Complication Of Renal Transplantation Research Articles

Regulatory T Cells in the Context of New-Onset Diabetes After Renal Transplant: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundNew-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant (NODAT) is a well-known complication of renal transplant that severely affects graft and patient survival. It is necessary to explore further risk factors and reveal the underlying pathomechanism. MethodsRenal transplants performed between January 2010 and June 2018 were involved. Exclusion criteria were the recipient age younger than 18 years, follow-up period less than 6 months, and patients with diabetes at the time of transplant. Only primary kidney transplants were involved in our study, which totaled 223 cases. Besides donor and recipient demographic data, the type of immunosuppression, the average fasting glucose level, and T-subset profiles were compared. ResultsOf 223 cases there were 33 patients (14.8%) with NODAT (17 female; mean age, 54.2 [SD, 10.3] years; mean body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 27.8 [SD, 5.1]; mean follow-up, 43.3 [SD, 25.5] months). The control group consisted of 190 patients. The average fasting blood glucose level was higher in the NODAT group vs the control group (P < .001). The average fasting blood glucose level above diabetic threshold (≥7 mmol/L) was in association with a 6-fold higher risk of NODAT (odds ratio, 5.86; 95% CI, 2.46–13.97; P < .001). Absolute value of CD4+CD25brightCD127dim regulatory T cells was lower in the NODAT group at the first month after transplant (P = .048) Immunosuppressive protocol and survival data did not differ. ConclusionsIntensive management of the carbohydrate excursions during the early post-transplant period may decrease the incidence of NODAT. Further investigations will be required to decide whether the reduced CD4+CD25brightCD127dim/regulatory T-cell count contributes the development of NODAT.

Cytomegalovirus infection in kidney allografts: a review of literature.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of renal transplantation complications. It can cause different syndromes or end-organ diseases that can lead to unfavourable clinical outcomes and kidney allograft dysfunction. Although well documented as a systemic disease on renal transplant patients, affecting non-renal tissue, as gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, few cases have been reported in English-language indexed journals involving renal allograft lesions secondary to CMV. As an important differential diagnosis and etiological agent to acute and chronic rejection, the possibility of CMV kidney direct infection needs prompt recognition for effective treatment. In this paper, we will review the current literature about CMV nephritis and discuss the findings from each case report.

Urologic complications in renal transplants.

Urologic complications of renal transplant occur commonly and can have significant impact on graft function, survival, and patient morbidity. This review examines the prevalence of urologic complications, risk factors, diagnosis and options for management of the most common urologic complications.

Immunological Alterations due to Hemodialysis Might Interfere with Early Complications in Renal Transplantation.

Background Chronic or intercurrent alterations of the immune system in patients with end-stage renal disease (CKD) and intermittent hemodialysis (CKD5D, HD) have been attributed to an acute rejection of renal allograft. Methods Leukocyte subsets in flow cytometry, complement activation, and concentrations of TGFβ, sCD30 (ELISA), and interleukins (CBA) of fifteen patients eligible for renal transplantation were analyzed before, during, and after a regular HD. Results Before HD, the median proportion of CD8+ effector cells, CD8+ CCR5+ effector cells, and HLA-DR+ regulatory T cells as well as the median concentration of soluble CD30 increased and naive CD8+ T cells decreased. During HD, there was a significant decrease in CD4- CD8- T cells (p < 0.001) and an increase in CD25+ T cells (p = 0.026), sCD30 (p < 0.001), HLA-DR+ regulatory T cells (p = 0.005), and regulatory T cells (p = 0.003). TGFβ and sCD30 increased significantly over time. The activity of the classical complement pathway started to slightly increase after the first hour of HD and lasted until fifteen minutes after finishing dialysis. The decrease in the functional activity of the alternative pathway was only transient and was followed by a significant increase within 15 minutes after finishing the treatment. Conclusion HD might interact with the allograft outcome by influencing T cell subsets and activation of the complement system in a biphasic course.

Contemporary management of urological complications in renal transplant: Analysis from a single-center with review of the literature

Context: Urological complications are inevitable in renal transplantation; however, their occurrence and brunt on graft survival can be downsized. The aim of our study was to analyze and review the literature on various urological complications and their management in renal transplant patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all cases of urological complications in renal transplantation managed at our institution from January 2010 to March 2017. Results: Urological complications arose in 29 renal transplant patients amidst the study period with median identification time of 24 days (range 0–1500 days). Ten (34.5%) patients developed complications pertaining to ureteric handling and reimplantation followed by significant lymphocele in 9 (31%) patients. Four (13.8%) cases succumbed to vascular anastomosis-related complications. Out of 29 patients, 45% of these complications manifested within a month posttransplant. Complications were tackled individually. Sixteen (55%) cases were treated with either endoscopic or minimally invasive methods, whereas 13 (45%) cases required open surgery. Two grafts were lost as a consequence of vascular complications and a fatality which was directly or indirectly linked with urological complication. Remaining all treated patients improved on follow-up. Conclusion: Comprehensive preoperative recipient evaluation, meticulous organ procurement, and integrated multidisciplinary teamwork are helpful in achieving optimal outcome of transplant. Endourological and minimally invasive procedures are emerging as main modality in the management of these complications; however, many cases still requires contemporary surgical management.

Renal transplantation into optimized abnormal lower urinary tract - Impact on graft outcomes, patient survival, and complications.

Introduction:Literature regarding the outcomes of renal transplant in patients with abnormal lower urinary tracts (LUTs) is conflicting. The study aimed to determine the graft outcomes and complications of renal transplantation in an optimized abnormal LUT as compared to those with a normal LUT.Materials and Methods:In this single-center retrospective-matched cohort study, we identified 31 patients with an optimized abnormal LUT in our transplant database between 2006 and 2016 (Group A) and selected an equal number of matched controls (Group B). The primary outcome was graft survival, and secondary outcomes were overall survival and complications.Results:The median age was 24 years (range: 12–45), and the median duration of follow-up was 36 months in both groups. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, the estimated mean graft survival was 106 months (confidence interval [CI]: 91-120) in Group A versus 128 months (CI:117-139) in Group B (P = 0.47, log-rank analysis). On subgroup analysis of Group A, augmented bladders had the poorest mean survival (81 months, CI: 56–106), P = 0.09). The mean estimated patient survival was comparable between Group A and B (109 months, CI: 96–122 versus 139 months, CI: 134–144), P = 0.13). Infective complications (27 episodes vs. 1) and re-admissions (77 vs. 30) were significantly higher in Group A (P = 0.04 and P < 0.01). Clean intermittent catheterization was a risk factor for infections (63% vs. 37%, P = 0.033, odds ratio: 5).Conclusions:The graft and overall survival was comparable at 3 years in both groups. Infective complications were higher in Group A.

Hyperacute rejection in a blood group incompatible renal transplant recipient – enigma of unfathomable thrombotic microangiopathy!

Transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is one of the most disastrous complications of renal transplantation. It may be either de novo (more common with a poor prognosis) or recurrent (with genetic background due to underlying mutations). Varied presentation mandates a high index of clinical suspicion, and the diagnosis usually requires allograft biopsy demonstrating TMA with or without underlying etiology. It has never been reported to mimic hyperacute rejection. In this context, we describe an end-stage renal disease patient with underlying IgA nephropathy, who underwent blood group incompatible renal transplant following successful desensitization and after that had systemic TMA in the 1st-h posttransplant itself, with allograft biopsy revealing florid TMA with no evidence of rejection, tacrolimus toxicity, or infection. Etiology remained elusive despite exhaustive workup and all possible attempts to salvage the allograft went in vain, with subsequent graft nephrectomy at 3 months. The patient after that has undergone a blood group compatible deceased-donor renal transplant and fortunately has normal graft function at 2 years follow-up, enthralling us to hypothesize possible interaction between the endothelial cells of renal allograft and anti-donor hemagglutinin antibodies; a mechanism already avowed for graft loss in blood group incompatible liver transplantation. We, therefore, suggest that patients willing for blood group incompatible renal transplantation need to be counseled beforehand about this, although a rare but devastating entity.

Postoperative Surgical Complications of Live Unrelated Renal Transplants for Patients of End Stage Renal Disease Needing Renal Replacement Therapy.

To evaluate the postoperative surgical complications of live unrelated renal transplantation (LURRT) done abroad for patients of end stage renal disease (ESRD) who needed renal replacement therapy (RRT) in an organ transplant centre. Descriptive, observational study. Department of Renal Transplantation, Hamed Al-Essa Organ Transplant Center, Kuwait, from January 1993 to December 2015. This is descriptive and observational study in which data was retrospectively collected from medical records of the patients. All patients were selected who had been transplanted in various countries and admitted to this center for post-transplant care and follow-up in the period of 22 years and their surgical complications were noted. Data was analysed by SPSS 21. Nationalities and complications were noted and their percentages were calculated for the variables. A total of 423 patients (288 males (68%) and 135 females (31.9%), having mean age of 43 years) were transplanted in various countries. Most of these were Kuwaiti nationals (n=224, 53%). The post-transplant course was complicated by lymphocele in 25 (5.8%), ureteral stenosis in 22 (5.2%), urinary leak in 15 (3.5%), incisional hernia in 14 (3.3%) rare. Due to inadequate living-related organ supply, many ESRD patients go to Third World countries for LURRT. Although, the risk of various complications is well established, this should be documented. Besides the ethical issues, overseas renal transplantation carries a high risk of unconventional complications.

Autoimmune Cytopenias Following Alemtuzumab-Induced Renal Transplant: Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes

Background: The anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab (Alem) induces a rapid-onset, profound and long-lasting depletion of lymphocytes: B cells recover within 12 months, while T cell recovery is still incomplete after 30 months. Alem is used as induction therapy for solid organ transplantations, including renal. Autoimmune complications following Alem include thyroid disorders (20-30%), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (2-3%), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and autoimmune nephropathies (< 1%).Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 41 patients (pts) attending the Haematology Clinic at Hammersmith Hospital (HH), who developed autoimmune cytopenias (ITP or AIHA) after an Alem-induced renal transplant. The autoimmune cytopenia was defined as a rapid onset of isolated thrombocytopenia and/or anemia without other explanation.For ITP, complete response (CR) and response (R) were defined according to IWG standard criteria (Rodeghiero,Blood,2009). For AIHA, CR was defined as a stable Hb level >120 g/L, no transfusion requirement and no signs of hemolysis; partial response (PR) as a rise in Hb levels >20 g/L, without transfusion requirement.The study aim is to report clinical features and treatment outcomes of these 41 pts.Results:Between 1/11/05 and 14/12/16, 1431 pts received an Alem-induced renal transplant at HH. 34 (2.3%) developed ITP and 7 (0.48%) AIHA; 28 (68%) pts were males. Median age at renal transplant was 48 (range 20-69) years. The cytopenia developed a median of 35 months (range 6-161) after Alem administration. Median lowest platelet count was 5.5x109/L (range 0-41) and median nadir of hemoglobin (Hb) was 58 g/L (range 35-65).ITP pts: 2 pts achieved spontaneous CR. Of the remaining 32, 91% received steroids, IVIG or both as first line therapy, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 62%. 10 pts (31%) maintained the response without any further treatment. 22 pts required second line therapy, 11 required ≥ 3 lines of treatment. Treatments included: thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA), rituximab (RTX), MMF and/or a combination.TPO-RA were used 15 times, with an ORR of 80%, a relapse rate of 33% and a median duration of response (DOR) of 22 months (range 3-48); 10/12 pts (83%) who responded to TPO-RA, discontinued treatment after a median of 64 days (range 7 - 528): 6 maintained the response after discontinuation. RTX was used 10 times, with an ORR of 90%, a relapse rate of 22% and a median DOR of 27 months (range 3 - 83). A combination of RTX and TPO-RA was used 7 times, with an ORR of 71%, a relapse rate of 40% and a median duration of response (DOR) of 5 months (range 2-44); the 5 responders discontinued treatment after a median of 49 days (range 14-462): 3/5 maintained their response. After a median follow-up of 38 months (range 3-96), all ITP pts maintained a response (91% CR and 9% R); 4 were still on treatment (2 TPO-RA and 2 MMF).AIHA pts: 6 of 7 (86%) pts with AIHA received first line steroids +/- IVIG with an ORR of 67%. 4 pts needed second line therapy: all received RTX with an ORR of 50%. 2 pts needed ≥ 3 lines of therapy. After a median follow-up of 68 months (range 27-102) all AIHA pts maintained a response (57% CR and 43% PR), without any ongoing treatment.Adverse events: 33 pts (80%) experienced 1 or more adverse events (AEs): 25 cardiovascular (including 14 thrombosis), 21 infections (16 grade ≥3), 5 steroid-induced diabetes, 3 graft failures, 10 malignancies (6 solid tumors and 4 PTLD). 6 of the ITP pts also developed AIHA (Evans syndrome). 3 ITP pts died.Conclusions: ITP and AIHA represent important complications of Alem-induced renal transplant. Response rates after first-line therapy for ITP were comparable to primary ITP (30%). However, long-term response rate, sustained response to RTX and the proportion of pts able to continue in remission after discontinuing TPO-RA are higher than seen with primary ITP. Recovery from cytopenias may occur in conjunction with T cell reconstitution post Alem (this is under investigation). The large majority of AEs were related to multifactorial heavy immunosuppression and increased thrombotic risk distinguishing this group of pts. Hence for ITP and AIHA, steroids should be limited, as they are curative in only a few pts and burdened by many side effects. Both RTX and a short course of TPO-RA appear valid options, but the choice should be driven by the individual balance between thrombotic and infectious risks versus persistence of cytopenias. DisclosuresCooper:Amgen, Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

49] Surgical complications in live-donor paediatric and adolescent renal transplantation: Study of risk factors – Mansoura experience 1976–2017

ObjectiveTo report the surgical complications amongst our paediatric and adolescent renal transplant patients and to analyse the different factors that may influence the occurrence of complications.

Renal transplantation in patients with Alport syndrome: patient selection, outcomes, and donor evaluation

Alport syndrome is an inherited disorder of basement membrane collagen IV that frequently results in end-stage renal disease. Patients with Alport syndrome who undergo renal transplantation have generally excellent outcomes. Posttransplant antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis is a rare complication of renal transplantation for Alport syndrome. Because Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder, potential related donors must be carefully evaluated in order to minimize harm.

Utility of MAG3 scintigraphy with the use of a 2 min uptake parameter in the assessment of postsurgical renal transplant complications.

Major complications including acute tubular necrosis or rejection may occur after renal transplantation. We use a semiquantitative parameter, 2 min uptake (2MU), as part of Tc mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scintigraphy for transplant evaluation. The aim of this study were (a) to examine the utility of Tc MAG3 scintigraphy in the assessment of postsurgical complications using the renal biopsy as the gold standard and (b) examine for any correlation with 2MU with serum creatinine (sCr) at 3 and 12 months. We retrospectively reviewed all Tc MAG3 studies at our institution between July 2015 and June 2016, alongside available renal ultrasound, biopsy, and sCr results. A total of 105 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 30/105 patients underwent biopsy less than 7 days of the Tc MAG3 study. Within this 7 day cohort, the negative predictive value for rejection with normal perfusion on Tc MAG3 study was 79% and the positive predictive value for rejection with abnormal Tc MAG3 perfusion was 9%. There was a weak negative correlation between 2MU and 3-month sCr (R=-0.358, P<0.001), and 2MU and 12-month sCr (R=-0.348, P<0.001). Although normal perfusion on Tc MAG3 scintigraphy study has a reasonable negative predictive value for rejection, abnormal Tc MAG3 perfusion is not useful in the differentiation of rejection from moderate to severe acute tubular necrosis. The 2MU parameter showed no additional benefit in the identification of rejection, but appeared to have a weak negative correlation with the 3-month and 12-month sCr, and may thus play a role in the prediction of longer term graft function.

New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation: Comparison Between a Cyclosporine-Based and a Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppressive Regimen

IntroductionNew-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a complication of renal transplantation (RT) with an adverse effect on graft survival. ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to compare modifiable or non-modifiable clinical and laboratory parameters as well as the course of patients and transplants between 2 groups of RT recipients with NODAT in relation to the use of either a cyclosporine-based (group A) or a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen (group B). Materials and MethodsRetrospectively comparing 66 renal transplant recipients with NODAT, multiple clinical, and laboratory parameters were investigated. For statistical analysis, the χ2 test, the Student t test, and the patient and graft survival or the Kaplan-Meier analysis from the statistical software SPSS 22.0 for Windows were used. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in association with the majority of the investigated parameters. In group B (tacrolimus [Tac]), more patients had HbA1c >7.2% at 3 years after RT. The mean value of systolic blood pressure was higher in group A (cyclosporine [CsA]) at 6 months and at 1 year after RT. More patients in group A (CsA) experienced at least one acute rejection episode. Finally, greater levels of cold ischemia time were recorded in group B (Tac) and statistically significant difference was found in connection with the patient and graft survival in the fourth year after RT. ConclusionsNODAT in patients on tacrolimus requires the adjustment of modifiable clinical and metabolic parameters and possible change of the immunosuppressive regimen to a cyclosporine-based one.

Use of Intraoperative Duplex Ultrasound and Resistance Index Reduces Complications in Living Renal Donor Transplantation

BackgroundThe treatment of choice in end-stage renal disease is transplantation. Hemodynamic disturbances can evoke graft loss, while early ultrasound identification of vascular problems improves outcome. The aim of this study was to identify differences in postoperative complications with and without systematic intraoperative Doppler ultrasound use. MethodsThe primary outcome was the postoperative rate of complications and the secondary aim was to find a predictive resistance index cut-off value, which would show where surgical reintervention was necessary. Over a 10-year period, 108 renal transplants were performed from living donors at our institution. In group 1 (n = 67), intraoperative duplex ultrasound and intraparenchymatous resistance index measurements assessed patients, while in group 2 (n = 41), no ultrasound was performed. ResultsThere were no intergroup differences in the overall postoperative complication rate or in benefit to graft or patient survival with Doppler use. However, significantly more vascular complications (10% vs 0%, P = .02) and more acute rejections (37% vs 10%) occurred in group 2 than in group 1. Therefore, an intraoperative cut-off value of the resistance index 0.5 was proposed to justify immediate surgical revision. ConclusionsThis is the first report demonstrating benefits of systematic intraoperative Doppler ultrasound on postoperative complications in renal transplantation from living donors. Our results support surgical revision with a resistance index <0.5.

Ureteral Complications of Pediatric Renal Transplantation

PurposeUreteral complications following renal transplantation are more common in children than in adults. We identify potential risk factors for ureteral complications in pediatric patients. Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent renal transplantation at Lurie Children’s Hospital between 2004 and 2016.The associations between patient characteristics, operative factors, graft characteristics and post-operative complications were analyzed. Resultsand Limitations: 224 renal transplantations in 219 patients were identified. Pre-existing bladder pathology was present in 25% of cases. The overall rate of ureteral complications was 16%, with symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux being the most common. Ureteral complications were significantly more common in patients with underlying bladder pathology (26% vs. 12%, p=0.01). The rate of post-operative vesicoureteral reflux in patients with bladder pathology was lower when a urologist performed the reimplantation, but this was not statistically significant (15% vs. 27%, p=0.35). Urologists were significantly more likely to perform the ureteral anastomosis in patients on clean intermittent catheterization (85% vs. 43%, p=0.004) and in patients with a history of complex bladder reconstruction (75% vs. 28%, p<0.001). ConclusionsPatients with existing bladder pathology are at a higher risk for ureteral complications, particularly vesicoureteral reflux. As pediatric urologists routinely perform ureteral reimplantation in patients with existing bladder pathology, these patients may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach between urology and transplant surgery at the time of renal transplantation

Tacrolimus-induced Segmental Renal Artery Vasoconstriction in the Setting of Nicardipine Administration after Renal Transplantation

Immediate postoperative complications in renal transplants include renal artery thrombosis and dissection both of which carry significant risk for loss of the graft. We present an unusual case in which apparent devascularization of the upper pole of the transplant kidney was due to reversible vasospasm as a result of a drug interaction. Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is used for post-transplant immunosuppression. The antihypertensive medication nicardipine impairs liver metabolism of tactolimus and, in this case, the combination of drugs resulted in supratherapeutic levels of tacrolimus causing acute nephrotoxicity as well as profound vasoconstriction which was most pronounced in the upper pole branch renal artery and simulated devascularization of almost half of the transplant kidney. This case highlights the fact that not all abnormal post-transplant Doppler findings are due to surgical technique or embolic events and illustrates the importance of drug interactions in this group of patients with complex medical conditions.

Imaging non-vascular complications of renal transplantation.

In patients with end-stage renal disease, the treatment of choice for most patients is renal transplantation. Complications that occur after kidney transplant can be broadly divided into vascular and non-vascular categories. Non-vascular complications can further be divided into surgical and medical categories. When evaluating renal transplant imaging, it is helpful to consider the occurrence of complications in a timeline from time of surgery. Ultrasound is often the first modality used for evaluation of renal transplants particularly in the early postoperative period. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be a helpful adjunct in evaluating certain complications such as hematoma, rejection, and infection. Computed tomography (CT) is also helpful in accurately diagnosing complications. Surgical complications include perinephric fluid collections (hematoma, urinoma from urine leak, abscess, and lymphocele), urinary obstruction, and incisional fluid collections and hernias. One major category of medical complications that affect the renal parenchyma includes rejection (hyperacute, acute, and chronic), delayed graft function, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), and nephrotoxicity. Infection, renal calculi, and neoplasms such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease are medical complications that occur after renal transplantation. It is important for radiologists to be aware of the ultrasound and CT findings of the surgical and medical complications after renal transplant for prompt identification and treatment.

Results of minimally invasive surgical treatment of allograft lithiasis in live-donor renal transplant recipients: a single-center experience of 3758 renal transplantations.

Allograft lithiasis is a rare urologic complication of renal transplantation (RT). Our aim is to present our experience with minimally invasive surgical treatment of allograft lithiasis in our series of live-donor renal transplant recipients. In a retrospective analysis of 3758 consecutive live-donor RTs performed in our center between November 2009 and January 2017, the results of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of renal graft lithiasis diagnosed at follow-up were evaluated. Twenty-two (0.58%) patients underwent minimally invasive surgery for renal graft lithiasis. The mean age was 41.6 years, and duration between RT and surgical intervention was 27.3months (range 3-67). The mean stone size was 11.6mm (range 4-29). Stones were located in the urethra in 1, bladder in 2, ureter in 9, renal pelvis in 7 and calices in 3 patients. Surgical treatment included percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 1, cystoscopic lithotripsy in 3, flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 6 and rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 12 patients. No major complications were observed. One patient (4.5%) who underwent flexible ureteroscopy developed postoperative urinary tract infection. All patients were stone-free except two (9%) patients who required a second-look procedure after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for residual stones. Stone recurrence was not observed in any patient during a mean follow-up duration of 30.2months (range 8-84). Renal transplant lithiasis is uncommon and minimally invasive surgical treatment is rarely performed for its treatment. Endourological surgery may be performed safely, effectively and with a high success rate in these patients.

Heparanase regulates the M1 polarization of renal macrophages and their crosstalk with renal epithelial tubular cells after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Heparanase (HPSE) is part of the biologic network triggered by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a complication of renal transplantation and acute kidney injury. During this period, the kidney or graft undergoes a process of macrophages recruitment and activation. HPSE may therefore control these biologic effects. We measured the ability of HPSE and its inhibitor, SST0001, to regulate macrophage polarization and the crosstalk between macrophages and HK-2 renal tubular cells during in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Furthermore, we evaluated in vivo renal inflammation, macrophage polarization, and histologic changes in mice subjected to monolateral I/R and treated with SST0001 for 2 or 7 d. The in vitro experiments showed that HPSE sustained M1 macrophage polarization and modulated apoptosis, the release of damage associated molecular patterns in post-H/R tubular cells, the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, and the up-regulation of TLRs on both epithelial cells and macrophages. HPSE also regulated M1 polarization induced by H/R-injured tubular cells and the partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition of these epithelial cells by M1 macrophages. All these effects were prevented by inhibiting HPSE. Furthermore, the inhibition of HPSE in vivo reduced inflammation and M1 polarization in mice undergoing I/R injury, partially restored renal function and normal histology, and reduced apoptosis. These results show for the first time that HPSE regulates macrophage polarization as well as renal damage and repair after I/R. HPSE inhibitors could therefore provide a new pharmacologic approach to minimize acute kidney injury and to prevent the chronic profibrotic damages induced by I/R.-Masola, V., Zaza, G., Bellin, G., Dall'Olmo, L., Granata, S., Vischini, G., Secchi, M. F., Lupo, A., Gambaro, G., Onisto, M. Heparanase regulates the M1 polarization of renal macrophages and their crosstalk with renal epithelial tubular cells after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING IN RENAL TRANSPLANTATION.

SUMMARY – Radiological diagnostic methods have a significant role in the preoperative and postoperative care of patients after kidney transplantation. Improvement and innovations in technology, but also the growing experience of the radiologists who deal with kidney transplant patients as part of the transplant team lead to earlier detection of complications in the postoperative period, which are the leading cause of transplant failure. In this article, we describe, through diagnostic imaging examples, detailed evaluation of all possible complications that can occur after kidney transplantation, with evaluation of different possible diagnostic methods that can be used in the preoperative assessment and postoperative follow up and care of the transplanted patient. The goal of this article is to demonstrate and summarize in detail the possible complications of renal transplantation and how to best diagnostically approach them, with special reference to ultrasound which is the main imaging method for this group of conditions.