Abstract
There are data available in the literature on bioelement concentrations in the serum of various groups of patients; however, very little is known about the serum concentration of selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in renal transplant patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, including mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Monitoring of serum bioelement concentrations in renal transplant recipients is of profound importance, as the proper bioelement levels seem to prolong the normal function of the transplanted organ. Thus, the aim of this current study was to examine and carry out comparative analysis involving serum concentrations of Se, Fe, Cu, and Zn of renal transplant recipients treated with MMF and without MMF. The material consisted of blood samples from 115 patients of the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine of Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2, Pomeranian Medical University, in the city of Szczecin in the northwestern Poland. Serum Se, Fe, Cu, and Zn levels were quantified by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Taking into account all patients, MMF increases Cu level. Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly higher in women treated with MMF; in group of younger patients treated with MMF, Se level was significantly lower comparing with those whose regimen did not include MMF. Additionally, MMF in combination with prednisone increased Se concentration in blood of transplant recipients. Our study highlights that trace elements should be monitored to allow for an early detection of trace elements deficits, which can easily be corrected for by an adjusted diet or supplemental intake.
Highlights
Renal transplant recipients need to have their biochemical parameters monitored regularly, including creatinine level, hepatic enzyme concentrations, and blood ion levels
Iron, zinc, and copper levels were quantified by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS NexION 350D, PerkinElmer) using methane to reduce polyatomic interferences, following Lubinski et al [20, 21]
There are data available in the literature on bioelement concentrations in the serum of various groups of patients; very little is known about the serum concentration of selenium, iron, zinc, and copper in terms of the intake of immunosuppressive drugs, including mycophenolate mofetil, which is one of the most commonly used
Summary
Renal transplant recipients need to have their biochemical parameters monitored regularly, including creatinine level, hepatic enzyme concentrations, and blood ion levels. Monitoring serum bioelement concentrations in renal transplant recipients is of profound importance, as the proper bioelement levels seem to prolong the normal function of the transplanted organ [16, 30]. The selection of immunosuppressive drug in the post-transplant therapy stage depends on many factors, including the etiology of the underlying disease and biochemical blood parameters, which embrace creatinine levels, and the coexistence of viral infection (CMV, BKV, HCV, HBV). One of the most widely applied immunosuppressive drugs is the mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivative—mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This is an immune-modulatory drug that inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). Mycophenolic acid is derived from several species of Penicillium and shows potent bioactivity [29]
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