Long-term effects of pancreas transplant alone on nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients with optimal renal function

Impact of pancreas transplantation alone on kidney function: A multicenter clinical cohort study

Pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) is a β cell replacement option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus; concerns have been raised regarding deterioration in kidney function (KF) after PTA. This retrospective multicenter study assessed actual impact of transplantation and immunosuppression on KF in PTA recipients at three Transplant Centers. The primary composite endpoint 10 years after PTA was >50% eGFR decline, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and/or receiving a kidney transplant (KT). Overall, 822 PTA recipients met eligibility. Median baseline and 10-year eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2 ) were 76.3 (58.1-100.8) and 51.3 (35.3-65.9), respectively. Primary composite endpoint occurred in 98 patients (53.5%) with 45 experiencing a >50% decrease in eGFR by 10 years post-transplant, 38 eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 49 requiring KT. KF declined most significantly within 6 months post-PTA, more often in females and patients with better preserved GFR up to 5 years with 11.6% kidney failure at 10 years. Patient survival and death-censored graft survival were both 68% at 10 years with overall graft thrombosis rate 8%. KF declined initially after PTA but stabilized with further slow progression. In conclusion, prospective intervention studies are needed to test renal sparing interventions while gathering more granular data.

A comprehensive update of the metabolic and toxicological considerations for immunosuppressive drugs used during pancreas transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Despite significant advancements in immunosuppressive regimens and surgical techniques, the prevalence of adverse events related to immunosuppression remains a major challenge affecting the long-term survival rates of pancreas and kidney allografts.

AREAS COVERED

This article presents a comprehensive review of the literature and knowledge (Jan/2012-Feb/2023) concerning glucose metabolism disorders and nephrotoxicity associated with tacrolimus and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). Novel signaling pathways potentially implicated in these adverse events are discussed. Furthermore, we extensively examine the findings from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus, mTORi, and steroid minimization.

EXPERT OPINION

Tacrolimus-based regimens continue to be the standard treatment following pancreas transplants. However, prolonged use of tacrolimus and mTORi may lead to hyperglycemia and nephrotoxicity. Understanding and interpreting experimental data, particularly concerning novel signaling pathways beyond calcineurin-NFAT and mTOR pathways, can offer valuable insights for therapeutic interventions to mitigate hyperglycemia and nephrotoxicity. Additionally, critically analyzing clinical trial results can identify opportunities for personalized safety-based approaches to minimize side effects. It is imperative to conduct randomized-controlled studies to assess the impact of mTORi use and steroid-free protocols on pancreatic allograft survival. Such studies will aid in tailoring treatment strategies for improved transplant outcomes.

Pancreatic transplant surgery and stem cell therapy: Finding the balance between therapeutic advances and ethical principles

The latest achievements in the field of pancreas transplantation and stem cell therapy require an effort by the scientific community to clarify the ethical implications of pioneering treatments, often characterized by high complexity from a surgical point of view, due to transplantation of multiple organs at the same time or at different times, and from an immunological point of view for stem cell therapy. The fundamental value in the field of organ transplants is, of course, a solidarity principle, namely that of protecting the health and life of people for whom transplantation is a condition of functional recovery, or even of survival. The nature of this value is that of a concept to which the legal discipline of transplants entrusts its own ethical dignity and for which it has ensured a constitutional recognition in different systems. The general principle of respect for human life, both of the donor and of the recipient, evokes the need not to put oneself and one's neighbor in dangerous conditions. The present ethical reflection aims to find a balance between the latest therapeutic advances and several concepts including the idea of the person, the respect due to the dead, the voluntary nature of the donation and the consent to the same, the gratuitousness of the donation, the scientific progress and the development of surgical techniques, and the policies of health promotion.

Advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress as a basis for metabolic abnormalities in patients with type 1 diabetes after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

Aim. To compare advanced glycation end-products (AGE, RAGE) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-HT) in patients with DM 1 after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and kidney transplantation alone (KTA). To assess relationship between levels of AGE, RAGE, 3-HT and renal transplant (RT) function, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. Materials and methods. The study included 58 patients who received kidney transplantation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 36 patients received SPK. There were performed routine laboratory, examination of AGE, RAGE, 3-NT, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH)vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, FGF23, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and fetuin-A levels. Results. All patients after SPK reached normoglycemia (HbA1c 5.7 [5.3; 6.1] %; C-peptide 3.24 [2.29; 4.40] ng/ml) with the achievement of significant difference vs patients after KTA. Arterial hypertension (AH) was more frequent in recipients of SPK before transplantation than after (p=0.008). AH also persisted in greater number of cases in patients after KTA than after SPK. Patients after SPK had higher AGE (р=0.0003) and lower RAGE (р=0.000003) levels. OPG in patients after SPK was significantly higher (р=0.04). The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between 3-HT and OPG (p0.05; r=0.30), RAGE and eGFR (r=-0.52), HbA1c (r=0.48), duration of AH (r=0.34), AGE with HbA1c (r=0.51). Conclusion. The results of the "metabolic memory" markers analysis may indicate their contribution to the persistence of the metabolic consequences of CKD and DM 1 after achievement of normoglycemia and renal function restoration and their possible participation in development of recurrent nephropathy, vascular calcification, and bone disorders.

First World Consensus Conference on pancreas transplantation: Part II - recommendations

The First World Consensus Conference on Pancreas Transplantation provided 49 jury deliberations regarding the impact of pancreas transplantation on the treatment of diabetic patients, and 110 experts' recommendations for the practice of pancreas transplantation. The main message from this consensus conference is that both simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and pancreas transplantation alone can improve long-term patient survival, and all types of pancreas transplantation dramatically improve the quality of life of recipients. Pancreas transplantation may also improve the course of chronic complications of diabetes, depending on their severity. Therefore, the advantages of pancreas transplantation appear to clearly surpass potential disadvantages. Pancreas after kidney transplantation increases the risk of mortality only in the early period after transplantation, but is associated with improved life expectancy thereafter. Additionally, preemptive SPK, when compared to SPK performed in patients undergoing dialysis, appears to be associated with improved outcomes. Time on dialysis has negative prognostic implications in SPK recipients. Increased long-term survival, improvement in the course of diabetic complications, and amelioration of quality of life justify preferential allocation of kidney grafts to SPK recipients. Audience discussions and live voting are available online at the following URL address: http://mediaeventi.unipi.it/category/1st-world-consensus-conference-of-pancreas-transplantation/246.

Progression of diabetic nephropathy after successful pancreas transplantation alone: a case report

Pancreas transplantation is the only method that can nearly cure insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of pancreas transplantation on patients with diabetic nephropathy has recently been considered controversial. In this report, we present a case of abrupt aggravation of proteinuria after successful pancreas transplantation alone without evidence of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity. A 22-year-old female patient with type I diabetes mellitus underwent pancreas transplantation alone. The patient already had retinopathy and mild proteinuria, which in this case, may mean diabetic nephropathy. Her glucose levels were managed within the normal range after successful pancreas transplantation. However, the amount of proteinuria fluctuated. Kidney needle biopsy was performed owing to severe elevation of proteinuria, 2 years after the transplantation. Electron microscopy revealed diabetic glomerulosclerosis without evidence of CNI toxicity. This case indicates that diabetic nephropathy can be aggravated after pancreas transplantation, despite well-managed glucose levels and absence of CNI toxicity.

Pancreas Retransplant After Pancreas Graft Failure in Simultaneous Pancreas-kidney Transplants Is Associated With Better Kidney Graft Survival

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant is usually the best option for the diabetic end-stage renal disease patient. There is limited information about kidney graft outcomes in SPK recipients with isolated pancreas graft failure who do versus do not undergo pancreas retransplantation.

METHODS

Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they underwent pancreas retransplant (ReTx+) or not (ReTx-). Kidney graft function and survival were the primary endpoints.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine patients satisfied our selection criteria, 25 in ReTx+ and 84 in ReTx-. Mean interval from SPK to pancreas failure was significantly shorter in the ReTx+ compared with the ReTx- group, 19.3 ± 36.7 versus 45.7 ± 47.0 months (P = 0.01), respectively. There was no significant difference in kidney graft follow-up post SPK between 2 groups (P = 0.48). At last follow-up, 15 of the 25 (60%) of the repeat pancreas graft had failed, with a mean graft survival among these failed pancreas graft of 2.6 ± 2.7 years, ranging from 0 to 8.1 years. Uncensored kidney graft failure was significantly lower in the ReTx+ group compared with the ReTx- group, 44% versus 67% (P = 0.04). Death-censored kidney graft failure was also lower in the ReTx+ group, 24% versus 48% (P = 0.04). The difference in patient survival did not reach statistical significance. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, rejection as a cause of pancreas failure was associated with increased risk of death-censored kidney graft failure, and pancreas retransplantation was associated with decreased risk of kidney graft failure. A similar pattern was seen after 1:1 matching for the interval between SPK and pancreas graft failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though ReTx+ patients accept the risks associated with repeat pancreas surgery, providers should consider this option in suitable otherwise healthy patients.