The Roles of Immune Molecules in the Acute Post-Transplant Period

Abstract

Purpose: Renal transplantation is a therapeutic choice that enhances the quality of life for patients suffering from end-stage renal failure. The objective of this study was to ascertain the alterations in the levels of immune molecules following transplantation and to examine the correlation between these changes and the medical records of the patients. Materials and Methods: The gene expression of an immune molecule panel (FOXP3, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-18, IL-6, IL-17a, IL-12a, IL-2, IL-10, and TGF-β) in peripheral blood specimens of 30 kidney transplant patients was determined by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) method with SYBR Green Dye. The serum proteins were quantified using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: TGF-β exhibited the most significant alteration in gene expression levels compared to the levels before transplanting (p<0.05). A strong association was seen between the change in IFN-γ levels and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values of the patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: The cytokine expression alterations may provide information on patients’ clinical condition. Individualized immune scanning after transplantations may contribute to personalized treatment of each patient. The communication between the laboratory and the clinics is important for the accurate consultation of the patients.

Keywords

• kidney transplantation
• real-time pcr
• cytokine
• gene expression

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