 mg/dL; P < .05) compared with the edSKT group (1.9 ± 0.7 mg/dL). Correlations between supposed prognostic factors and survival among the DKT group noted worse outcomes in reoperation cases (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that DKT produced successful outcomes. An accurate surgical procedure is particularly important to try to avoid reoperations. In our experience, the use of a biopsy as an absolute criterion to allocate ECD kidneys may be too protective.

Urologic complications in kidney transplantation: a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Urologic complications are an important cause of morbidity in kidney transplantation. To prevent this occurrence, several studies have reported the benefit of stenting. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different types of stents to protect the urinary anastomosis in kidney transplantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 139 kidney transplant recipients who underwent ureteralneocystostomy by the Lich-Gregoire technique between January 1995 and July 2010. On the basis of the type of stent we divided transplant patients into two groups: group A (n=90), the internal-external Bracci catheter and group B (n=49), the double-J stent. The urologic complications evaluated in both groups were: urinary tract leakage, obstruction, and infections. We also recorded the duration of the postoperative hospitalization. RESULTS: The incidences of urinary fistulae and ureteral strictures between the two groups were similar (around 3%). A higher incidence of urinary infections, however, was registered among group A compared with group B (46% vs 10%; P<.05). The postoperative hospitalization period was consequently longer in group A then group B (35 ± 3 vs 24 ± 2 days; P<.05). CONCLUSION: In our series of kidney transplantations, the occurrence of urinary fistulae and ureteral strictures was not influenced by the type of stent. The use of a double-J stent, however, appeared to be associated with a significantly decreased incidence of urinary tract infections leading to shorter postoperative hospitalizations.

Extracorporeal portal vein arterialization in man after extended hepatectomy to prevent acute liver failure: a case report.

Experimental studies have shown that increasing the oxygen supply to the liver through portal vein arterialization (PVA) enhances liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Moreover, our previous study demonstrated a beneficial effect of an extracorporeal device to increase the oxygenated blood to the liver and to improve the survival rate of animals subjected to subtotal hepatectomy. Herein we have reported a case of PVA through an extracorporeal device to treat a man after extended hepatectomy leading to acute liver failure (ALF). An obese 69-year-old man (body mass index > 35) affected by multiple metastases from colorectal cancer underwent 80% liver resection; at laparotomy, a steatotic liver was evident due to adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the liver experienced 20 minutes of hepatic ischemia during the resection. At the end of resection he underwent extracorporeal PVA treatment. Blood was withdrawn from the femoral artery and returned into the portal venous system through the umbilical vein. An extracorporeal device was interposed between the outflow and inflow to monitor hemodynamic parameters. Starting from operating room each of six treatments lasted 6 hours per day. Serum and liver samples were collected daily. The extracorporeal device was dismounted at the seventh postoperative day. The postoperative course was assessed at 1 month. The PVA-extracorporeal treatment yielded beneficial effects for subtotal hepatectomy by decreasing serum ammonia, transaminases, and total bilirubin concentration. The international normalized ratio recovered rapidly, remaining significantly lower during the entire postoperative period. The ten-day postoperative period was uneventful. The patient was discharged in good health. He is alive and well at the moment. The arterial blood supply in the portal system through the umbilical vein using an extracorporeal device was easily applicable, efficacious, safe, and cost-effective. It may represent a novel approach to treat patients with potential ALF after subtotal liver resection.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: analysis of the learning curve in a training model in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) outcomes are impaired mainly by the risks associated with the learning curve. Considering that practice by in vivo training may reduced this risk, we recently assessed a swine model of HALDN. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning curve of HALDN using an in vivo training model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten female white pigs underwent a left and then a right HALDN in the same session for a total of 20 procedures by the same first operator. The HALDN were divided into 2 groups: group A, the first 10 nephrectomies and group B, the latter 10. For each group, we assessed operative times, intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemia time (WIT), and graft quality. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in operative times among group B. Two right HALDN of group A were converted to open procedures owing to bleeding. The EBL was consequently lower in group B (P < .05); the mean WIT was not significantly different between the 2 study groups. The graft quality was good in 5/8 kidneys evaluated in group A and 9/10 in group B. DISCUSSION: Standardization of analyzed parameters after a number of procedures, which were comparable to the clinical settings, confirmed the validity of this in vivo training model and its potential utility to allow many transplantation centers to adopt this technique by reducing the risk of the learning curve.

Kidney transplantation at Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza: report of 10 years experience.

OBJECTIVE: Kidney transplantation represents the gold standard for treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease. Herein we sought to report our 10-year experience with cadaveric kidney transplantations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 1995 to September 2008, we performed 115 kidney transplantations. Patients were followed for an average of 4.9 years (range, 2.2-10.6 years). The cold ischemia time (CIT) averaged 13 +/- 3 hours, while the mean warm ischemic time was 25 +/- 10 minutes. The ureteral-bladder anastomosis was performed using Bracci catheters in the first series of 72 transplants, and double-J stents in the other 41 cases. The average waiting time was 122 +/- 21 months. The immunological regimens were prescribed according to the American Society of Nephrology (K/DOQI) with reference to comorbidity and concomitant risk factors and reported drug toxicity events. We transplanted kidneys with anatomic variations, ie, multiple arteries and double veins, and one double transplant of marginal organs. RESULTS: Our overall complication rate was 9.18%. The 10-year patient and graft survival rates were 89% and 84%, respectively. The percentage of biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes was 22.16%, while chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) accounted for 15.3% at 5 years. The incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) was 14.05%. Finally, we noted 3 cases of cardiovascular death. CONCLUSION: Our experience showed excellent patient outcomes compared with other Italian and European data.

Urological complications after kidney transplantation: experience of more than 1,000 transplantations.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary fistulas and stenoses are the most common complications that may require surgical revision after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the incidence of and risk factors for early (within 30 days) or late major urological complications (stenoses and fistulas) after kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 1142 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1990 and September 2007. Endpoints were early and late urological complications (stenoses and fistulas). The variables considered upon multivariate and univariate analyses were: recipient age, sex, etiology of renal failure, number (first/second) and type (single/double/combined with other organs) of kidney transplantations, cold ischemia time, type of urinary reconstruction, stent positioning, as well as donor cause of death, sex, age, and serum creatinine and clearance. We also examined the presence of graft polar arteries, acute rejection episodes, and postoperative graft function. RESULTS: Among 1142 transplantation performed at our center, 100 patients (8.7%) experienced 107 urological complications: 85 (79.4%) were early (56 fistulas, 29 stenoses) and 22 (20.5%) late (7 fistulas and 15 stenoses). Multivariate analysis for all complications revealed significant associations with male recipient sex (P = .00, HR = 2), while first kidney transplantation was protective (P = .00, HR = .4). Male gender both of the recipient and of the donor was significantly associated with early fistulas (P = .01, HR = 2.5 and P = .02, HR = 2, respectively). First (versus second) kidney transplantation had a protective effect on early stenoses (P = .01, HR = .27). Late fistulas were associated with anastomotic stenting (P = .03) in univariate but not multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis for late stenoses did not demonstrate any significant association with the considered variables; however, the late stenosis cases showed significantly higher recipient and donor ages (P < .05) and a lower donor creatinine clearance (P < .05). The type of urinary anastomosis, stenting, cold ischemia time, presence of polar arterial branches, and type of transplantation did not influence the incidence of urinary fistulas or stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed that older recipients and organs from older donors, especially of male gender, and retransplantations are to be considered risk factors for urological complications. The present analysis cannot suggest any modification of the actual surgical strategy that would prevent urological complications in kidney transplantation.

Effect of early antibiotic prophylaxis with ertapenem and meropenem in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The clinical course in acute necrotizing pancreatitis is mainly influenced by bacterial infection of pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis. The effect of two antibiotic treatments for early prophylaxis was studied in the taurocholate model of necrotizing pancreatitis in the rat. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three pancreatitis groups (15 animals each) and a sham-operated group (15 animals, control group). Pancreatitis was induced by intraductal infusion of 3% taurocholate under sterile conditions. Animals were placed on one of two different antibiotic regimens (15 mg/kg ertapenem or 20 mg/kg meropenem, one shot) after the induction of pancreatitis or received no antibiotics (control). All animals were sacrificed after 24 h to study pancreatic and extrapancreatic infection. RESULTS: Early antibiotic prophylaxis with either erapenam or meropenem significantly decreased pancreatic infection from 12/15 (control group) to 4/15 (ertapenem antibiotic group) and 3/15 (meropenem antibiotic group) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our animal model of necrotizing pancreatitis, early antibiotic prophylaxis with ertapenem and meropenem reduced bacterial infection of the pancreas. The efficacy of early antibiotic prophylaxis with ertapenem in the clinical setting should be subject to further research.

Kidney transplantation combined with other organs in Bologna: an update.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively reviewed our experience in combined liver-kidney (L-KT) and heart-kidney (H-KT) transplantations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and April 2007, we performed 25 L-KT and 5 H-KT. Patient mean age was 51+/-8 years in L-KT and 43+/-11 years in H-KT. The main cause of liver failure was chronic viral hepatitis (14 cases). Etiology of heart failure was dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (4 and 1 patients, respectively). The main causes of renal failure in L-KT were chronic glomerulonephritis (n=8) and polycystic disease (n=7). Etiology of renal failure in H-KT was interstitial nephropathy (n=2), vascular nephropathy (n=2), and chronic glomerulonephritis (n=1). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 32+/-26 months in L-KT and 24+/-17 months in H-KT. Immunosuppression was cyclosporine-based (n=4) or tacrolimus-based (n=21) in L-KT and cyclosporine-based in H-KT. Acute rejection rate was 8% for both liver and kidney in L-KT; 80% (mild) for heart and 40% for kidney in H-KT. In the L-KT group, there was no primary graft nonfunction (PGNF). Two patients experienced liver delayed graft function (DGF); 1 patient required postoperative dialysis. One-year graft and patient survivals were both 84% and overall graft and patient survival was 76%. In the H-KT group, 3 patients needed postoperative dialysis and 1 required a cardiac assistance device for 48 hours; overall graft and patient survival was 100% with good cardiac and renal functions. CONCLUSION: Our experience confirmed that H-KT and L-KT are safe procedures, offering good long-term results.

Multicenter study on double kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Marginal organs not suitable for single kidney transplantation are considered for double kidney transplantation (DKT). Herein we have reviewed short and long-term outcomes of DKT over a 7-year experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2007, 80 DKT were performed in the transplant centers of Bologna, Parma, and Modena, Italy. Recipient mean age was 61+/-5 years. The main indications were glomerular nephropathy (n=33) and hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis (n=14). Mean HLA A, B, and DR mismatches were 3.1+/-1.2. Donor mean age was 69+/-8 years and mean creatinine clearance was 75+/-27 mL/min. Almost all kidneys were perfused with Celsior solution. Mean cold ischemia time was 17+/-4 hours and mean warm ischemia time was 41+/-17 minutes. Mean biopsy score was 4.4. Immunosuppression was based on tacrolimus (n=52) or cyclosporine (n=26). RESULTS: Fifty (62.5%) patients displayed good postoperative renal function. Thirty (37.5%) experienced acute tubular necrosis and required postoperative dialysis treatment; 8 acute rejections occurred. Urinary complications were 13.7% with 8/11 requiring surgical revision. There were 6 surgical reexplorations: intestinal perforation (n=2), bleeding (n=3), and lymphocele (n=1). Two patients lost both grafts due to vascular and infectious complications at 7 or 58 days after transplantation. Two patients underwent intraoperative transplantectomy due to massive vascular thrombosis. Four (5%) patients underwent transplantectomy of a single graft due to vascular complications (n=2), bleeding (n=1), or infectious complications (n=1). Graft and patient survivals were 95% and 100% versus 93% and 97% at 3 versus 36 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DKT is a safe approach for organ shortage. The score used in this study is useful to determine whether a kidney should be refused or accepted.

Gastrointestinal perforations following kidney transplantation.

This study reports major gastrointestinal (GI) complications among a group of 1611 patients following kidney transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen changed somewhat during the course of the study but included azathioprine, prednisolone, antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and sirolimus. Perforations occurred in the colon (n=21), small bowel (n=15), duodenum (n=6), and stomach (n=4). Nearly 50% of the complications occurred while patients were being given high-dose immunosuppression to manage either the early postoperative period or acute rejection episodes. Of the 46 patients affected, 11 (24%) died as a direct result of the GI complication. This high mortality appeared to be related to the effects of the immunosuppression and the associated response to sepsis. Reduction of these complications may be achieved by improved surgical management, preventive measures, prompt diagnosis, and a reduced immunosuppressive protocol.

Endolymphatic immunotherapy in inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: We report the preliminary results of endolymphatic immunotherapy in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From 2003 to 2005 we enrolled 31 patients with inoperable HCC. The patients underwent monthly endolymphatic injections of 15-30 x 10(6) interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated peripheral autologous lymphocytes (LAK) and 250 IU of IL-2. Follow-up included blood biochemistry every 3 months and imaging studies every 6 months. To assess therapy efficacy we considered 12 biochemical parameters, vascular invasion or thrombosis, Child-Pugh scoring system, histological grading, lymphadenopathy, viral state, and alpha-fetoprotein. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed at least 3 cycles, and 10 patients completed more than 6. No clinically significant adverse reactions occurred. Imaging studies showed no significant decrease in tumor mass. However, the survival of patients who completed 12 therapy cycles was significantly higher than survival of patients with fewer than 12 cycles. Both are significantly higher than that of untreated patients. All patients with 12 completed cycles showed an improvement of 9 parameters or more. DISCUSSION: Endolymphatic immunotherapy is safe, easily performed, inexpensive, and effective in terms of survival. This study should encourage future large-scale investigations so as to reach a firmer conclusion and define uniform inclusion criteria.

Extracorporeal portal vein oxygenation improves outcome of acute liver failure in swine.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has shown efficacy to treat acute liver failure (ALF) in preclinical studies. The next step is to perform large animal studies that propose a clinically acceptable method of PVA. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of PVA using an extracorporeal device to treat 2 ALF models in swine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2 ALF swine models were carbon tetrachloride toxic ALF and subtotal hepatectomy using 8 animals per group. PVA was performed with an extracorporeal device that may be suitable for future clinical studies. Arterial blood was drawn from the iliac artery and delivered into the portal vein for a 6-hour treatment. We analyzed biochemical, blood gas, and histological parameters as well as 1-week survival rates. RESULTS: In both models, ALF was successfully achieved. Control group animals deteriorated biochemically, dropping their prothrombin times and increasing the liver enzymes. In contrast, treated animals improved with a survival rate of 75% at 7 days compared with 0% for the former group. CONCLUSIONS: PVA using an extracorporeal device was feasible and effective to treat both toxic and resective ALF in swine.

A new swine training model of hand-assisted donor nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the described advantages of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN), the learning curve risks discourage many transplant centers to switch from the traditional technique to the laparoscopic approach. Considering that the learning curve risk may be softened with practice on a training model the aim of this study was examine a low-cost, high-fidelity model of HALDN in pigs. METHODS: Ten female white pigs underwent a left and then a right HALDN in the same session for a total of 20 procedures. For each nephrectomy, we assessed operative times and intraoperative complications. All nephrectomies were performed by a single senior transplantation surgeon. RESULTS: All animals that survived bilateral nephrectomy were sacrificed. Two right HALDNs were converted to open procedures due to bleeding. One spleen lesion and one lumbar vein injury were treated laparoscopically. Considering only the 18 HALDN completed, we registered a mean total operative time of 75.4 min (range=52 to 120). DISCUSSION: The in vivo training model described herein made it possible to reproduce the positions and operative difficulties similar to those encountered in clinical practice. Moreover, the costs can be considerably reduced by performing two procedures in each animal employing reusable instruments. Our model represented a valid high-fidelity training procedure that was useful and convenient to achieve skills for HALDN that may help transplantation centers adopt this technique to reduce the learning curve risk.

Protective effect of an inhibitor of interleukin-8 (meraxin) from ischemia and reperfusion injury in a rat model of kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Since the ischemia and reperfusion injury is one of the main causes of delayed graft function after transplantation, research efforts have focused on studying the molecules involved in this inflammatory process. The chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) seems to be the main one responsible through a chemoattractive action toward neutropils. Therefore, one of the strategies adopted to prevent this process is blocking the binding between IL-8 and its receptors. The aim of our study was to test the effect of meraxin, a new derivative from repertaxin, to protect the renal graft from ischemia and reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty male syngenic rats were divided into four groups. The control group underwent only kidney transplantation, while the other groups were treated with meraxin at various dosages 2 hours before graft reperfusion. Blood and histological samples were taken at sacrifice 24 hours after transplantation. RESULTS: Creatinine was significantly lower in the group treated with the high dosage of meraxin. Histological observation of the grafted tissue showed instead only a mild and not significant neutrophilic infiltration, equal in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Graft function was improved by the administration of meraxin at high dosage, but this effect did not seem to be connected to a reduction in inflammatory infiltration in the parechymal tissue. Maybe the cause is in the mechanisms of clotting activation, due to alteration of adhesion molecules and endothelial cells.

Metabolic syndrome after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) includes some risk factors for development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, obesity (BMI > 30), high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. Following the definition of the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, a diagnosis of MS was established when 3 or more factors were present. In renal transplant patients MS has been reported to negatively influence both patient and graft survivals. The present study sought to verify the effect of MS among our cases. METHODS: 298 cadaveric renal transplant recipients operated between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2001 with absence of diabetes before transplantation, stable renal function 1 year posttransplantation and at least 4 years follow up were retrospectively evaluated from the end of the first post-operative year. RESULTS: 50 patients out of 298 (16,7%) had MS at the beginning of the study, including 37 of them with 3 and 13 with 4 risk factors. Only one patient with MS died of cardiovascular disease. Graft failure was observed in 23.5% MS patients versus 9,7% patients without the Syndrome (p:n.s.) Only Creatinine and the incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases at 4 years were statistically higher in MS patients (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that MS is a risk factor for increasing CVD morbidity and decreased graft function, but early treatment of risk factors as soon as they become apparent can limit the adverse effects on patient and graft survival.

Bologna transplant center results in double kidney transplantation: update.

INTRODUCTION: Double-kidney transplantation is performed using organs from marginal donors with a histological score not suitable for single kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to verify the results obtained with double-kidney transplantation in terms of graft/patient survivals and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2001 and September 2006. 26 double-kidney transplantations were performed in our center. Indications for surgery were: chronic glomerulonephritis (n = 17), polycystic disease (n = 4), reflux nephropathy (n = 1), hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis (n = 4). The kidneys were all perfused with Celsior solution and mean cold ischemia time was 16.7 +/- 2.5 hours. In all cases, a pretransplant kidney biopsy was performed to evaluate the damage (mean score: 4.3). Immunosuppression was tacrolimus-based for all patients. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had good renal postoperative function, while the other eight displayed acute tubular necrosis. Two of the patients who had severe acute tubular necrosis never recovered renal function. There was only one episode of acute rejection, while the incidence of urinary complications was 31%. There were two surgical reoperations for intestinal perforation. Graft and recipient survivals were 82.7% and 100%, and 78.9% and 94% at 3 and 36 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Double-kidney transplantation is a safe strategy to face the organ shortage. The score used in this study is useful to determine whether a kidney should be refused or suitable for single- or dual-kidney transplantation. The results of our experience are encouraging, but the series is too small to allow a conclusion.