11 June 2015 : Original article
Dynamics and Diagnostic Relevance of Kynurenine Serum Level after Kidney Transplantation
Jürgen KadenABDEF, Dietmar AbendrothADEF, Andreas VölpCDE, Michael MarzinzigBDOI: 10.12659/AOT.893721
Ann Transplant 2015; 20:327-337
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory events after kidney transplantation (Tx) may lead to activation of the tryptophane-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase followed by the formation of kynurenine (KYN). Post-transplant KYN serum levels in kidney allograft recipients were analyzed for their diagnostic value.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of KYN levels (normal value: 2.7±0.6 nmol/ml) measured in 4083 blood samples collected from 355 kidney graft recipients in connection with uncomplicated courses, acute rejections (ARs), infections, and type of immunosuppression. We performed descriptive data analysis and analysis of variance.
RESULTS: In 212 recipients with immediately functioning grafts, the KYN levels dropped from pre-Tx 13.3±5.9 nmol/ml to nearly normal values at day 5 (5.8±3.0 nmol/ml). In patients with delayed graft function, the KYN reduction started only after the last hemodialysis treatment. With respect to ARs in recipients with creatinine values <300 µmol/l pre-AR, the increase of KYN levels depended on the severity of ARs (steroid-sensitive ARs: from 4.5±1.4 to 6.0±6.1 nmol/ml; steroid-resistant ARs: from 6.1±3.1 to 12.9±7.1 nmol/ml; vascular rejections: from 5.8±3.0 to 16.9±9.1 nmol/ml). In patients with creatinine values ≥300 µmol/l pre-AR, a further increase of the KYN level (from 10.1 to 13.2 nmol/ml) was only observed in severe, steroid-resistant ARs. With respect to infections evaluated, the KYN levels before diagnosis/start of treatment were 5.7±3.4 nmol/ml in asymptomatic CMV infections, 7.5±4.4 nmol/ml in CMV diseases, 8.3±3.3 nmol/ml in pneumonia, and 10.4±6.5 nmol/ml in bacterial sepsis.
CONCLUSIONS: Serum KYN seems to be a reliable diagnostic tool for the assessment of post-transplant inflammatory complications, already in an early stage, and for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Prospective studies are recommended.
Keywords: Graft Rejection, Immunosuppression, Kidney Transplantation, Kynurenine
In Press
18 Mar 2024 : Original article
Does Antibiotic Use Increase the Risk of Post-Transplantation Diabetes Mellitus? A Retrospective Study of R...Ann Transplant In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AOT.943282
20 Mar 2024 : Original article
Transplant Nephrectomy: A Comparative Study of Timing and Techniques in a Single InstitutionAnn Transplant In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AOT.942252
28 Mar 2024 : Original article
Association Between FEV₁ Decline Rate and Mortality in Long-Term Follow-Up of a 21-Patient Pilot Clinical T...Ann Transplant In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AOT.942823
02 Apr 2024 : Original article
Liver Transplantation from Brain-Dead Donors with Hepatitis B or C in South Korea: A 2014-2020 Korean Organ...Ann Transplant In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AOT.943588
Most Viewed Current Articles
05 Apr 2022 : Original article
Impact of Statins on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Living-Donor Liver TransplantationDOI :10.12659/AOT.935604
Ann Transplant 2022; 27:e935604
12 Jan 2022 : Original article
Risk Factors for Developing BK Virus-Associated Nephropathy: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study of ...DOI :10.12659/AOT.934738
Ann Transplant 2022; 27:e934738
22 Nov 2022 : Original article
Long-Term Effects of Everolimus-Facilitated Tacrolimus Reduction in Living-Donor Liver Transplant Recipient...DOI :10.12659/AOT.937988
Ann Transplant 2022; 27:e937988
15 Mar 2022 : Case report
Combined Liver, Pancreas-Duodenum, and Kidney Transplantation for Patients with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis, Urem...DOI :10.12659/AOT.935860
Ann Transplant 2022; 27:e935860