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Parmanto B, Munro PW, Marino IR, Aldrighetti K, Doria C, McMichael J, Fung JJ, Doyle HR. Building Clinical Classifiers Using Incomplete Observations – A Neural Network Ensemble for Hepatoma Detection in Patients with Cirrhosis. Methods Inf Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:One objective of liver transplant evaluation is to identify patients that harbor a hepatoma, but standard screening techniques are not sensitive enough. We trained neural network ensembles to predict the presence of hepatoma in patients with cirrhosis, based on information collected at the time of transplant evaluation. Network architecture and training were modified to handle missing observations. Three ensembles were trained: ensemble A using the subset with no missing observations (528 patients); ensemble B using the complete set, which included missing observations (853 patients); and ensemble C using the smaller subset, originally with complete data, but after a fixed number of observations were deleted (i. e., made “missing”). Ensemble performance on testing sets was very good. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.91, 0.89, and 0.90, for ensembles A. B, and C, respectively. Neural networks can successfully perform this classification task, and strategies can be developed that allow use of incomplete observations.
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Subotin M, Marsh W, McMichael J, Fung JJ, Dvorchik I. Performance of Multi-Layer Feedforward Neural Networks to Predict Liver Transplantation Outcome. Methods Inf Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA novel multisolutional clustering and quantization (MCO) algorithm has been developed that provides a flexible way to preprocess data. It was tested whether it would impact the neural network’s performance favorably and whether the employment of the proposed algorithm would enable neural networks to handle missing data. This was assessed by comparing the performance of neural networks using a well-documented data set to predict outcome following liver transplantation. This new approach to data preprocessing leads to a statistically significant improvement in network performance when compared to simple linear scaling. The obtained results also showed that coding missing data as zeroes in combination with the MCO algorithm, leads to a significant improvement in neural network performance on a data set containing missing values in 59.4% of cases when compared to replacement of missing values with either series means or medians.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Fung
- University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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4
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Demetris AJ, Bellamy C, Hübscher SG, O'Leary J, Randhawa PS, Feng S, Neil D, Colvin RB, McCaughan G, Fung JJ, Del Bello A, Reinholt FP, Haga H, Adeyi O, Czaja AJ, Schiano T, Fiel MI, Smith ML, Sebagh M, Tanigawa RY, Yilmaz F, Alexander G, Baiocchi L, Balasubramanian M, Batal I, Bhan AK, Bucuvalas J, Cerski CTS, Charlotte F, de Vera ME, ElMonayeri M, Fontes P, Furth EE, Gouw ASH, Hafezi-Bakhtiari S, Hart J, Honsova E, Ismail W, Itoh T, Jhala NC, Khettry U, Klintmalm GB, Knechtle S, Koshiba T, Kozlowski T, Lassman CR, Lerut J, Levitsky J, Licini L, Liotta R, Mazariegos G, Minervini MI, Misdraji J, Mohanakumar T, Mölne J, Nasser I, Neuberger J, O'Neil M, Pappo O, Petrovic L, Ruiz P, Sağol Ö, Sanchez Fueyo A, Sasatomi E, Shaked A, Shiller M, Shimizu T, Sis B, Sonzogni A, Stevenson HL, Thung SN, Tisone G, Tsamandas AC, Wernerson A, Wu T, Zeevi A, Zen Y. 2016 Comprehensive Update of the Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology: Introduction of Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:2816-2835. [PMID: 27273869 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology reviewed and discussed literature evidence regarding antibody-mediated liver allograft rejection at the 11th (Paris, France, June 5-10, 2011), 12th (Comandatuba, Brazil, August 19-23, 2013), and 13th (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, October 5-10, 2015) meetings of the Banff Conference on Allograft Pathology. Discussion continued online. The primary goal was to introduce guidelines and consensus criteria for the diagnosis of liver allograft antibody-mediated rejection and provide a comprehensive update of all Banff Schema recommendations. Included are new recommendations for complement component 4d tissue staining and interpretation, staging liver allograft fibrosis, and findings related to immunosuppression minimization. In an effort to create a single reference document, previous unchanged criteria are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Demetris
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - C Bellamy
- The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - J O'Leary
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - P S Randhawa
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - S Feng
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - D Neil
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R B Colvin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - G McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - F P Reinholt
- Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Haga
- Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - O Adeyi
- University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A J Czaja
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - T Schiano
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - M I Fiel
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - M L Smith
- Mayo Clinic Health System, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - M Sebagh
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Paris, France
| | - R Y Tanigawa
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Yilmaz
- University of Ege, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - L Baiocchi
- Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - I Batal
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - A K Bhan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - J Bucuvalas
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - C T S Cerski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - M ElMonayeri
- Ain Shams University, Wady El-Neel Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - P Fontes
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - E E Furth
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - A S H Gouw
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - J Hart
- University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, IL
| | - E Honsova
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - W Ismail
- Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - T Itoh
- Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - U Khettry
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA
| | | | - S Knechtle
- Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
| | - T Koshiba
- Soma Central Hospital, Soma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - T Kozlowski
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - C R Lassman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - J Lerut
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Levitsky
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - L Licini
- Pope John XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - R Liotta
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Mazariegos
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - M I Minervini
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - J Misdraji
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - T Mohanakumar
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Norton Thoracic Institute, Phoenix, AZ
| | - J Mölne
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Nasser
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - J Neuberger
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M O'Neil
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - O Pappo
- Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L Petrovic
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - P Ruiz
- University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Ö Sağol
- School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - E Sasatomi
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - A Shaked
- University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - M Shiller
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - T Shimizu
- Toda Chuo General Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - B Sis
- University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - A Sonzogni
- Pope John XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - S N Thung
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - G Tisone
- University of Rome-Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - A Wernerson
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - A Zeevi
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Y Zen
- Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Duquesnoy RJ, Gebel HM, Woodle ES, Nickerson P, Baxter-Lowe LA, Bray RA, Claas FHJ, Eckels DD, Friedewald JJ, Fuggle SV, Gerlach JA, Fung JJ, Kamoun M, Middleton D, Shapiro R, Tambur AR, Taylor CJ, Tinckam K, Zeevi A. High-Resolution HLA Typing for Sensitized Patients: Advances in Medicine and Science Require Us to Challenge Existing Paradigms. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:2780-1. [PMID: 26177785 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R J Duquesnoy
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - H M Gebel
- HLA Laboratory, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
| | - E S Woodle
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - P Nickerson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - R A Bray
- Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
| | - F H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - J J Friedewald
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - S V Fuggle
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - J A Gerlach
- Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - J J Fung
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH
| | - M Kamoun
- Immunology & Histocompatibility Testing Laboratories, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - D Middleton
- Department of Transplant Immunology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - R Shapiro
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY
| | - A R Tambur
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - C J Taylor
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - K Tinckam
- Division of Nephrology and HLA Laboratory, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Zeevi
- Division of Transplant Pathology, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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Duquesnoy RJ, Kamoun M, Baxter-Lowe LA, Woodle ES, Bray RA, Claas FHJ, Eckels DD, Friedewald JJ, Fuggle SV, Gebel HM, Gerlach JA, Fung JJ, Middleton D, Nickerson P, Shapiro R, Tambur AR, Taylor CJ, Tinckam K, Zeevi A. Should HLA mismatch acceptability for sensitized transplant candidates be determined at the high-resolution rather than the antigen level? Am J Transplant 2015; 15:923-30. [PMID: 25778447 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Defining HLA mismatch acceptability of organ transplant donors for sensitized recipients has traditionally been based on serologically defined HLA antigens. Now, however, it is well accepted that HLA antibodies specifically recognize a wide range of epitopes present on HLA antigens and that molecularly defined high resolution alleles corresponding to the same low resolution antigen can possess different epitope repertoires. Hence, determination of HLA compatibility at the allele level represents a more accurate approach to identify suitable donors for sensitized patients. This approach would offer opportunities for increased transplant rates and improved long term graft survivals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Duquesnoy
- Thomas E.Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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Hashimoto K, Quintini C, Aucejo FN, Fujiki M, Diago T, Watson MJ, Kelly DM, Winans CG, Eghtesad B, Fung JJ, Miller CM. Split liver transplantation using Hemiliver graft in the MELD era: a single center experience in the United States. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:2072-80. [PMID: 25040819 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Under the "sickest first" Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) allocation, livers amenable to splitting are most often allocated to patients unsuitable for split liver transplantation (SLT). Our experience with SLT using hemilivers was reviewed. From April 2004 to June 2012, we used 25 lobar grafts (10 left lobes and 15 right lobes) for adult-sized recipients. Twelve recipients were transplanted with primary offers, and 13 were transplanted with leftover grafts. Six grafts were shared with other centers. The data were compared with matched whole liver grafts (n = 121). In 92% of donors, the livers were split in situ. Hemiliver recipients with severe portal hypertension had a greater graft-to-recipient weight ratio than those without severe portal hypertension (1.96% vs. 1.40%, p < 0.05). Hemiliver recipients experienced biliary complications more frequently (32.0% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.01); however, the 5-year graft survival for hemilivers was comparable to whole livers (80.0% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.43). The secondary recipients with leftover grafts did not have increased incidences of graft failure (p = 0.99) or surgical complications (p = 0.43) compared to the primary recipients. In conclusion, while routine application is still controversial due to various challenges, hemiliver SLT can achieve excellent outcomes under the MELD allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hashimoto
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Asrani SK, Wiesner RH, Trotter JF, Klintmalm G, Katz E, Maller E, Roberts J, Kneteman N, Teperman L, Fung JJ, Millis JM. De novo sirolimus and reduced-dose tacrolimus versus standard-dose tacrolimus after liver transplantation: the 2000-2003 phase II prospective randomized trial. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:356-66. [PMID: 24456026 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We studied whether the use of sirolimus with reduced-dose tacrolimus, as compared to standard-dose tacrolimus, after liver transplantation is safe, tolerated and efficacious. In an international multicenter, open-label, active-controlled randomized trial (2000-2003), adult primary liver transplant recipients (n=222) were randomly assigned immediately after transplantation to conventional-dose tacrolimus (trough: 7-15 ng/mL) or sirolimus (loading dose: 15 mg, initial dose: 5 mg titrated to a trough of 4-11 ng/mL) and reduced-dose tacrolimus (trough: 3-7 ng/mL). The study was terminated after 21 months due to imbalance in adverse events. The 24-month cumulative incidence of graft loss (26.4% vs. 12.5%, p=0.009) and patient death (20% vs. 8%, p=0.010) was higher in subjects receiving sirolimus. A numerically higher rate of hepatic artery thrombosis/portal vein thrombosis was observed in the sirolimus arm (8% vs. 3%, p=0.065). The incidence of sepsis was higher in the sirolimus arm (20.4% vs. 7.2%, p=0.006). Rates of acute cellular rejection were similar between the two groups. Early use of sirolimus using a loading dose followed by maintenance doses and reduced-dose tacrolimus in de novo liver transplant recipients is associated with higher rates of graft loss, death and sepsis when compared to the use of conventional-dose tacrolimus alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Asrani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Annette C and Harold-Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Hashimoto K, Eghtesad B, Gunasekaran G, Fujiki M, Uso TD, Quintini C, Aucejo FN, Kelly DM, Winans CG, Vogt DP, Parker BM, Irefin SA, Miller CM, Fung JJ. Use of tissue plasminogen activator in liver transplantation from donation after cardiac death donors. Am J Transplant 2010; 10:2665-72. [PMID: 21114643 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03337.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic-type biliary stricture (ITBS) occurs in up to 50% after liver transplantation (LT) from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors. Thrombus formation in the peribiliary microcirculation is a postulated mechanism. The aim was to describe our experience of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) administration in DCD-LT. TPA was injected into the donor hepatic artery on the backtable (n = 22). Two recipients developed ITBS including one graft failure. Although excessive postreperfusion bleeding was seen in 14 recipients, the amount of TPA was comparable between those with and without excessive bleeding (6.4 ± 2.8 vs. 6.6 ± 2.8 mg, p = 0.78). However, donor age (41 ± 12 vs. 29 ± 9 years, p = 0.02), donor BMI (26.3 ± 5.5 vs. 21.7 ± 3.6 kg/m(2) , p = 0.03), previous laparotomy (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.02) and lactate after portal reperfusion (6.3 ± 4.6 vs. 2.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p = 0.005) were significantly greater in recipients with excessive bleeding. In conclusion, the use of TPA may lower the risk of ITBS-related graft failure in DCD-LT. Excessive bleeding may be related to poor graft quality and previous laparotomy rather than the amount of TPA. Further studies are needed in larger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hashimoto
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplant Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Abstract
Changes in organ allocation policy in 2002 reduced the number of adult patients on the liver transplant waiting list, changed the characteristics of transplant recipients and increased the number of patients receiving simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLK). The number of liver transplants peaked in 2006 and declined marginally in 2007 and 2008. During this period, there was an increase in donor age, the Donor Risk Index, the number of candidates receiving MELD exception scores and the number of recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast, there was a decrease in retransplantation rates, and the number of patients receiving grafts from either a living donor or from donation after cardiac death. The proportion of patients with severe obesity, diabetes and renal insufficiency increased during this period. Despite increases in donor and recipient risk factors, there was a trend towards better 1-year graft and patient survival between 1998 and 2007. Of major concern, however, were considerable regional variations in waiting time and posttransplant survival. The current status of liver transplantation in the United States between 1999 and 2008 was analyzed using SRTR data. In addition to a general summary, we have included a more detailed analysis of liver transplantation for hepatitis C, retransplantation and SLK transplantation.
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Tiao MM, Lu L, Huang LT, Liang CD, Chen CL, Tao R, Fung JJ, Qian S. Cross-tolerance of recipient-derived transforming growth factor-beta dendritic cells. Transplant Proc 2007; 39:281-2. [PMID: 17275522 PMCID: PMC1859859 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Administration of donor-derived immature dendritic cells (DC) treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) to prevent allograft rejection is not applicable for clinical use. We therefore attempted to explore the use of recipient-derived DC pulsed with donor antigens via the indirect pathway (cross-priming). DC were propagated from C3H (H2(k)) bone marrow (BM) using granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). TGF-beta (0.2 ng/mL) was added at the initiation of culture. The resultant TGF-beta DC were pulsed with B10 (H2(b)) splenocyte lysate. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II was not affected, while CD40, CD80, and CD86 costimulatory molecules on DC were significantly inhibited by treatment with TGF-beta. C3H DC pulsed with B10 antigens stimulated a proliferative response in C3H T cells which was inhibited when DC were treated with TGF-beta, and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also inhibited. This observation correlated with reduced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and increased IL-10 production. A single injection of TGF-beta DC prolonged allograft survival (median survival time [MST] 18 days vs 10 days in no-DC treatment control; P < .05). These data indicated that an approach utilizing recipient DC as a "vaccine" strategy is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-M Tiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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de Vera ME, Dvorchik I, Tom K, Eghtesad B, Thai N, Shakil O, Marcos A, Demetris A, Jain A, Fung JJ, Ragni MV. Survival of liver transplant patients coinfected with HIV and HCV is adversely impacted by recurrent hepatitis C. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:2983-93. [PMID: 17062005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LTx) in HIV-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been successful, some have reported poorer outcomes in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here we discuss the impact of recurrent HCV on 27 HIV-positive patients who underwent LTx. HIV infection was well controlled post-transplantation. Survival in HIV-positive/HCV-positive patients was shorter compared to a cohort of HIV-negative/HCV-positive patients matched in age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and time of transplant, with cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year patient survival of 66.7%, 55.6% and 33.3% versus 75.7%, 71.6% and 71.6%, respectively, although not significantly (p = 0.07), and there was a higher likelihood of developing cirrhosis or dying from an HCV-related complication in coinfected subjects (RR = 2.6, 95% CI, 1.06-6.35; p = 0.03). Risk factors for poor survival included African-American race (p = 0.02), MELD score > 20 (p = 0.05), HAART intolerance postLTx (p = 0.01), and postLTx HCV RNA > 30000000 IU/mL (p = 0.00). Recurrent HCV in 18 patients was associated with eight deaths, including three from fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Among surviving coinfected recipients, five are alive at least 3 years after LTx, and of 15 patients treated with interferon-alpha/ribavirin, six (40%) are HCV RNA negative, including four with sustained virological response. Hepatitis C is a major cause of graft loss and patient mortality in coinfected patients undergoing LTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E de Vera
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Abstract
Over the last 10 years, there have been important changes in immunosuppression management and strategies for solid-organ transplantation, characterized by the use of new immunosuppressive agents and regimens. An organ-by-organ review of OPTN/SRTR data showed several important trends in immunosuppression practice. There is an increasing trend toward the use of induction therapy with antibodies, which was used for most kidney, pancreas after kidney (PAK), simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) and pancreas transplant alone (PTA) recipients in 2004 (72-81%) and for approximately half of all intestine, heart and lung recipients. The highest usage of the tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil combination as discharge regimen was reported for SPK (72%) and PAK (64%) recipients. Maintenance of the original discharge regimen through the first 3 years following transplantation varied significantly by organ and drug. The usage of calcineurin inhibitors for maintenance therapy was characterized by a clear transition from cyclosporine to tacrolimus. Corticosteroids were administered to the majority of patients; however, steroid-avoidance and steroid-withdrawal protocols have become increasingly common. The percentage of patients treated for acute rejection during the first year following transplantation has continued to decline, reaching 13% for those who received a kidney in 2003, 48% of which cases were treated with antibodies.
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14
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Malek SK, Potdar S, Martin JA, Tublin M, Shapiro R, Fung JJ. Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Pancreas Allograft Biopsy: A Single-Center Experience. Transplant Proc 2005; 37:4436-7. [PMID: 16387139 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy is the preferred technique for evaluating pancreas allograft rejection. Experience from large centers has shown it to be safe and effective. We report our experience with 120 percutaneous allograft biopsies performed at a single center. Biopsy tissue was obtained in 54 patients. Thirty-three patients received simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants, 14 received isolated pancreas transplants, and 7 received a pancreas transplant after kidney transplantation. Biopsies were performed by pancreas transplantation surgeons with the assistance of radiologists under ultrasound guidance using an Acuson XP 128/10 ultrasound machine. One hundred twenty allograft biopsies were performed in 54 patients. Twenty-seven (50%) patients underwent multiple biopsies. In 102 (85%) biopsies the specimens were adequate for examination. Eighteen (15%) biopsy samples had no pancreatic tissue and showed surrounding fat and small bowel. 1 (1.8%) patient bleeding developed that required transfusion of 3 units of packed red blood cells, but no surgical intervention was necessary. One (1.8%) patient had a pancreatic fistula, which healed with nonoperative management. Biochemical evidence of pancreatitis was noted in 5 (9.2%) patients, but none of these patients had clinical signs of pancreatitis. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and a high tissue yield for histopathologic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Malek
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA.
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15
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Tiao MM, Lu L, Tao R, Harnaha J, Fung JJ, Huang LT, Qian S. Application of recipient-derived dendritic cells to induce donor-specific T-cell hyporesponsiveness. Transplant Proc 2005; 36:1592-4. [PMID: 15251391 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Administration of donor-derived immature dendritic cells (DC) treated with NF-kappaB oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) prevents allograft rejection. We attempted to explore the use of recipient-derived DC pulsed with donor antigens, in which the donor antigens were presented to host T cells via an indirect pathway (cross-priming). Expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 on DC was significantly inhibited by treatment with NF-kappaB ODN, whereas MHC class I and II were minimally affected. Normal C3H DC pulsed with B10 antigens stimulated proliferative responses and donor-specific CTL activity in C3H T cells, both of which were, however, markedly inhibited when DC were treated with NF-kappaB ODN. This manipulation was associated with reduced IFN-gamma and increased IL-10 production in the supernate, suggesting a Th2 bias. More frequent apoptotic T cells were observed in cultures with NF-kappaB ODN DC. In contrast to administration of normal DC pulsed with donor antigens that accelerated rejection of B10 cardiac allografts (median survival time [MST] 7 days versus 10 days in no-DC treatment control, P < .05), a single injection of 2 x 10(6) NF-kappaB ODN DC significantly prolonged allograft survival (MST 50 days, P < .05 compared with no-DC treatment control). The anti-donor CTL activity in infiltrating T cells isolated from cardiac grafts in recipients that received NF-kappaB ODN DC was significantly suppressed. These data indicate that vaccination with immature DC, propagated from recipient BM is an attractive approach to induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Tiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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16
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Basu A, Ramkumar M, Tan HP, Khan A, McCauley J, Marcos A, Fung JJ, Starzl TE, Shapiro R. Reversal of Acute Cellular Rejection After Renal Transplantation With Campath-1H. Transplant Proc 2005; 37:923-6. [PMID: 15848576 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Between September 2002 and February 2004, 40 kidney transplant (27 from deceased and 13 from living donors) recipients (25 male and 15 female, aged 50.3 +/- 15.1 years) were treated with Campath 1H (C 1H; 30 mg/dose IV) for biopsy-proven steroid-resistant rejection (SRR) or rejections equal to or worse than Banff 1B. All transplantations occurred between August 2001 and May 2003. All patients had received antibody preconditioning (RATG 5 mg/kg, n = 34; C 1H 60 mg, n = 4; C 1H 30 mg, n = 2) preoperatively and were treated with Tacrolimus monotherapy (target level 10 ng/ml) postoperatively and subsequent spaced weaning. Elevated creatinine levels at follow-up were evaluated by renal transplant biopsy. Rejection was treated with steroids, reversal of weaning, addition of sirolimus, and/or antibody treatment, depending on grade of rejection. The mean duration of follow-up was 453 +/- 163 days after C 1H administration. Twenty-nine patients received C 1H for SRR and 11 patients for Banff 1B or worse rejections; 26 patients received more than 1 dose of C 1H. Graft survival was 62.5% (25 patients); 6 of the 15 allografts (40%) that failed had presented with rejections because of noncompliance. Graft survival in compliant patients with SRR or rejections equal to or worse than Banff 1B was 73.5% (25 of 34). Fourteen patients (35%) had infectious complications, of whom 2 patients (5%) died. C 1H is an effective agent for SRR and Banff 1B or worse rejections, with 95% patient survival and 73.5% graft survival (in compliant patients). The number of doses of 30 mg C 1H should be restricted to two, as there is a high incidence of potentially fatal infectious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Basu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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17
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Keven K, Basu A, Re L, Tan H, Marcos A, Fung JJ, Starzl TE, Simmons RL, Shapiro R. Clostridium difficile colitis in patients after kidney and pancreas-kidney transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2004; 6:10-4. [PMID: 15225221 PMCID: PMC2962570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2004.00040.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Limited data exist about Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) in solid organ transplant patients. Between 1/1/99 and 12/31/02, 600 kidney and 102 pancreas-kidney allograft recipients were transplanted. Thirty-nine (5.5%) of these patients had CDC on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Of these 39 patients, 35 have information available for review. CDC developed at a median of 30 days after transplantation, and the patients undergoing pancreas-kidney transplantation had a slightly higher incidence of CDC than recipients of kidney alone (7.8% vs. 4.5%, P>0.05). All but one patient presented with diarrhea. Twenty-four patients (64.9%) were diagnosed in the hospital, and CDC occurred during first hospitalization in 14 patients (40%). Treatment was with oral metronidazole (M) in 33 patients (94%) and M+oral vancomycin (M+V) in 2 patients. Eight patients had recurrent CDC, which occurred at a median of 30 days (range 15-314) after the first episode. Two patients (5.7%) developed fulminant CDC, presented with toxic megacolon, and underwent colectomy. One of them died; the other patient survived after colectomy. CDC should be considered as a diagnosis in transplant patients with history of diarrhea after antibiotic use, and should be treated aggressively before the infection becomes complicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Keven
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, MUH 7 South, 3459 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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18
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Totsuka E, Fung JJ, Hakamada K, Ohashi M, Takahashi K, Nakai M, Morohashi S, Morohashi H, Kimura N, Nishimura A, Ishizawa Y, Ono H, Narumi S, Sasaki M. Synergistic effect of cold and warm ischemia time on postoperative graft function and outcome in human liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 2004; 36:1955-8. [PMID: 15518710 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) during graft preservation and warm ischemia time (WIT) during rewarming time have been reported to cause postoperative graft dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, the effects of both CIT and WIT in combination on patient and graft survivals are not yet defined. The aim of this study was to determine whether simultaneously prolonged CIT and WIT were associated with early graft outcomes after clinical OLT. For analysis of liver graft survival within 90 days of OLT and postoperative graft function, 186 consecutive OLT cases were divided into four groups as follows: group A, CIT < 12 hours and WIT < 45 minutes; group B, CIT > 12 hours and WIT < 45 minutes; group C, CIT < 12 hours and WIT > 45 minutes; and group D, CIT > 12 hours and WIT > 45 minutes. The graft loss rates were 5.4% in group A, 9.8% in group B, 11.1% in group C, and 42.9% in group D. The mean highest aspartate aminotransferase (AST) value after OLT in group D (3352.3 +/- 569.4 U/L) was significantly greater than those in groups A (1411.7 +/- 169.2 U/L) and B (1931.3 +/- 362.6 U/L). The simultaneously prolonged cold and warm ischemia times significantly caused hepatic allograft injury and failure, suggesting some cumulative effects of CIT and WIT on postoperative graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Totsuka
- Second Department of Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
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19
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Demetris AJ, Eghtesad B, Marcos A, Ruppert K, Nalesnik MA, Randhawa P, Wu T, Krasinskas A, Fontes P, Cacciarelli T, Shakil AO, Murase N, Fung JJ, Starzl TE. Recurrent Hepatitis C in Liver Allografts. Am J Surg Pathol 2004; 28:658-69. [PMID: 15105656 PMCID: PMC2974275 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200405000-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND DESIGN The accuracy of a prospective histopathologic diagnosis of rejection and recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) was determined in 48 HCV RNA-positive liver allograft recipients enrolled in an "immunosuppression minimization protocol" between July 29, 2001 and January 24, 2003. Prospective entry of all pertinent treatment, laboratory, and histopathology results into an electronic database enabled a retrospective analysis of the accuracy of histopathologic diagnoses and the pathophysiologic relationship between recurrent HCV and rejection. RESULTS Time to first onset of acute rejection (AR) (mean, 107 days; median, 83 days; range, 7-329 days) overlapped with the time to first onset of recurrent HCV (mean, 115 days; median, 123 days; range, 22-315 days), making distinction between the two difficult. AR and chronic rejection (CR) with and without co-existent HCV showed overlapping but significantly different liver injury test profiles. One major and two minor errors occurred (positive predictive values for AR = 91%; recurrent HCV = 100%); all involved an overdiagnosis of AR in the context of recurrent HCV. Retrospective analysis of the mistakes showed that major errors can be avoided altogether and the impact of unavoidable minor errors can be minimized by strict adherence to specific histopathologic criteria, close clinicopathologic correlation including examination of HCV RNA levels, and a conservative approach to the use of additional immunosuppression. In addition, histopathologic diagnoses of moderate and severe AR and CR were associated with relatively low HCV RNA levels, whereas relatively high HCV RNA levels were associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of hepatitis alone, particularly the cholestatic variant of HCV. CONCLUSIONS Liver allograft biopsy interpretation can rapidly and accurately distinguish between recurrent HCV and AR/CR. In addition, the histopathologic observations suggest that the immune mechanism responsible for HCV clearance overlap with those leading to significant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Demetris
- Department of Pathology, Division of Transplantation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Infection is the common cause of death following transplantation. Fungal infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and make up a significant proportion of infectious complications. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is usually made late--symptoms may be mild and non-specific, even with dissemination. Mortality associated with disseminated fungal infections is high, while those associated with limited fungal infections is low. Although the risk factors for invasive fungal infections in liver transplant patients are well identified, early diagnosis is challenging, and commonly used diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity. Although the incidence of fungal infections following liver transplantation appears to be falling, mortality and morbidity associated with fungal infections suggests that future developments should focus on enhancing earlier diagnosis, implementing more effective and less toxic anti-fungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Fung
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Jain
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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22
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Jain AKB, Fung JJ. Hepatitis C virus and renal failure. Transplant Proc 2003; 35:416-8. [PMID: 12591467 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A K B Jain
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- B Eghtesad
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Jain
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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25
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Demetris AJ, Ruppert K, Dvorchik I, Jain A, Minervini M, Nalesnik MA, Randhawa P, Wu T, Zeevi A, Abu-Elmagd K, Eghtesad B, Fontes P, Cacciarelli T, Marsh W, Geller D, Fung JJ. Real-time monitoring of acute liver-allograft rejection using the Banff schema. Transplantation 2002; 74:1290-6. [PMID: 12451268 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200211150-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Banff schema is the internationally accepted standard for grading acute liver-allograft rejection, but it has not been prospectively tested. METHODS Complete Banff grading was prospectively applied to 2,038 liver-allograft biopsies from 901 adult tacrolimus-treated primary hepatic allograft recipients between August 1995 and September 2001. Histopathologic data was melded with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data into a database on an ongoing basis using locally developed software. RESULTS Acute rejection developed in 575 of 901 (64%) patients and the worst grade was mild in 422 of 575 (73%). At least one episode of moderate or severe acute rejection developed in 153 of 901 (17%) patients and most episodes, irrespective of severity, occurred within the first year after transplantation. Patients with moderate or severe acute rejection showed higher alanine aminotransferase (P =0.007) and aspartate aminotransferase ( P=0.07) levels and were more likely to develop perivenular fibrosis on follow-up biopsies (P =0.001) and graft failure from acute or chronic rejection ( P=0.004) than those with mild rejection. Regardless of severity, 80% of patients with acute rejection did not develop significant fibrosis in follow-up biopsies, and graft failure from acute or chronic rejection occurred in only 11 of 901 (1%) allografts. CONCLUSIONS Most acute-rejection episodes are mild and do not lead to clinically significant architectural sequelae. When tested prospectively under real-life and -time conditions, the Banff schema can be used to identify those few patients who are potentially at risk for more significant problems. Creation, capture, and integration of non-free text, or "digital," pathology data can be used to prospectively conduct outcomes-based research in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Demetris
- Department of Pathology, Division of Transplantation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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26
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Jain AKB, Venkataramanan R, Shapiro R, Scantlebury VP, Potdar S, Bonham CA, Pokharna R, Rohal S, Ragni M, Fung JJ. Interaction between tacrolimus and antiretroviral agents in human immunodeficiency virus-positive liver and kidney transplantation patients. Transplant Proc 2002; 34:1540-1. [PMID: 12176474 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A K B Jain
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Falk Medical Building 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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27
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Shapiro R, Scantlebury VP, Jordan ML, Vivas CA, Jain A, Hakala TR, McCauley J, Johnston J, Randhawa P, Fedorek S, Gray E, Chesky A, Dvorchik I, Donaldson J, Fung JJ, Starzl TE. A pilot trial of tacrolimus, sirolimus, and steroids in renal transplant recipients. Transplant Proc 2002; 34:1651-2. [PMID: 12176521 PMCID: PMC2948865 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)02966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Shapiro
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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28
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Chiang PH, Wang L, Liang Y, Liang X, Qian S, Fung JJ, Bonham CA, Lu L. Inhibition of IL-12 signaling Stat4/IFN-gamma pathway by rapamycin is associated with impaired dendritic [correction of dendritc] cell function. Transplant Proc 2002; 34:1394-5. [PMID: 12176411 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)02900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P-H Chiang
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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29
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Jain A, Mazariegos G, Pokharna R, Parizhskaya M, Smith A, Kashyap R, Fung JJ, Reyes J. Almost total absence of chronic rejection in primary pediatric liver transplantation under tacrolimus. Transplant Proc 2002; 34:1968-9. [PMID: 12176649 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Jain
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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30
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Jain A, Mazariegos G, Kashyap R, Kosmach-Park B, Starzl TE, Fung JJ, Reyes J. Pediatric liver transplantation in 808 consecutive children: 20-years experience from a single center. Transplant Proc 2002; 34:1955-7. [PMID: 12176642 PMCID: PMC2975381 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Jain
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Dept. of Surgery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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31
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Chiang YJ, Lu L, Fung JJ, Qian S. Liver-derived dendritic cells induce donor-specific hyporesponsiveness: use of sponge implant as a cell transplant model. Cell Transplant 2002; 10:343-50. [PMID: 11437079 DOI: 10.3727/000000001783986729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneously accepted mouse liver allografts are capable of protecting subsequently transplanted donor organs from rejection; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Dendritic cells (DC) residing in liver grafts are likely important in tolerance induction. DC propagated from mouse liver with GM-CSF are phenotypically and functionally immature. They are poor allostimulators in MLR and prolong survival of pancreatic islet allografts. It has been problematic to perform mechanistic studies in an islet transplant model because of difficulties in obtaining sufficient graft infiltrating cells. In this study, we used a sponge allograft model [i.e.. a subcutaneously implanted sponge matrix loaded with B10 (H2b) spleen cells]. To investigate the influence of administration of donor (B10) liver-derived DC on alloimmune reactivity of C3H (H2k) hosts, sponge graft infiltrating cells (SGIC) and recipient spleen cells were isolated, and their immunophenotype and donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity were examined. The results illustrate that donor-specific CTL activity of T cells are lower in recipients that had received systemic treatment with liver-derived immature DC, associated with a decrease in CD8+ cell population and an increase in Gr-1+ cells in SGIC, compared with recipients treated with mature bone marrow (BM)-derived DC. Interestingly, administration of liver DC directly into the sponge did not inhibit T cell responses. These data suggest that systemic administration of donor liver DC induces donor-specific hyporesponsiveness, probably not by direct inhibition of graft infiltrating T cells. The increased Gr-1+ cells may play immune regulatory roles in induction of host donor-specific hyporesponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y J Chiang
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 152123, USA
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32
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Minervini MI, Yagi Y, Marino IR, Lawson A, Nalesnik M, Randhawa P, Wu T, Fung JJ, Demetris A. Development and experience with an integrated system for transplantation telepathology. Hum Pathol 2001; 32:1334-43. [PMID: 11774166 DOI: 10.1053/hupa.2001.29655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and accurate interpretation of allograft biopsies influences the outcome after organ transplantation. Expert histopathologic interpretation can also determine whether a donor organ should be used for transplantation or disposed. These and similar considerations in the field of Transplantation Pathology prompted us to develop a static image, store-and-forward telepathology system capable of rendering accurate, robust, and confidential communication by using readily available equipment and bandwidth capabilities for interactive real-time second opinion consultation. Between July 1999 and October 2000, 102 cases were transmitted, including 78 for second opinion and 1 for primary diagnosis with 6 (5 real-time) frozen sections. Full agreement with the original diagnosis was obtained in 67 of 78 (86%) cases; in 11 (14%) cases, teleconsultation resulted in 8 minor and 3 clinically significant differences of opinion. This led to a change in therapy in 1 case and further evaluation in 2 other cases. We conclude that static image, store-and-forward telepathology can enhance the practice of transplantation pathology, but a multidisciplinary team for ongiong support and development is required. This technology has the potential to promote case sharing, conduct continuing education, build consensus, and standardize readings of biopsies in multicenter trials in which histopathologic findings represent important outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Minervini
- Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies, Palermo, Italy
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33
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Abstract
1. Recurrent and de novo malignancies are the second leading causes of late death in liver transplant recipients, following age-related cardiovascular complications. 2. The increased incidence of de novo malignancies in liver transplant recipients compared with the general population reflects their demographic makeup, known preexistent risk factors for cancer, greater rate of chronic viral infection, and actions of exogenous immunosuppression. 3. The greatest incidence of de novo malignancies is seen in cancers associated with chronic viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, and skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. 4. Although a greater incidence of such malignancies as oropharyngeal malignancy and colorectal cancer was noted, there did not appear to be an increased risk for liver transplant recipients matched for age, sex, and length of follow-up using modified life-table technique and Surveillance Epidemiology End Result data with a similar at-risk group. However, they may present with more advanced stages of disease. 5. An increased incidence of de novo cancers in chronically immunocompromised liver transplant recipients demands careful long-term screening protocols to help facilitate diagnosis at an earlier stage of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Fung
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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34
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Thomson AW, Mazariegos GV, Reyes J, Donnenberg VS, Donnenberg AD, Bentlejewski C, Zahorchak AF, O'Connell PJ, Fung JJ, Jankowska-Gan E, Burlingham WJ, Heeger PS, Zeevi A. Monitoring the patient off immunosuppression. Conceptual framework for a proposed tolerance assay study in liver transplant recipients. Transplantation 2001; 72:S13-22. [PMID: 11888150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The mission of the recently established Immune Tolerance Network includes the development of protocols for the induction of transplant tolerance in organ allograft recipients and the development of assays that correlate with and may be predictive of the tolerant state. The state of clinical organ transplant tolerance seems to already exist in a small minority of conventionally immunosuppressed liver and, more rarely, kidney transplant patients. Immunosuppressive drug therapy has been withdrawn from these patients for a variety of reasons, including protocolized weaning for a uniquely large group of liver patients at the University of Pittsburgh. In this study, we propose to evaluate the validity of a variety of in vitro immunologic and molecular biologic tests that may correlate with, and be predictive of, the state of organ transplant tolerance in stable liver patients off immunosuppression. Only peripheral blood will be available for the execution of these tests. Both adult and pediatric liver graft recipients will be studied, in comparison to appropriate controls. We shall examine circulating dendritic cell (DC) subsets [precursor (p) DC1 and p DC2] including cells of donor origin, and assess both the frequency and function of donor-reactive T cells by ELISPOT and by trans-vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity analysis in a surrogate murine model. Cytokine gene polymorphism and alloantibody titers will also be investigated. It is anticipated that the results obtained may provide physicians with a tolerance assay "profile" that may determine those patients from whom immunosuppressive therapy may be safely withdrawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Thomson
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Li W, Lu L, Wang Z, Wang L, Fung JJ, Thomson AW, Qian S. Costimulation blockade promotes the apoptotic death of graft-infiltrating T cells and prolongs survival of hepatic allografts from FLT3L-treated donors. Transplantation 2001; 72:1423-32. [PMID: 11685115 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200110270-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mouse liver grafts are accepted across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers and induce donor-specific tolerance without immunosuppressive therapy. By contrast, hepatic allografts from donors treated with the hematopoietic growth factor fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL), which dramatically increases hepatic interstitial dendritic cells (DC), are rejected acutely (median survival time 5 days). This switch from tolerance to rejection is associated with a marked reduction in apoptotic activity of graft-infiltrating T cells. We hypothesized that T-cell costimulation, provided by markedly enhanced numbers of donor antigen presenting cells (APCs), might inhibit apoptosis, promote expansion of T helper 1 cells and play a key role in acute liver rejection. METHODS C3H (H2k) recipients of orthotopic liver grafts from FL-treated B10 (H2b) donors were given cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4: immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig), a chimeric fusion protein that blocks the B7-CD28 costimulatory pathway, or control human immunoglobulin (200 microg) on the day of transplantation (day 0). Livers and spleens were removed on day 4. Cryostat sections were stained for interleukin (IL)-12 or by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL). Expression of mRNA encoding interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-10 was determined by RNase protection assay. Suspensions of graft-infiltrating cells (GICs) and spleen cells were analyzed for apoptotic (TUNEL+) T-cell subsets by flow cytometry. CTL activity of GICs and circulating alloantibody levels were determined by cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS Survival of liver grafts from FL donors was markedly prolonged by CTLA4Ig administration. This effect was associated with reductions in IFN-gamma and IL-10 gene transcripts within the GIC population, and with decreases in donor-specific CTL and NK cell activities and circulating anti-donor alloantibody levels. At the same time, there were marked increases in TUNEL+ CD4+ and especially CD8+ cells, both within the grafts and in the spleens of CTLA4Ig-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Signaling via the B7-CD28 pathway appears to play a key role in the switch from tolerance to rejection that is precipitated by markedly enhanced numbers of donor DCs. Inhibition of acute liver allograft rejection by CTLA4Ig, linked to restoration of apoptotic activity of graft-infiltrating T cells, further suggests that deletion of these cells may be critical for promotion of long-term allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Li
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, E1540 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA
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Cacciarelli TV, Reyes J, Jaffe R, Mazariegos GV, Jain A, Fung JJ, Green M. Primary tacrolimus (FK506) therapy and the long-term risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2001; 5:359-64. [PMID: 11560756 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3046.2001.00021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
While the overall incidence of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in pediatric liver transplant recipients has been reported to be 4-11%, the long-term risk of PTLD associated with primary tacrolimus therapy is unknown. Therefore, in order to determine the incidence and long-term risk of PTLD, the present study examined 131 pediatric recipients who underwent liver transplantation (LTx) between October 1989 and December 1991 and received primary tacrolimus therapy. This cohort of children was evaluated over an extended time-period (until December 31 1996) with a mean follow-up of 6.3 yr. Actuarial Kaplan-Meier analysis was utilized to determine the risk of PTLD over time. The overall incidence of PTLD was 13% (17/131) with an average age of 4.3 +/- 0.75 yr at diagnosis. Pretransplant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serologies were negative in 82%, positive in 12%, and not available in 6% of the patients. The median time to diagnosis of PTLD post-Tx was 11.9 months (mean 16.4 +/- 3.9, range 1.7-63.0 months). Mean tacrolimus dose and plasma trough level (as evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) at the time of diagnosis was 0.32 +/- 0.06 mg/kg/day and 1.3 +/- 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. The cumulative long-term risk of PTLD was found to increase over time: 3% at 6 months, 8% at 1 yr, 12% at 2 yr, 14% at 3 yr, and 15% at 4 and 5 yr. Mortality from PTLD was 12% (two of 17 patients). Primary tacrolimus use in pediatric LTx has a long-term risk of PTLD approaching 15%, with the majority of episodes (78%) occurring in the first 2 yr, suggesting that intense EBV surveillance should occur early post-transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Cacciarelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3601 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Abstract
Piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation (LTx) has permitted the elimination of extra-corporeal venovenous bypass. In some instances, an internal temporary portocaval shunt has to be constructed in order to prevent hemodynamic instability. We describe a technique in which a donor iliac vein graft is used to bridge the distance between the portal vein and vena cava in cases where a direct shunt cannot be constructed. This technique can be applied to liver Tx as well as to liver and small bowel Tx.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Molmenti
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Ahmad J, Dodson SF, Demetris AJ, Fung JJ, Shakil AO. Recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: a nonrandomized trial of interferon alfa alone versus interferon alfa and ribavirin. Liver Transpl 2001; 7:863-9. [PMID: 11679984 DOI: 10.1053/jlts.2001.27869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often have histological hepatitis, and in some patients, graft failure develops. The aim of this nonrandomized study is to determine the efficacy and tolerability of interferon alfa (IFN alfa) alone and IFN alfa and ribavirin combination therapy in such patients. Forty transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis were initiated on therapy with IFN alfa-2b at 3 million units (MU) three times weekly for 1 month followed by 5 MU three times weekly for 5 months. Twenty patients were administered IFN alfa-2b, 3 MU three times weekly for 1 month followed by 5 MU three times weekly for 11 months, and ribavirin, 600 mg, twice daily orally for 12 months concurrently. The primary end point was sustained clearance of serum HCV RNA, and secondary end points were serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level normalization and histological improvement. Thirty patients completed 6 months of IFN-alfa monotherapy and 15 patients completed 12 months of IFN alfa and ribavirin combination therapy. End-of-treatment biochemical responses were similar in the two groups (IFN alfa, 20% v combination therapy, 25%); however, viral clearance was greater in the combination-therapy group (40% v 15%; P = .04). Six months after the completion of therapy, only 1 patient (2.5%) in the IFN-alfa group and 4 patients (20%) in the combination-therapy group were HCV RNA negative (P = .03). Serum ALT and HCV RNA levels declined significantly in both groups during therapy. There was no improvement in inflammatory grade, and fibrosis score was worse in both groups. Ten patients (25%) in the IFN-alfa group and 5 patients (20%) in the combination-therapy group withdrew because of adverse effects. We conclude that in liver allograft recipients with recurrent hepatitis C, combination therapy with IFN alfa and ribavirin is more efficacious than treatment with IFN alfa alone. However, the efficacy is limited by tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ahmad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) is a reality; shortly after its introduction into clinical practice, it is being performed in approximately 50 centers throughout the United States and Europe. The quick development of ALDLT and some deaths among donors repropose old ethical dilemmas and confront the transplant community with new urgent problems. To minimize risks for recipients and, especially, donors, two key questions are addressed: (1) who can or should perform the procedure, and (2) what patient should undergo the procedure. The high risks taken by live donors undergoing a hemihepatectomy seem to be justified by the steadily increasing mortality of adult recipients waiting for transplantation. A comprehensive consent procedure is at the base of responsible decision making for both donors and recipients. In adherence to basic medical criteria, the autonomy of decision of donors and recipients may allow the extension of indications to patients not suitable to undergo transplantation with cadaveric grafts. The broadening of indications is appropriate only in centers with adequate experience and proven expertise in ALDLT. The medical community faces the duty of regulating ALDLT before external influences force undesired policy changes, particularly if not based on medical grounds. Individual centers and patients are ultimately responsible for the correct use of LDLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Malagó
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany.
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40
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Sindhi R, Webber S, Venkataramanan R, McGhee W, Phillips S, Smith A, Baird C, Iurlano K, Mazariegos G, Cooperstone B, Holt DW, Zeevi A, Fung JJ, Reyes J. Sirolimus for rescue and primary immunosuppression in transplanted children receiving tacrolimus. Transplantation 2001; 72:851-5. [PMID: 11571449 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200109150-00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The role of sirolimus (SRL) as a rescue agent (n=42) and as a component of primary immunosuppression (n=8) was evaluated in a mixed population of 50 transplanted children receiving tacrolimus (liver: 26, heart: 5, intestinal: 5, liver-intestine: 9, lung: 1, bone marrow: 1, liver-kidney: 1, multivisceral: 1). Rescue indications for tacrolimus (TAC) failure were recurrent acute rejection and acute rejection complicating withdrawal of immunosuppression in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rescue indications for TAC toxicity were nephrotoxicity, pancreatitis, seizures, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and graft-versus-host disease. RESULTS Mean age at rescue was 11.5 years and mean follow-up was 204 (range 18-800) days. As primary immunosuppression, SRL+TAC prevented early acute rejection in 7/8 children. The indication for rescue resolved in 33/42 children. In children with TAC toxicity, this was associated with decrease in TAC doses by 50%, significant improvements in renal function, and continuing decline in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load in PTLD patients. Serious adverse events led to discontinuation of SRL in 9/42 rescue patients, 3 of them also experienced acute rejection. Three additional children also experienced acute rejection on SRL therapy (overall incidence 6/50, 12%). Pharmacokinetic analysis in the first week of SRL administration suggested a short half-life (11.8+/-5.5 hr, n=21). CONCLUSIONS SRL and reduced-dose TAC may achieve adequate immunosuppression without compromising renal function or enhancing EBV viremia significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sindhi
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Ahmed M, Venkataraman R, Logar AJ, Rao AS, Bartley GP, Robert K, Dodson FS, Shapiro R, Fung JJ, Zeevi A. Quantitation of immunosuppression by tacrolimus using flow cytometric analysis of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma inhibition in CD8(-) and CD8(+) peripheral blood T cells. Ther Drug Monit 2001; 23:354-62. [PMID: 11477316 DOI: 10.1097/00007691-200108000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The authors have determined the frequency of intracellular interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) synthesis by T-cell subsets in whole blood (WB) and isolated lymphocytes in 16 transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus and 10 control patients who were not transplant recipients. The authors also determined the impact of varying amounts of red blood cells (RBC) on immunosuppression by tacrolimus. Samples were analyzed by two-color flow cytometry, and the results were expressed as a ratio of whole blood to isolated lymphocytes. In healthy subjects who were not transplant recipients, the frequency of IL-2--producing CD8(-) and CD8(+) cells was higher in WB than in isolated lymphocytes (mean +/- SD of whole blood to lymphocytes ratio: 1.24 +/- 0.5 and 1.67 +/- 0.62, respectively). Adding varying amounts of RBC had no significant impact on IL-2 production by CD8(-) and CD8(+) T cells. Adding tacrolimus (10 ng/mL) to lymphocyte cultures inhibited (90%) IL-2 production in isolated T cells but not in the whole-blood assay. The dose of tacrolimus required for a 50% inhibition of IL-2 release in T cells was 10-fold higher in cultures with RBC than without. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from tacrolimus-treated whole blood (WB) showed less IL-2 inhibition than did lymphocytes in the WB. The authors also tested cytokine production in WB and PBMCs in 16 transplant recipients and observed various patterns of reactivity. The frequency of IL-2--producing CD8(-) and CD8(+) cells was similar using two different methods in 10 of 16 patients tested. By contrast, in the remaining six patients the authors observed a significant inhibition of IL-2 production in both CD8(-) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets in the whole-blood assay but not in the isolated lymphocytes. The frequency of CD8(-) IFN-gamma--producing cells was significantly lower in 9 of 16 patients, but the same individuals showed no inhibition of their CD8(+) IFN-gamma T cells. The trough levels of tacrolimus did not predict the level of cytokine inhibition in the whole-blood assay in these patients. The authors' results show that the whole-blood assay for cytokine production can be used for monitoring the in vivo effect of tacrolimus in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ahmed
- Departments of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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42
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Miki T, Lee YH, Tandin A, Subbotin V, Goller A, Kovscek A, Fung JJ, Valdivia LA. Hamster-to-rat bone marrow xenotransplantation and humoral graft vs. host disease. Xenotransplantation 2001; 8:213-21. [PMID: 11472629 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3089.2001.0o112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) may induce tolerance across xenogeneic barriers. We have established a xenogeneic BMT model where hamster BM is transplanted into splenectomized LEW rat recipients resulting in high levels of engraftment. Unfortunately, graft vs. host disease (GVHD) with severe dermatitis developed in all rat recipients. We were successful in treating or preventing the dermatitis of this xenogeneic GVHD by the use of the T-cell suppressant tacrolimus. However, this compound did not prevent the development of a fatal liver injury in the rat recipients. This study was designed to elucidate the pathogenesis of this liver injury appearing in T-cell suppressed rat recipients of hamster BM. Splenectomized and irradiated (10 Gy) LEW rats received 300 x 106 unfractionated hamster BM cells. These BMT recipients were divided in 3 groups: Group I recipients (n = 8) did not receive further immunosuppression. Group II animals (n = 10) received tacrolimus 1 mg/kg/d for 7 d. Group III recipients (n = 6) were given the same daily dose of tacrolimus on a long-term basis. Chimerism was detected by flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity of recipient's sera against rat and hamster lymph node cells was measured by complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) test. Immunofluorescence was used to detect hamster antirat antibodies on several recipient organs. In Group I, 2 out of 8 animals engrafted (25%) and survived for a median of 21 d showing the severe dermatitis characteristic of GVHD. In group II (n = 10), 9/10 rat recipients engrafted (90%) and survival was increased to a median of 53.7 days. However, these surviving recipients developed fatal GVHD not different from that observed in Group I recipients. All animals in Group III (n = 6) engrafted and did not show the characteristic dermatitis of GVHD. Their survival, however, was shortened to a median of 30.3 d by a severe liver injury. This injury was characterized by hepatocyte necrosis in zones 1 and 2 with polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration. Deposits of hamster immunoglobulins were present around the necrotic areas and in the portal veins. Moreover, antirat antibodies appeared in the circulation. These antibodies were sensitive to dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment indicating that they were of the IgM class. This study shows that xenogeneic GVHD may have a dual presentation in the hamster-to-rat model: a classical cellular GVHD not distinct to the allogeneic one and a humoral GVHD affecting solely the recipient liver. The degree of humoral injury is potentiated by T-cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Miki
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and the Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Jain A, Kashyap R, Marsh W, Rohal S, Khanna A, Fung JJ. Reasons for long-term use of steroid in primary adult liver transplantation under tacrolimus. Transplantation 2001; 71:1102-6. [PMID: 11374410 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200104270-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent that provides higher freedom from acute and chronic rejection than cyclosporine after liver transplantation (LTx). Initially, a steroid-free state was observed in about 70% of patients at 1 year; this did not change over the next 5 years. The present study identifies the various reasons why the remaining 30% of adult patients still require steroids even after 5 years after successful LTx. METHOD Eight hundred thirty-four consecutive patients who underwent LTx between August 1989 and December 1992 were included in this study. Four hundred ninety-nine patients were alive in January 1999 and were available for this study. The dose of steroid and the reason for steroid use were retrospectively determined from the clinical records. RESULTS Three hundred sixty-five patients (73.1%) were off steroid, whereas 134 patients (26.9%) were receiving prednisone (mean dose was 6.4+/-3.7 mg/day) at the time of the study. Four hundred and eight-four patients (97%) were off prednisone at some time after LTx; however, in 119 (23.8%) patients, steroids were reintroduced. Fifteen patients (3%) continued to receive prednisone; eight receive prednisone due to reluctance of the local physician to withdraw the medication; in five patients, the prednisone was not withdrawn because these patients were on cyclosporine; in the remaining two patients, repeated attempts to withdraw steroid resulted in a rise in liver function test. In the 49 (36.6%) of 119 patients in whom the steroid was reintroduced, it was restarted secondary to pathologically proven or clinically suspected rejection (group I). In five patients steroid was reintroduced for abnormal liver function after being off immunosuppression for treatment of a posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder. Six patients were noncompliant with their immunosuppressive medication, and the steroid was reintroduced to control rejection. Steroids were reintroduced in 30 patients (22.4%) for recurrence of original disease: primary biliary cirrhosis (n= 19), sclerosing cholangitis (n=6), and autoimmune hepatitis (n=5) (group II). In 24 patients (20.2%), steroids were reintroduced to lower the dose of tacrolimus secondary to nephrotoxicity. Six of these patients received kidney transplantation (group III). In 16 patients (13.4%) the steroid was reintroduced for concomitant medical problems, consisting of ulcerative/Crohn's colitis (n=6), adrenal insufficiency (n=5), hematological disorders (n=3), dermatitis (n=1), and rheumatoid arthritis (n=1) (group IV). CONCLUSION Ninety-seven percent of patients under tacrolimus were weaned off steroid; however, 23.8% required steroid reintroduction for late rejection, recurrence of autoimmune process(es), renal impairment, or the concomitant presence of other medical conditions. Although the use of other immunosuppressive agents may reduce the rate of reintroduction of steroid, long-term sustained freedom from steroid may not be possible in all patients under tacrolimus secondary to these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jain
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lu L, Bonham CA, Liang X, Chen Z, Li W, Wang L, Watkins SC, Nalesnik MA, Schlissel MS, Demestris AJ, Fung JJ, Qian S. Liver-derived DEC205+B220+CD19- dendritic cells regulate T cell responses. J Immunol 2001; 166:7042-52. [PMID: 11390448 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.12.7042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Leukocytes resident in the liver may play a role in immune responses. We describe a cell population propagated from mouse liver nonparenchymal cells in IL-3 and anti-CD40 mAb that exhibits a distinct surface immunophenotype and function in directing differentiation of naive allogeneic T cells. After culture, such cells are DEC-205(bright)B220+CD11c-CD19-, and negative for T (CD3, CD4, CD8alpha), NK (NK 1.1) cell markers, and myeloid Ags (CD11b, CD13, CD14). These liver-derived DEC205+B220+ CD19- cells have a morphology and migratory capacity similar to dendritic cells. Interestingly, they possess Ig gene rearrangements, but lack Ig molecule expression on the cell surface. They induce low thymidine uptake of allogeneic T cells in MLR due to extensive apoptosis of activated T cells. T cell proliferation is restored by addition of the common caspase inhibitor peptide, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (zVAD-fmk). T cells stimulated by liver-derived DEC205+B220+D19- cells release both IL-10 and IFN-gamma, small amounts of TGF-beta, and no IL-2 or IL-4, a cytokine profile resembling T regulatory type 1 cells. Expression of IL-10 and IFN-gamma, but not bioactive IL-12 in liver DEC205+B220+CD19- cells was demonstrated by RNase protection assay. In vivo administration of liver DEC205+B220+CD19- cells significantly prolonged the survival of vascularized cardiac allografts in an alloantigen-specific manner.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD
- Antigens, CD19/biosynthesis
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cell Movement/immunology
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Dendritic Cells/transplantation
- Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain
- Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain
- Graft Survival/immunology
- Heart Transplantation/immunology
- Immunophenotyping
- Lectins, C-Type
- Leukocyte Common Antigens/biosynthesis
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/biosynthesis
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1
- Receptors, Cell Surface/biosynthesis
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/cytology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/classification
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lu
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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46
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Shapiro R, Randhawa P, Jordan ML, Scantlebury VP, Vivas C, Jain A, Corry RJ, McCauley J, Johnston J, Donaldson J, Gray EA, Dvorchik I, Hakala TR, Fung JJ, Starzl TE. An analysis of early renal transplant protocol biopsies--the high incidence of subclinical tubulitis. Am J Transplant 2001; 1:47-50. [PMID: 12095037 PMCID: PMC2955896 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-6143.2001.010109.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the possibility that we have been underestimating the true incidence of acute rejection, we began to perform protocol biopsies after kidney transplantation. This analysis looks at the one-week biopsies. Between March 1 and October 1, 1999, 100 adult patients undergoing cadaveric kidney or kidney/pancreas transplantation, or living donor kidney transplantation, underwent 277 biopsies. We focused on the subset of biopsies in patients without delayed graft function (DGF) and with stable or improving renal function, who underwent a biopsy 8.2+/-2.6 d (range 3-18 d) after transplantation (n = 28). Six (21%) patients with no DGF and with stable or improving renal function had borderline histopathology, and 7 (25%) had acute tubulitis on the one-week biopsy. Of the 277 kidney biopsies, there was one (0.4%) serious hemorrhagic complication, in a patient receiving low molecular weight heparin; she ultimately recovered and has normal renal function. Her biopsy showed Banff 1B tubulitis. In patients with stable or improving renal allograft function early after transplantation, subclinical tubulitis may be present in a substantial number of patients. This suggests that the true incidence of rejection may be higher than is clinically appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Shapiro
- University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, PA 15213, USA.
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Li W, Lu L, Wang Z, Wang L, Fung JJ, Thomson AW, Qian S. Il-12 antagonism enhances apoptotic death of T cells within hepatic allografts from Flt3 ligand-treated donors and promotes graft acceptance. J Immunol 2001; 166:5619-28. [PMID: 11313402 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.9.5619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mouse livers are accepted across MHC barriers and induce donor-specific tolerance without immunosuppressive therapy. By contrast, livers from donors treated with Flt3 ligand, which dramatically increases hepatic interstitial dendritic cells, are rejected acutely (median survival time 5 days). This switch from tolerance to rejection is associated with a marked reduction in apoptotic activity of graft-infiltrating cells. We hypothesized that IL-12 production by enhanced numbers of donor APC might inhibit apoptosis, promote expansion of Th1 cells, and play a key role in liver rejection. Therefore, C3H (H2(k)) recipients of liver grafts from Flt3 ligand-treated B10 donors were given neutralizing anti-IL-12 mAb (200 or 500 microg) on days 0 and 2 after transplant. Graft survival was markedly prolonged at the higher mAb dose, with 50% of grafts surviving >100 days. This effect was associated with reductions in IFN-gamma gene transcripts within the graft-infiltrating cell population and with reductions in circulating IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels, donor-specific CTL and NK cell activities, and circulating alloantibody levels. At the same time, there were marked increases in apoptotic (TUNEL(+)) CD4(+) and especially CD8(+) cells, both within the grafts and in spleens of anti-IL-12 mAb-treated mice. In vitro, exogenous IL-12 inhibited apoptotic death induced in naive allogeneic T cells by liver nonparenchymal cells. These findings suggest that suppression of rejection by IL-12 antagonism, linked to restoration of apoptotic activity within the peripheral alloreactive T cell population, is important for liver allograft survival and tolerance induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Li
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Fung
- Transplantation Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Lunz JG, Contrucci S, Ruppert K, Murase N, Fung JJ, Starzl TE, Demetris AJ. Replicative senescence of biliary epithelial cells precedes bile duct loss in chronic liver allograft rejection: increased expression of p21(WAF1/Cip1) as a disease marker and the influence of immunosuppressive drugs. Am J Pathol 2001; 158:1379-90. [PMID: 11290556 PMCID: PMC1891905 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early chronic liver allograft rejection (CR) is characterized by distinctive cytological changes in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) that resemble cellular senescence, in vitro, and precede bile duct loss. If patients suffering from early CR are treated aggressively, the clinical and histopathological manifestations of CR can be completely reversed and bile duct loss can be prevented. We first tested whether the senescence-related p21(WAF1/Cip1) protein is increased in BECs during early CR, and whether treatment reversed the expression. The percentage of p21+ BECs and the number of p21+ BECs per portal tract is significantly increased in early CR (26 +/- 17% and 3.6 +/- 3.1) compared to BECs in normal liver allograft biopsies or those with nonspecific changes (1 +/- 1% and 0.1 +/- 0.3; P: < 0.0001 and P: < 0.02), chronic hepatitis C (2 +/- 3% and 0.7 +/- 1; P: < 0.0001 and P: < 0.04) or obstructive cholangiopathy (7 +/- 7% and 0.7 +/- 0.6; P: < 0.006 and P: = 0.04). Successful treatment of early CR is associated with a decrease in the percentage of p21+ BECs and the number of p21+ BECs per portal tract. In vitro, nuclear p21(WAF1/Cip1) expression is increased in large and multinucleated BECs, and is induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. TGF-beta1 also increases expression of TGF-beta receptor II, causes phosphorylation of SMAD-2 and nuclear translocation of p21(WAF1/Cip1), which inhibits BEC growth. Because conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus is an effective treatment for early CR, we next tested whether these two immunosuppressive drugs directly influenced BEC growth in vitro. The results show that cyclosporine, but not tacrolimus, stimulates BEC TGF-beta1 production, which in turn, causes BEC mito-inhibition and up-regulation of nuclear p21(WAF1/Cip1). In conclusion, expression of the senescence-related p21(WAF1/Cip1) protein is increased in BECs during early CR and decreases with successful recovery. Replicative senescence accounts for the characteristic BEC cytological alterations used for the diagnosis of early CR and lack of a proliferative response to injury. The ability of cyclosporine to inhibit the growth of damaged BECs likely accounts for the relative duct sparing properties of tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Lunz
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Division of Transplantation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Jain A, Venkataramanan R, Hamad IS, Zuckerman S, Zhang S, Lever J, Warty VS, Fung JJ. Pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid after mycophenolate mofetil administration in liver transplant patients treated with tacrolimus. J Clin Pharmacol 2001; 41:268-76. [PMID: 11269567 DOI: 10.1177/00912700122010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA) was studied after oral administration of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in 8 liver transplant patients. The mean (+/- SD) maximum MPA plasma concentration of 10.6 (+/- 7.5) mg/ml was achieved within 0.5 to 5 hours. The mean (+/- SD) steady-state area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC(0-12)) was 40 (+/- 30.9) mg/ml/h. The mean (+/- SD) half-life was 5.8 (+/- 3.8) hours. There was poor correlation between trough blood concentrations of tacrolimus (r = -0.004) or serum creatinine (r = 0.689) with MPA AUC, while the serum bilirubin concentrations correlated (r = 0.743) well with MPA AUC, suggesting impairment in MPA conjugation in patients with liver dysfunction. The mean (+/- SD) ratio of the AUC of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) to MPA was 64 (+/- 84), which correlated significantly with serum creatinine (r = 0.72) but not with serum bilirubin concentrations (r = 0.309), indicating accumulation of MPAG in patients with renal dysfunction. In 7 primary liver transplant patients on the same dose of MMF, the trough plasma concentrations of MPA during the first week of therapy ranged from < 0.3 to 1.5 microg/ml. The MPA concentrations increased by several folds during the next few weeks, which correlates well with increases in serum albumin concentrations. Changes in albumin appear to partially contribute to the variations in the pharmacokinetics of MPA in liver transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jain
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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