Effect of Hydroxychloroquine Treatment on Kidney Allograft Rejection and Graft Failure

Role of autophagy in rejection after solid organ transplantation: A systematic review of the literature

Organ transplantation has long been recognized as an effective treatment for end-stage organ failure, metabolic diseases, and malignant tumors. However, graft rejection caused by major histocompatibility complex mismatch remains a significant challenge. While modern immunosuppressants have made significant strides in reducing the incidence and risk of rejection, they have not been able to eliminate it completely. The intricate mechanisms underlying transplant rejection have been the subject of intense investigation by transplant immunologists. Among these factors, autophagy has emerged as a key player. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in eukaryotic cells that mediates autophagocytosis and cellular protection. This process is regulated by autophagy-related genes and their encoded protein families, which maintain the material and energetic balance within cells. Additionally, autophagy has been reported to play crucial roles in the development, maturation, differentiation, and responses of immune cells. In the complex immune environment following transplantation, the role and mechanisms of autophagy are gradually being revealed. In this review, we aim to explore the current understanding of the role of autophagy in solid organ rejection after transplantation. Furthermore, we delve into the therapeutic advancements achieved by targeting autophagy involved in the rejection process.

[Therapeutic response and monitoring of antibody-mediated renal graft rejection]

Background

Antibody-mediated renal graft rejection is one of the main causes of graft loss. Treatment is based on the removal of circulating antibodies, inhibition of residual antibodies, reduction of their formation, minimization of the alloresponse and terminal complement activation.

Objective

To assess the therapeutic response in patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, steroid and rituximab as treatment for antibody-mediated renal rejection.

Material and methods

An applicative, prospective study was carried out in hospitalized patients under the care of a nephrology service with a diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection of the renal graft according to BANFF. 20 patients were included in 1 year, the biopsy was reviewed in an effort to classify the type of antibody-mediated rejection and the response to treatment was evaluated to demonstrate whether there was stabilization or improvement in renal function at 12 months of follow-up.

Results

Using the Wilcoxon test, creatinine during the biopsy of the injected and creatinine 12 months after receiving the therapeutic regimen were compared. The Z value was -1.8, with a p = 0.069.

Conclusions

There was no difference in terms of stabilization or recovery of renal graft function after 12 months of receiving treatment for antibody-mediated rejection based on steroids, plasma exchanges, immunoglobulin and rituximab.