Recombinant apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage protein reduces delayed graft function in a murine model of kidney transplantation.

Reperfusion injury following cold and warm ischemia (IRI) is unavoidable during kidney transplantation and contributes to delayed graft function (DGF) and premature graft loss. Death of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) by necrosis during IRI releases pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g. HMGB1), propagating further inflammation (necroinflammation) and tissue damage. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a phagocytic receptor upregulated on proximal TECs during acute kidney injury. We have previously shown that renal KIM-1 protects the graft against transplant associated IRI by enabling TECs to clear apoptotic and necrotic cells, and that recognition of necrotic cells by KIM-1 is augmented in the presence of the opsonin, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages (AIM). Here, we tested whether recombinant AIM (rAIM) could be used to mitigate transplant associated IRI. We administered rAIM or vehicle control to nephrectomised B6 mice transplanted with a single B6 donor kidney. Compared to grafts in vehicle-treated recipients, grafts from rAIM-treated mice exhibited significantly less renal dysfunction, tubular cell death, tissue damage, tubular obstruction, as well as local and systemic inflammation. Both mouse and human rAIM enhanced the clearance of necrotic cells by murine and human TECs, respectively in vitro. These data support testing of rAIM as a potential therapeutic agent to reduce DGF following kidney transplantation.

EBV-positive T/NK-associated lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood: A complete autopsy report.

INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated systemic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood is a rare but severe manifestation of chronic EBV infection. Despite several case reports characterizing this rare hematological neoplasm, the literature describes extensive heterogeneity in the presentation of this disease. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a complete autopsy of a 16-year-old girl who ultimately succumbed to EBV-associated systemic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood. Her clinical presentation demonstrated a non-specific pharyngitis with positive mono spot test, evolving into fulminant multi-organ failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, sepsis, and ultimately death. CONCLUSIONS: Post-mortem findings included extensive hemorrhage, and infiltration of the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow with neoplastic T-cells. There was extensive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) within these organs, suggesting overlap between the EBV-associated systemic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood and EBV-associated HLH. We hope these findings provide a more comprehensive overview of several possible manifestations of EBV-associated systemic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood.