Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.1.3.16 (calcineurin)
17,112 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Recurrence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after kidney transplantation is frequent, occurring almost exclusively in patients with atypical HUS, which is not caused by Escherichia coli gastroenteritis and in which diarrhea is absent. Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with recurrence of HUS. In two children who underwent living donor kidney transplantation for atypical HUS, we pre-emptively employed sirolimus in a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression regimen. Both children had excellent early graft function, yet both developed severe recurrent disease and subsequently lost their grafts. Avoidance of calcineurin inhibitors did not prevent recurrence of severe HUS and graft loss. Transplantation for severe atypical HUS remains problematic.
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PMID:Fulminant recurrence of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome during a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression regimen. 1223 80

Isolated visceral angioedema is an extremely rare complication of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). We report the first known case of ACEI-associated visceral angioedema occurring in a liver transplant recipient who presented with acute-onset abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, radiologic findings of small bowel edema, and ascites. Heightened awareness of the phenomenon of isolated ACEI-associated visceral angioedema is necessary given the increasing use of these medications for treating hypertension related to calcineurin inhibitors and the need to avoid unnecessary surgical or diagnostic interventions in solid-organ transplant recipients.
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PMID:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced isolated visceral angioedema in a liver transplant recipient. 1264 Mar 18

The main diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin is okadaic acid (OA). Although OA is a protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor less is known about the involvement of the toxin in diarrhea. The initial statement was that OA, by altering the phosphorylation state of proteins, might modify glucose uptake and consequently ionic and water reabsorption across the small intestine. This report presents studies of glucose transport in isolated rabbit enterocytes by using a fluorescent derivative of D-glucose. The dye allowed examining the relation between the toxic effect of OA and cellular mechanisms involved in glucose transport. The central findings are: (i) OA potentiates decrease on glucose uptake due to protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors such as H89; and (ii) the increase of sugar uptake induced by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine is enhanced by OA. Importance of this work is justified by the need to determine molecular targets of diarrheic toxins in intestinal cells.
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PMID:Glucose uptake in enterocytes: a test for molecular targets of okadaic acid. 1462 48

The aim of this review is to analyse critically the recent literature on the clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in solid organ transplant recipients. Dosage and target concentration recommendations for tacrolimus vary from centre to centre, and large pharmacokinetic variability makes it difficult to predict what concentration will be achieved with a particular dose or dosage change. Therapeutic ranges have not been based on statistical approaches. The majority of pharmacokinetic studies have involved intense blood sampling in small homogeneous groups in the immediate post-transplant period. Most have used nonspecific immunoassays and provide little information on pharmacokinetic variability. Demographic investigations seeking correlations between pharmacokinetic parameters and patient factors have generally looked at one covariate at a time and have involved small patient numbers. Factors reported to influence the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus include the patient group studied, hepatic dysfunction, hepatitis C status, time after transplantation, patient age, donor liver characteristics, recipient race, haematocrit and albumin concentrations, diurnal rhythm, food administration, corticosteroid dosage, diarrhoea and cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein expression. Population analyses are adding to our understanding of the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus, but such investigations are still in their infancy. A significant proportion of model variability remains unexplained. Population modelling and Bayesian forecasting may be improved if CYP isoenzymes and/or P-glycoprotein expression could be considered as covariates. Reports have been conflicting as to whether low tacrolimus trough concentrations are related to rejection. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between high trough concentrations and toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity. The best predictor of pharmacological effect may be drug concentrations in the transplanted organ itself. Researchers have started to question current reliance on trough measurement during therapeutic drug monitoring, with instances of toxicity and rejection occurring when trough concentrations are within 'acceptable' ranges. The correlation between blood concentration and drug exposure can be improved by use of non-trough timepoints. However, controversy exists as to whether this will provide any great benefit, given the added complexity in monitoring. Investigators are now attempting to quantify the pharmacological effects of tacrolimus on immune cells through assays that measure in vivo calcineurin inhibition and markers of immunosuppression such as cytokine concentration. To date, no studies have correlated pharmacodynamic marker assay results with immunosuppressive efficacy, as determined by allograft outcome, or investigated the relationship between calcineurin inhibition and drug adverse effects. Little is known about the magnitude of the pharmacodynamic variability of tacrolimus.
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PMID:Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus in solid organ transplantation. 1524 95

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease typically occurs 1 to 4 months (median 35 days) after solid organ transplantation. Recent reports documented that the natural history of CMV disease associated with solid organ transplantation has been modified as a result of the widespread use of potent immunosuppressents and antiviral prophylaxis. We herein report three pretransplant CMV seropositive recipients (with unknown donor status) who were diagnosed recently to display late and atypical CMV disease. Two men and one woman included two patients who presented with allograft dysfunction at 12 years and at 3 years after transplantation. Both patients showed increased serum creatinine approximately from baseline 200 to >400 micromol/L over 3 months in the absence of features of rejection or cyclosporine toxicity. A renal biopsy was refused by both patients. Two of the three patients presented with symptoms of enterocolitis (diarrhea, nausea, weight loss), which had persisted for more than 6 months. Other symptoms and signs of overt CMV disease (fever, leukopenia) were absent. None had pulmonary, hepatic, or other major organ involvement. In all patients IgG antibodies and CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction were positive with negative IgM antibodies. The immunosuppressive regimen consisted of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), steroids, and calcineurin inhibitors. The kidney function significantly improved in both patients with renal dysfunction. Gastrointestinal symptoms resolved completely with gradual weight gain. The recognition and early diagnosis of late atypical CMV disease in kidney transplant patients presenting with allograft dysfunction and/or other organ systems is important. The MMF has a red herring effect in our cases due to its GI side effects.
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PMID:Late cytomegalovirus disease with atypical presentation in renal transplant patients: case reports. 1535 Apr 93

Cyclosporine microemulsion (CyA) and tacrolimus (Tac) are the principal immunosuppressants prescribed for adult and pediatric renal transplantation. In the majority of patients, these calcineurin inhibitors have been used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In this review we will address the question of what calcineurin inhibitor we should use in an individual pediatric renal transplant patient. Well-designed randomized studies in children showed no difference in short-term patient and graft survival with cyclosporine microemulsion and tacrolimus. However Tac is significantly more effective than CyA microemulsion in preventing acute rejection after renal transplantation in a pediatric population when used in conjunction with azathioprine and corticosteroids. This difference disappears when calcineurin inhibitors are used in combination with MMF as both Tac and CyA produce similar rejection rates and graft survival. However, Tac is associated with improved graft function at 1 and 2 yr post-transplant. Adverse events of hypomagnesaemia and diarrhea seem to be higher in Tac group whereas hypertrichosis, flu syndrome and gum hyperplasia occurs more frequently in the CyA group. The incidence of post-transplant diabetes mellitus was almost identical between Tac and CyA treated patients. The recommendation drawn from the available data is that both CyA and Tac can be used safely and effectively in children. However Tac may be preferable to CyA because of steroid sparing effect and less hirsutism. We recommend that cyclosporine should be chosen when patients experience Tac-related adverse events. Nevertheless, the best calcineurin inhibitor should be decided on individual patients according to variable risk factors, such as risk of rejection in sensitized patient or delayed graft function. The possibility of adverse events should also be considered.
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PMID:What is the calcineurin inhibitor of choice for pediatric renal transplantation? 1536 78

Okadaic acid is the main toxin responsible for the natural phenomena known as diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP). This toxin is a tumor promoter C38 polyether fatty acid that contains acidic and hydrophobic moieties and is cyclic. Okadaic acid is a potent inhibitor of important classes of protein serine/threonine phosphatases such as protein phosphatase 1 and 2A. The toxin binds in a hydrophobic groove adjacent to the active site of the protein phosphatases and interacts with basic residues within the active site. Therefore okadaic acid causes increases in phosphorylation of proteins that affect a diverse array of cellular processes. For instance, this toxin modulates metabolic parameters in intact cells. In this sense it stimulates lipolysis, and inhibits fatty acid synthesis in adipocytes however increases glucose output and gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. Additionally, okadaic acid reaches cytotoxic concentrations in the intestinal tissues in accordance with the diarrhea. Recent studies suggested that toxic effects of okadaic acid might be related to modification of nutrients, ionic and water absorption across the small intestine presumably by altering the transporter system. The subject of this review is limited to the effect of okadaic acid on glucose regulation and its cellular as well as clinical implications.
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PMID:Effect of okadaic acid on glucose regulation. 1572 Feb 90

We report a series of 26 heart transplant recipients with renal impairment in which sirolimus was used as the basic immunosuppresive drug (without associated calcineurin inhibitors) to avoid further nephrotoxicity. Sirolimus (trough levels 10 to 12 ng/mL, average daily dose 3 mg) was used in two settings: de novo in 7 patients with significant preexistent renal impairment and as a chronic conversion in 19 stable patients with established renal failure (creatinine level >2 mg/dL). In all de novo patients (n = 7), the renal function significantly improved. Creatinine fell from 2.95 +/- 0.9 mg/dL to 1.41 +/- 0.4 mg/dL at follow-up (P = .0017). One patient died suddenly of a massive pulmonary embolism. Only one patient experienced histologic but reversible rejection. In one patient, anemia and diarrhea prompted sirolimus withdrawal. Five patients had infectious episodes: three bacterial pneumonias, one mediastinitis, and two CMV infections. In the chronic conversion group (n = 19), the improvement was mostly limited to patients with moderate renal failure (creatinine < or =2.5 mg/dL) in which creatinine fell from 2.24 +/- 0.2 to 1.9 +/- 0.27 mg/dL, P = .009). When basal creatinine was over 2.5 mg/dL, only one third of the patients improved after conversion. Two patients died: terminal renal failure and cerebrovascular accident. There were no clinical episodes of rejection. Secondary effects prompted the discontinuation of sirolimus in five patients: two definite and one possible interstitial pneumonitis and two cases of anemia). The symptoms resolved after sirolimus withdrawal. Six patients had infection: four pneumonias, one sepsis, and one cutaneous abscess. Sirolimus is an interesting alternative to calcineurin inhibitors in selected patients with renal impairment. It prevents renal failure in de novo recipients at high risk of catastrophic renal damage and ameliorates renal dysfunction in chronic patients with moderate renal dysfunction. Given the high incidence of secondary effects, the adequate dosage and the secondary effects profile needs further study.
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PMID:Sirolimus as an alternative to anticalcineurin therapy in heart transplantation: experience of a single center. 1638 15

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children. The syndrome is defined by triad of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure (ARF). Incomplete HUS is ARF with either haemolytic anaemia or thrombocytopenia. HUS is classified into two subgroups. Typical HUS usually occurs after a prodrome of diarrhoea (D+HUS), and atypical (sporadic) HUS (aHUS), which is not associated with diarrhoea (D-HUS). The majority of D+HUS worldwide is caused by Shiga toxin-producing Esherichia coli (STEC), type O157:H7, transmitted to humans via different vehicles. Currently there are no specific therapies preventing or ameliorating the disease course. Although there are new therapeutic modalities in the horizon for D+HUS, present recommended therapy is merely symptomatic. Parenteral volume expansion may counteract the effect of thrombotic process before development of HUS and attenuate renal injury. Use of antibiotics, antimotility agents, narcotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided during the acute phase. Prevention is best done by preventing primary STEC infection. Underlying aetiology in many cases of aHUS is unknown. A significant number may result from underlying infectious diseases, namely Streptococcus pneumoniae and human immunedeficiency virus. Variety of genetic forms include HUS due to deficiencies of factor H, membrane cofactor protein, Von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS 13) and intracellular defect in vitamin B12 metabolism. There are cases of aHUS with autosomal recessive and dominant modes of inheritance. Drug-induced aHUS in post-transplantation is due to calcineurin-inhibitors. Systemic lupus erythematosus and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome may also present with aHUS. Therapy is directed mainly towards underlying cause.
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PMID:Haemolytic uraemic syndrome: an overview. 1675 34

Reports on the use of sirolimus (SRL) in pancreas transplantation are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of SRL conversion in pancreas transplant patients. Among 247 patients undergoing simultaneous kidney-pancreas or solitary pancreas transplantation, 33 (13%) were converted to SRL. The reasons for conversion were calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) nephrotoxicity (n = 24; 73%), severe neurotoxicity owing to CNI (n = 1; 3%), severe and/or recurrent acute rejection episodes (n = 7; 21%), gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 5; 15%), and hyperglycemia (n = 4; 12%). Before conversion, all patients were maintained on a CNI, MMF, and low-dose steroids. They were gradually converted to SRL associated with either CNI or MMF withdrawal. Sixty-three percent (n = 15) of patients who were converted owing to CNI nephrotoxicity, showed stable or improved renal function. At 12 months after conversion, serum creatinine levels were significantly decreased in this group (2.2 +/- 0.5 vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 mg/dL; P = .001) and C-peptide values increased (2.9 +/- 1.1.1 vs 3.1 +/- 1.3 nmol/L; P = .018). The only patient with leucoencephalopathy showed improved neurologic status after SRL conversion. All patients converted to SRL because of GI side effects of MMF showed improvements, and none of those converted because of hyperglycemia experienced improvement. There were no episodes of acute rejection after conversion. We concluded that conversion to SRL in pancreas transplantation should be considered an important alternative strategy, particularly for CNI nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, and in cases of severe diarrhea due to MMF.
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PMID:Conversion to sirolimus in kidney-pancreas and pancreas transplantation. 1910 Apr 48


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