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Feturi FG, Weinstock M, Zhao W, Zhang W, Schnider JT, Erbas VE, Oksuz S, Plock JA, Rohan L, Spiess AM, Ferreira LM, Solari MG, Venkataramanan R, Gorantla VS. Mycophenolic Acid for Topical Immunosuppression in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Optimizing Formulation and Preliminary Evaluation of Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics. Front Surg 2018; 5:20. [PMID: 29868602 PMCID: PMC5954844 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2018.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), is the active form of the ester prodrug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). MMF is an FDA approved immunosuppressive drug that has been successfully used in systemic therapy in combination with other agents for the prevention of acute rejection (AR) following solid organ transplantation (SOT) as well as in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Systemic use of MMF is associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects. Topical delivery of the prodrug could thus provide graft-targeted immunosuppression while minimizing systemic drug exposure. Our goal was to develop a topical formulation of MPA with optimal in vitro/in vivo characteristics such as release, permeation, and tissue bioavailability to enable safety and efficacy evaluation in clinical VCA. Permeation studies were performed with a solution of MPA (10 mg/ml). In vitro release and permeation studies were performed for different semisolid formulations (Aladerm, Lipoderm, emollient, and VersaBase) of MPA (1% w/w) using a Franz Diffusion Cell System (FDCS). In vivo pharmacokinetic characterization of MPA release from Lipoderm was performed in rats. MPA in solution exhibited a steady state flux (3.8 ± 0.1 µg/cm2/h) and permeability (1.1 × 10−7 ± 3.2 × 10−9 cm/s). MPA in Lipoderm exhibited a steady state flux of 1.12 ± 0.24 µg/cm2/h, and permeability of 6.2 × 10−09 ± 1.3 × 10−9 cm/s across the biomimetic membrane. The cumulative release of MPA from Lipoderm, showed a linear single-phase profile with a R2 of 0.969. In vivo studies with MPA in Lipoderm showed markedly higher local tissue MPA levels and lower systemic MPA exposure as compared to values obtained after intravenous delivery of the same dose of drug (p < 0.05). We successfully developed for the first time, a topical formulation of MPA in Lipoderm with optimal in vitro/in vivo permeability characteristics and no undesirable local or systemic adverse effects in vivo. Our study provides key preliminary groundwork for translational efficacy studies of topical MPA in pre-clinical large animal VCA models and for effectiveness evaluation in patients receiving VCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firuz G Feturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Matthias Weinstock
- Disciplina de Cirurgia Plástica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wenchen Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jonas T Schnider
- Division of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vasil E Erbas
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medicalpark Gaziantep Hastanesi, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Sinan Oksuz
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Gulhane Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jan A Plock
- Division of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Rohan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alexander M Spiess
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lydia M Ferreira
- Disciplina de Cirurgia Plástica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mario G Solari
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Vijay S Gorantla
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Kamar N, Del Bello A, Belliere J, Rostaing L. Calcineurin inhibitor-sparing regimens based on mycophenolic acid after kidney transplantation. Transpl Int 2015; 28:928-37. [PMID: 25557802 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has dramatically reduced the number of acute rejections and improved kidney allograft survival. However, CNIs can also cause kidney damage and several adverse events. This has prompted transplant physicians to use CNI-sparing regimens. CNI withdrawal, minimization, or avoidance protocols have been conducted using mycophenolic acid (MPA), and/or mammalian-target-of-rapamycin inhibitors, and/or belatacept. Herein, we review the outcomes of minimizing, withdrawing, or avoiding CNIs when giving mycophenolic acid to de novo and maintenance kidney transplant patients. Protocols on CNI withdrawal, when based on MPA without mammalian-target-of-rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) or belatacept, in de novo and maintenance kidney transplant patients, are associated with an increased risk of acute rejection. Consequently, these strategies have been abandoned and are not recommended. Protocols on CNI minimization show a beneficial impact of kidney function and acceptable acute rejection rates mainly in patients who have been recipients of a graft for >3-5 years. However, no significant improvement to graft survival has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Del Bello
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Belliere
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Lionel Rostaing
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
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3
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Guerra G, Ciancio G, Gaynor JJ, Zarak A, Brown R, Hanson L, Sageshima J, Roth D, Chen L, Kupin W, Tueros L, Ruiz P, Livingstone AS, Burke GW. Randomized trial of immunosuppressive regimens in renal transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2011; 22:1758-68. [PMID: 21807891 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2011010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The optimal long-term regimen for immunosuppression for kidney transplant recipients is unknown. We conducted a randomized trial involving 150 kidney transplant recipients to compare tacrolimus/sirolimus, tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and cyclosporine/sirolimus. All patients received daclizumab induction and maintenance corticosteroids. Median follow-up was 8 yr post-transplant. Acute rejection (AR) occurred significantly less often among those treated with tacrolimus/MMF (12%) than among those treated with tacrolimus/sirolimus (30%) or cyclosporine/sirolimus (28%). Mean estimated GFR was consistently higher in the tacrolimus/MMF arm, especially after controlling for donor age in a multivariable model during the first 36 mo (P ≤ 0.008). The rate of dying with a functioning graft was significantly higher among those treated with tacrolimus/sirolimus (26%) than among those treated with tacrolimus/MMF (12%) or cyclosporine/sirolimus (4%). We did not observe significant differences in actuarial graft survival at 8 yr post-transplant between the groups. Patient noncompliance seemed responsible for 45% (13/29) of observed graft failures, with 11 of these occurring after 36 mo. Significantly more viral infections, protocol violations, and need for antilipid therapy occurred among patients receiving sirolimus, but we did not observe differences between the groups with regard to infections requiring hospitalization or new-onset diabetes. Taken together, these results suggest that maintenance therapy with tacrolimus/MMF is more favorable than either tacrolimus/sirolimus or cyclosporine/sirolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 012440 (R-440), Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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Successful reduction of immunosuppression in older renal transplant recipients who exhibit donor-specific regulation. Transplantation 2009; 88:533-41. [PMID: 19696637 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181b0f92f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We hypothesized that T-regulatory cells specific for donor alloantigens would protect a renal transplant during partial withdrawal of immunosuppression. METHODS To test this hypothesis, 32 renal transplant recipients aged 55 years and older with excellent renal function were tested for donor-specific regulation (DSR) by trans-vivo delayed type hypersensitivity assay at the time of enrollment (T=0) and 6 months later (T=6). Twenty-two patients had prednisone withdrawn during a 3-month period, whereas 10 controls were maintained on triple therapy (prednisone, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate). RESULTS Of 22 patients in the steroid withdrawal group, 10 were DSR+ and 12 were DSR- at the time of enrollment (T=0). None of the DSR+ patients experienced acute rejection, nor did any have donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody during or after withdrawal. Of 12 DSR- patients, three developed acute rejection, which were reversed with bolus steroid treatment, and four were donor-specific antibody+ at T=0 or T=6. Two years later, 80% (8 of 10) of DSR+ patients in the withdrawal group remain steroid free while maintaining excellent renal function, as compared with only 58% (7 of 12) DSR- patients. Patient survival at 4 years was similar for DSR+ (9 of 10) and DSR- (11 of 12) patients in the withdrawal group. Patients maintained on triple therapy remained rejection free during the 4-year follow-up regardless of initial DSR status, with patient survival rate of 70% (7 of 10). CONCLUSIONS DSR before steroid withdrawal may identify a subset of transplant patients who could benefit from reduction of immunosuppression without elevated risk of rejection or deteriorating renal function.
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A prospective trial of a steroid-free/calcineurin inhibitor minimization regimen in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical live donor renal transplantation. Transplantation 2009; 87:408-14. [PMID: 19202447 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e318194515c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few prospective trials in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identical living donor (LD) renal transplantation exist. This prospective study evaluated a corticosteroid (CS)-free, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) minimization immunosuppressive regimen in HLA-identical LD renal transplant recipients. METHODS Twenty HLA-identical LD recipients were prospectively enrolled. Immunosuppression included mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (2 g/day), tacrolimus (target trough 4-8 ng/mL), sirolimus (target trough 6-10 ng/mL), and no pre- or postoperative steroids. In the absence of prior rejection, tacrolimus was discontinued at posttransplant day 120 and sirolimus at 1 year, leaving patients on MMF monotherapy. RESULTS Tacrolimus was successfully withdrawn in 94% of patients (16/17). One hundred percent (15/15) of patients who reached 1-year posttransplant had sirolimus discontinued. Ninety-four percent (17/18) of patients remain off CSs. Mean serum creatinine at 6, 12, and 24 months were 1.38+/-0.32, 1.35+/-0.37, and 1.25+/-0.29 mg/dL; corresponding mean calculated creatinine clearance estimates were 70+/-18, 73+/-17, and 72+/-15 mL/min. Acute cellular rejection, chronic allograft nephropathy, and CNI toxicity were not observed. Death-censored graft survival was 100% at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A CS-free, CNI minimization immunosuppressive regimen with weaning to MMF monotherapy provides excellent renal function, graft survival, and patient survival in HLA-identical LD renal transplant recipients.
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Hamdy AF, Bakr MA, Ghoneim MA. Long-term efficacy and safety of a calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen in live-donor renal transplant recipients. J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 19:1225-32. [PMID: 18337483 PMCID: PMC2396928 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2007091001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity is a major concern after renal transplantation. To investigate the safety and efficacy of a CNI-free immunosuppressive regimen, 132 live-donor renal transplant recipients were included in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. All patients received induction therapy with basiliximab and steroids. The patients were randomized to a maintenance immunosuppression regimen that included steroids, sirolimus, and either low-dose tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Over a mean follow-up period of approximately 5 yr, patient and graft survival did not significantly differ between the two maintenance regimens. Patient survival was 93.8% and 98.5% in the tacrolimus/sirolimus and MMF/sirolimus groups, respectively, and graft survival was 83% and 88%, respectively. However, the MMF/sirolimus group had significantly better renal function, calculated by Cockcroft-Gault, from the second year post-transplant until the last follow-up. In addition, this group was less likely to require a change in their primary immunosuppression regimen than the tacrolimus/sirolimus group (20.8% versus 53.8%, P = 0.001). The safety profile was similar between groups. In summary, after long-term follow-up, a CNI-free maintenance regimen consisting of sirolimus, MMF, and steroids was both safe and efficacious among low to moderate immunologic risk renal transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F Hamdy
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Al-gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Srinivas TR, Meier-Kriesche HU. Minimizing immunosuppression, an alternative approach to reducing side effects: objectives and interim result. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 3 Suppl 2:S101-16. [PMID: 18308998 PMCID: PMC3152278 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.03510807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exceptionally low acute rejection rates and excellent graft survival can be achieved with cyclosporine and tacrolimus (CNI)-based immunosuppressive protocols that incorporate antiproliferative immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. However, despite short-term success, long-term attrition of graft function and side effects of immunosuppressive agents continue to be significant problems, leaving clinicians looking for possible interventions. CNI nephrotoxicity is but one of numerous factors that may contribute to long-term damage in transplant kidneys. Metabolic, cosmetic, and neuropsychiatric complications of steroids affect quality of life after transplantation. Newer immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus (Rapa) have raised the possibility of withdrawing or avoiding CNIs or steroids altogether. In this report we review studies that address either CNI or steroid minimization strategies and discuss their risks versus benefits. Given the accumulated experience to date, in our opinion the use of CNIs and steroids as part of immunosuppressive regimens remains the proven standard of care for renal transplant patients. The long-term safety and efficacy of CNI and steroid minimization strategies needs to be further validated in controlled clinical trials with adequate long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titte R. Srinivas
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Herwig-Ulf Meier-Kriesche
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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8
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Guerra G, Srinivas TR, Meier-Kriesche HU. Calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. Transpl Int 2007; 20:813-27. [PMID: 17645419 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2007.00528.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) revolutionized kidney transplantation (KTx). Exceptionally low acute rejection rates and excellent graft survival could be achieved with CNI-based (cyclosporine and tacrolimus) immunosuppressive protocols. However, despite short-term success, long-term graft attrition continues to be a significant problem, thus leaving clinicians looking for possible interventions. CNI nephrotoxicity is but one of numerous factors that may be contributing to long-term damage in transplant kidneys. Therefore, newer immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus (Rapa) have raised the possibility of withdrawing or avoiding CNIs altogether. Protocols exploring these options have gained greater attention over the last few years. Herein, we review studies addressing either CNI withdrawal or CNI avoidance strategies as well as discuss the risks versus benefits of these protocols. Given the accumulated experience to date, in our opinion, the use of CNIs as a part of immunosuppressive regimens remains the proven standard of care for renal transplant patients. The long-term safety and efficacy of CNI withdrawal and avoidance strategies need to be further validated in controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Guerra
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0224, USA
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9
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Tönshoff B, Höcker B. Treatment strategies in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients with calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity. Pediatr Transplant 2006; 10:721-9. [PMID: 16911497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2006.00577.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although short-term kidney allograft survival has improved significantly since the introduction of the calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus, long-term transplant survival remains a major concern, chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) being the principal reason for graft loss after the first post-transplant year. This is particularly major for pediatric renal transplant recipients because of their higher life expectancy compared with adults. The mechanisms leading to CAN are multiple, including acute and chronic alloimmune responses and nephrotoxicity of CNIs. CNI-induced nephrotoxicity is also a long-term concern in other pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, such as liver and heart. Prevention of allograft nephropathy requires a balance of maintaining adequate immunosuppression, while avoiding the toxic effects of CNIs. Regimens that are based on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) alone or in combination with newer agents may allow for reduced reliance on CNIs and thus may represent an effective treatment paradigm for long-term maintenance of a renal allograft. From the available data it appears that the currently safest treatment strategy in pediatric renal and heart transplant recipients with CNI toxicity is an MMF-based therapy with low-dose CNIs +/- low-dose steroids, while in pediatric liver transplant recipients, CNI-free MMF-based immunosuppressive therapy with or without steroids appears feasible in a significant subset of patients. In renal transplant recipients, the benefit of a CNI-free MMF/steroid therapy on renal function is gained at the cost of increased rejection in a subset of patients, although the relative importance of rejection vs. overall renal function requires further clinical investigation. The introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors provides an opportunity for unique CNI-sparing regimens that combine two antiproliferative agents (MMF and TOR inhibitors). It is possible that a sirolimus-based CNI-free immunosuppressive regimen in terms of renal transplant survival is superior to CNI minimization, where the detrimental effects of CNIs on allograft function and structure are still operative, albeit to a lesser degree. Substitution of CNIs by mTOR inhibitors is therefore promising, but requires validation in long-term studies in large cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Asberg A, Midtvedt K, Line PD, Narverud J, Holdaas H, Jenssen T, Reisaeter AV, Johnsen LF, Fauchald P, Hartmann A. Calcineurin Inhibitor Avoidance with Daclizumab, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and Prednisolone in DR-Matched de Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients. Transplantation 2006; 82:62-8. [PMID: 16861943 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000225803.04995.2b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free regimens posttransplantation have been claimed to conserve graft function in addition to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular and malignant disease in renal transplant recipients. METHODS The primary aim of this prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, single-center study was to compare the effect of complete CNI-avoidance posttransplant (daclizumab + mycophenolate mofetil + prednisolone: Dac-group, n=27) with the standard CNI-based immunosuppressive protocol at our transplant unit (cyclosporine A + mycophenolate mofetil + prednisolone: CsA-group, n=27) on renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] determined as plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA) in a selected low immunogenic risk population (DR-matched, PRA-negative de novo cadaveric transplant recipients). RESULTS There were no significant difference in GFR at week 10 (P=0.61), but GFR was significantly (P=0.029) lower in the Dac-group (52+/-20 ml/min) at month 12 than in the CsA-group (69+/-29 ml/min). One-year patient and graft survival did not differ between the two groups. Overall acute rejection rate was 70.4% (19/27) in the Dac-group and 29.6% (8/27) in the CsA-group (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS The strategy to select DR-matched, PRA-negative de novo cadaveric transplant recipients for a CNI-avoidance protocol was not successful. The incidence of acute rejection was unacceptable high even though anti-CD25 antibody induction as well as initial higher mycophenolate mofetil doses (3 g/day) were applied, and renal function was significantly lower in the CNI-avoidance patients at 1 year. Other strategies need to be examined for avoidance of CNI's in the early posttransplant period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Asberg
- Laboratory for Renal Physiology, Medical Department, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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Ha H, Kim MS, Park J, Huh JY, Huh KH, Ahn HJ, Kim YS. Mycophenolic acid inhibits mesangial cell activation through p38 MAPK inhibition. Life Sci 2006; 79:1561-7. [PMID: 16740277 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2005] [Revised: 04/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation are major pathologic features of chronic renal disease including chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). Mycophenolic acid (MPA), a potent immunosuppressant, has emerged as a treatment to prevent CAN because it inhibits MC proliferation and ECM synthesis, but the mechanism involved has not been clarified. The present study examined relative role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation in inhibitory effect of MPA on MC activation. Growth arrested and synchronized primary rat MC (passages 7-11) were stimulated by PDGF 10 ng/ml in the presence and absence of clinically attainable dose of MPA (0-10 microM). Cell proliferation was assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, fibronectin and the activation of ERK and p38 MAPK by Western blot analysis, and total collagen by [(3)H]proline incorporation. PDGF increased cell proliferation by 4.6-fold, fibronectin secretion by 3.2-fold, total collagen synthesis by 1.8-fold, and the activation of ERK and 38 MAPK by 5.6-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively, compared to control. MPA, at doses inhibiting PDGF-induced MC proliferation and ECM synthesis, effectively blocked p38 MAPK activation but reduced ERK activation by 23% at maximal concentration tested (10 microM). Exogenous guanosine partially reversed the inhibition of MPA on p38 MAPK activation. Inhibitor of ERK or p38 MAPK suppressed PDGF-induced MC proliferation and ECM synthesis. In conclusion, MPA inhibits p38 MAPK activation leading to inhibiting proliferation and ECM synthesis in MC. Guanosine reduction is partially responsible for inhibitory effect of MPA on p38 MAPK activation in MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunjoo Ha
- Ewha Womans University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea
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12
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Abstract
The introduction of triple-therapy regimens that include a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), steroids, and azathioprine greatly reduced the risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation. However, the long-term use of both CNIs and steroids is associated with serious toxicities that ultimately can impact patient/graft survival. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a highly effective immunosuppressant with no known nephrotoxicity, has been shown to provide benefits in preserving long-term renal allograft function relative to azathioprine. For these reasons, MMF has become an integral component of toxicity-sparing maintenance regimens that seek to minimize patient exposure to CNIs and steroids. This paper provides an overview of current strategies for reducing the toxicities associated with these agents, which include both withdrawal and avoidance regimens with or without induction therapy. Data are accumulating that toxicity-sparing regimens involving MMF are safe and decrease the risk of side effects that accompany the use of CNIs and steroids. Future studies will determine how to best implement these regimens in the renal transplant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Land
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Baczkowska T, Perkowska-Francka A, Durlik M, Cieciura T, Nowacka-Cieciura E, Pazik J, Lewandowska D, Mroz A, Matlosz B, Chmura A, Galazka Z, Lao M. The role of the protocol biopsies in renal allograft recipients. Transplant Proc 2004; 35:2179-81. [PMID: 14529881 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(03)00807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical rejection and long-term cyclosporine nephrotoxicity are well-known risk factors of chronic allograft nephropathy. In a prospective study 32 low-risk patients were randomized to either a reduced CsA dose (5 mg/kg/d) and daclizumab (group A, n = 16) for 7 months posttransplant with subsequent CsA tapering/withdrawal, or to a normal CsA dose (10 mg/kg/day) without daclizumab (group B, n = 16). Both groups received MMF and prednisone. Protocol biopsies were obtained at engraftment and 3 and 12 months after Tx. The number of rejection episodes was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were: renal function, histological parameters related to CsA, and serum levels of TGF-beta and PDGF-BB. A low incidence of clinically suspected rejection episodes was observed (19% in group A and 12.4% in group B; P = NS). Although protocol biopsies showed 12 subclinical rejection episodes (six in group A, six in group B), serum creatinine levels were not different between the examined groups at 3 months. However, at 12 months, there was a statistically improved mean creatinine level in group A patients (1.2 mg/dL +/- 0.5 in group A vs 1.54 mg/dL in group B; P <.05). Chronic histopathologic changes were significant for biopsies at 3 and 12 months in both groups compared to the baseline findings for protocol biopsies (with no differences between groups, or between 3 and 12 months in both groups). Serum TGF-beta and PDGF-BB did not differ between the groups. Protocol biopsies may be useful to monitor safety and efficiency of new immunosuppressive protocols. Immunosuppressive regimens with low CsA doses followed by the drug's complete withdrawal seem to be efficient and safe in low-risk kidney allograft recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Baczkowska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Abbott KC, Yuan CM, Taylor AJ, Cruess DF, Agodoa LYC. Early renal insufficiency and hospitalized heart disease after renal transplantation in the era of modern immunosuppression. J Am Soc Nephrol 2003; 14:2358-65. [PMID: 12937314 DOI: 10.1097/01.asn.0000083008.25305.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal insufficiency has been identified as a risk factor for graft loss and death after renal transplantation but has not been consistently linked to early, nonfatal, hospitalized heart disease (HHD). With the United States Renal Data System database, 29,597 patients who received a kidney transplant between January 1, 1996, and July 31, 2000, with Medicare as the primary payer, and were monitored until December 31, 2000, were studied. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to calculate the association of recipient estimated GFR (eGFR) at 1 yr after renal transplantation, as determined with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula, with hospitalization for treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (International Classification of Diseases, version 9, code 410.x or 411.x) or congestive heart failure (CHF) (code 428.x) 1 to 3 yr after renal transplantation. Rates of ACS and CHF were 2.2 and 4.9%, respectively, for patients with eGFR of <44.8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), compared with 1.2 and 1.4% for patients with eGFR of >69.7 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Reduced eGFR (<44.8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), compared with >69.7 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) at the end of the first 1 yr after transplantation was independently associated with increased risks of both ACS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.39 to 3.35) and CHF (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 2.24 to 3.90). It was concluded that early renal insufficiency (approximately stage 3 chronic kidney disease) was associated with higher rates of HHD 1 to 3 yr after kidney transplantation. Preservation of renal function after renal transplantation may reduce the rates of HHD, and renal transplant recipients with reduced eGFR should be considered at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Abbott
- Nephrology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
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16
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An ideal nondiabetogenic, nonnephrotoxic immunosuppressive protocols for pancreas transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2003. [DOI: 10.1097/00075200-200306000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Jolicoeur EM, Qi S, Xu D, Dumont L, Daloze P, Chen H. Combination therapy of mycophenolate mofetil and rapamycin in prevention of chronic renal allograft rejection in the rat. Transplantation 2003; 75:54-9. [PMID: 12544871 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200301150-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rejection is the leading cause of long-term allograft loss. Until now, no therapy has been recognized as being efficient in its prevention. In addition to their immunosuppressive activity, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and rapamycin (RAPA) show diverse properties against vascular smooth muscle cell activity, cell-adhesion molecule expression, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. The combination effect of MMF and RAPA was tested to prevent chronic renal allograft rejection in the rat in this study. METHODS Nephrectomized Lewis recipients underwent orthotopic transplantation with Fisher (F344) kidneys (allograft groups) or Lewis kidneys (isograft control). The initial episode of acute rejection was controlled with a short course of cyclosporine A (CsA) (1.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). From weeks 4 to 20, animals were thereafter treated every other day either with vehicle, MMF (20 mg/kg), RAPA (0.8 mg/kg), or MMF (20 mg/kg) plus RAPA (0.8 mg/kg) in combination. Animals were sequentially killed at serial intervals over a follow-up of 50 weeks, and histologic study was performed on harvested kidneys according to the Banff working classification for allograft pathology. RESULTS Animals treated with MMF or RAPA alone showed a Banff sum score similar to the allograft control group (6.31+/-1.01 and 7.27+/-1.14 vs. 7.21+/-1.14, respectively; P>0.05). When the recipient rats were treated with MMF and RAPA in combination, it resulted in a clinically and statistically significant reduction of Banff sum score (4.21+/-0.79, P<0.01), with specific inhibition of vascular fibrous intimal thickening, allograft glomerulopathy, and interstitial fibrosis. CONCLUSION Over a 50-week study, concomitant therapy of MMF and RAPA prevents chronic renal allograft rejection, probably through reduction of ischemic and cytotoxic degenerative changes. These results warrant further investigation in the combination of MMF and RAPA as anti-chronic rejection therapy in clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Marc Jolicoeur
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Research Center of CHUM, Notre-Dame Hospital, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Morissette P, Albert C, Busque S, St-Louis G, Vinet B. In vivo higher glucuronidation of mycophenolic acid in male than in female recipients of a cadaveric kidney allograft and under immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil. Ther Drug Monit 2001; 23:520-5. [PMID: 11591897 DOI: 10.1097/00007691-200110000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressant drug used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection, is being used increasingly in association with cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is primarily metabolized in the liver to its 7-O-glucuronide (MPAG) derivative. The concentrations of MPAG in serum are many times the concentrations of MPA. Although MPAG has not shown immunosuppressant activity, it was postulated that it could displace MPA from its binding sites on albumin and hence increase the biologic effects of MPA. This effect could be important for patients with acute renal failure; under this condition, MPAG was shown to accumulate. The goal of this study was to document the MPAG/MPA concentration ratio in 100 renal transplant patients under a mixed immunosuppressive therapy. Further, the study addressed the question of whether MPAG can displace MPA in vivo from bound albumin in a representative renal transplant patient population under immunosuppressive therapy. Levels of MPAG and MPA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The distribution of the ratios was not parametric as it tailed toward elevated values. After a square root transformation of the data, parametric analysis was possible. The average MPAG/MPA ratio was 15.0 +/- 2.2 for men versus 7.7 +/- 0.9 for women. Men treated with MMF and tacrolimus showed a lower ratio than patients treated with MMF and cyclosporine, confirming that tacrolimus inhibits glucuronidation of MPA. Further, it was determined that at physiologic concentrations, MPAG does not increase the amount of free MPA. Because MPAG can favor the elimination of MPA, it can be concluded that gender differences and cotreatment with tacrolimus must be taken into consideration when MMF is being administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Morissette
- Department of Biochemistry, Center Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Notre-Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Geissler F, Jankowska-Gan E, DeVito-Haynes LD, Rhein T, Kalayoglu M, Sollinger HW, Burlingham WJ. Human liver allograft acceptance and the "tolerance assay": in vitro anti-donor T cell assays show hyporeactivity to donor cells, but unlike DTH, fail to detect linked suppression. Transplantation 2001; 72:571-80. [PMID: 11544414 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200108270-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human allograft acceptance is associated with immune regulation, characterized by donor-antigen-linked suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). We wished to determine if "classical" in vitro assays of alloreactivity could also detect linked suppression and thus be useful in the clinical diagnosis of active immune regulation. We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a group of eight liver transplant recipients, one of whom had stopped all immunosuppression 4.5 years ago yet continues to have good graft function (graft acceptor). The regulator phenotype was defined as the ability to suppress a DTH response to a recall antigen in the presence of donor antigen. Using the trans vivo DTH test, we identified four regulators, and four nonregulators. When we tested two of the regulators for in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL), we found both patients to be specifically hyporesponsive to donor compared with third-party B-LCL stimulators. However, in contrast to the linked suppression of DTH seen when a given B-LCL expressed donor-type HLA-B antigens, there was no evidence of linked suppression in vitro, either in CTL, proliferative, or interferon-gamma cytokine release assays. The primary CTL hyporesponsiveness to donor B-LCL could not be reversed by neutralizing antibodies to transforming growth factor beta or interleukin-10, which could restore a strong DTH response to donor B-LCL. We conclude that DTH analysis can readily detect donor antigen-linked suppression in liver transplant recipients. CTL and MLC tests failed to do so. These findings may be relevant to the development of a tolerance assay suitable for use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Geissler
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Surgery, Madison 53792, USA
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Land W, Schneeberger H, Weiss M, Ege T, Stümpfig L. Mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy: an optimal, safe, and efficacious immunosuppressive maintenance regimen in kidney transplant patients. Transplant Proc 2001; 33:29S-35S. [PMID: 11406265 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(01)02114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W Land
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Institute of Pathology, Medical Center of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Does donor-specific tolerance occur clinically? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2001. [DOI: 10.1097/00075200-200103000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Current Awareness. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1099-1557(200007/08)9:4<341::aid-pds490>3.0.co;2-#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Future directions of clinical immunosuppression in organ transplantation: comment. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2000. [DOI: 10.1097/00075200-200009000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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