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

Renal transplant recipients are susceptible to hyperlipidemia and the development of atherosclerosis as a consequence of the immunosuppressive agents they require, which include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and sirolimus. Fibric acid derivatives and 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are prescribed commonly to optimize lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in this type of setting. The authors describe 3 cases of reversible acute renal allograft dysfunction in patients treated with fenofibrate. Serum levels of monitored immunosuppressant agents remained therapeutic throughout the time period. Discontinuation of the fenofibrate resulted in the resolution of renal dysfunction. The pathologic changes to the proximal tubules in all 3 biopsy specimens were in keeping with a toxic rather than an ischemic etiology. Although the control of hyperlipidemia is crucial in the transplant patient population, the authors suggest that caution be exercised and serum creatinine levels be closely monitored in patients started on fibrates.
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PMID:Fenofibrate-associated reversible acute allograft dysfunction in 3 renal transplant recipients: biopsy evidence of tubular toxicity. 1533 27

The long-term use of calcineurin inhibitors (CIs) is associated with significant morbidity in liver transplant recipients. Although mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is well tolerated, two small studies reported an unacceptable rate of acute allograft rejection in liver transplant recipients receiving MMF monotherapy. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the safety and efficacy of MMF monotherapy in liver transplant recipients. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent liver transplant at our institution. Sixteen patients were identified who received MMF either as monotherapy (n = 13) or with corticosteroids (n = 3; 2 of them for other comorbid conditions), and these patients were studied to determine the efficacy and complications. Fifteen (15/16) patients were converted from a CI to MMF because of renal insufficiency. Patients were converted to MMF monotherapy after a median of 2,056 days (range, 606-5,893) after liver transplantation. The median postconversion follow-up was 668 days (range, 60-1,509). Four patients required dialysis despite conversion; of those patients not requiring dialysis, serum creatinine stabilized and showed a trend toward improvement (2.51 +/- 1.12 mg/dL to 1.85 +/- .58 mg/dL, P = .1). However, there were 3 episodes (47, 107, and 1,203 days after conversion) of severe, irreversible allograft rejection after conversion resulting in death in 2 patients and necessitating retransplantation in 1 patient. There were no patient characteristics, except perhaps African-American race, that predicted the development of rejection. In conclusion, MMF monotherapy was associated with a significant risk (19%) of unpredictable, severe, and irreversible allograft rejection even among long-term transplant survivors. Caution should be exercised before converting patients to MMF monotherapy.
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PMID:Mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy in liver transplant recipients: a single center experience. 1535 13

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

Calcineurin is an important signaling molecule in the kidney and may be involved in a variety of processes. The phosphatase subunit of calcineurin (CnA) has three isoforms, alpha, beta, and gamma. In this study, we investigated the effect of loss of calcineurin A-alpha (CnA-alpha) or calcineurin A-beta (CnA-beta) on the development and function of the kidney. Total calcineurin expression and activity was significantly reduced in whole kidney homogenates from both CnA-alpha -/- and CnA-beta -/- mice. Kidneys of CnA-beta -/- mice appear normal and the mice develop with no phenotypic abnormalities. In contrast, kidneys of CnA-alpha -/- animals fail to fully develop. In particular, postnatal maturation of the nephrogenic zone (NZ) is defective. Within the NZ, glomeruli also fail to mature and lack mesangial cells. In addition to alterations in development, there is an absence of proliferation and an increase of cell death in the NZ with loss of CnA-alpha. Finally, increased collagen deposition is observed and serum creatinine levels are significantly increased in CnA-alpha -/- animals compared to wild-type littermates, indicating that kidney function is impaired. In summary, absence of CnA-alpha but not CnA-beta leads to a defect in normal maturation of the NZ and glomeruli, alterations in the cell cycle, and impaired kidney function.
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PMID:Calcineurin A-alpha but not A-beta is required for normal kidney development and function. 1550 43

We reviewed the outcome of three methods employed for living-related renal transplantation (RTx) in our institution to assess triple immunosuppressive regimens. Between January 1989 and July 2003, a total of 35 living-related RTxs were performed at our institution. The immunosuppressive regimen given to 16 patients (group A) was cyclosporine (CsA), steroid and azathoprine (AZ) that given to 9 patients (group B) was tacrolimus (TAC), steroid and AZ and that given 9 patients (group C) was TAC, steroid and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Graft survival rate, serum creatinine, proteinuria, acute rejection, chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and drug-induced nephropathy were investigated. There was no significant difference in graft survival rate among the three groups. Although serum creatinine levels (mg/dl) at 3 months post-transplant were 1.22+/-0.37 in group A, 1.43+/-0.14 in group B, 1.30+/-0.34 in group C, respectively (p<0.05; A vs. B), there was no significant difference at 1 year post-transplant. Frequency of proteinuria in groups A, B and C was 75.0, 50.0, 25.0%, respectively (p<0.05; A vs. C). The incidences of acute rejection and CAN within 1 year post-transplant were, respectively, 56.3% and 43.8% in group A, 37.5% and 37.5% in group B; and, 25.0% and 12.5% in group C (NS). The incidence of drug-induced nephrotoxicity was 12.5, 50.0% and 37.5% in groups A, B and C, respectively (p<0.05; A vs. B). The triple immunosuppressive therapy including calcineurin inhibitors, especially the regime of TAC, MMF, and steroids decreased the frequencies of proteinuria and rejections, which deteriorated the long-term outcome in living-related RTxs.
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PMID:[Clinical results of immunosuppressive triple therapies in living-related renal transplantation--a single center experience]. 1551 24

Renal dysfunction, one of the most common complications after liver transplantation, influences patient outcomes. Little is known, however, about it in Korea. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and to identify the risk factors for renal dysfunction after liver transplantation. Sixty-two patients who survived over 6 months after transplantation were enrolled. Renal function was classified by creatinine clearance (Ccr, mL/min), which was estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Twenty-seven patients (44%) showed mild renal dysfunction (60 < or = Ccr < 90), and 27 patients (44%), moderate dysfunction (30 < or = Ccr < 60). The others were found to have normal function (Ccr > or = 90). None displayed severe dysfunction (Ccr < 30). Compared to a control group (Ccr > or = 60), the renal dysfunction group showed lower preoperative Ccr (91 +/- 28.6, 63 +/- 21.9, respectively, P < .01) and lower Ccr at 3 months after transplantation (72 +/- 17.1, 49 +/- 14.6, respectively, P < .05). Age, sex, immunosuppressive drug usage, serum tacrolimus levels, and the frequency of postoperative acute renal failure did not affect the postoperative renal dysfunction. Twenty-six patients received mycophenolate mofetil while reducing the dose of calcineurin inhibitors because of compromised renal function. With mycophenolate mofetil treatment, the renal function seemed to improve, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = .057). These data demonstrate that renal dysfunction is common after liver transplantation and that preoperative renal function is the important factor predicting postoperative renal dysfunction.
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PMID:Incidence and risk factors of renal dysfunction after liver transplantation in Korea. 1556 Dec 36

Recently, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) has been reported more frequently and is emerging as an important cause of renal allograft dysfunction and graft loss. Susceptibility appears to be related to the type and intensity of pharmacologic immunosuppression but some reports have suggested a link among the development of PVAN, the treatment of rejection or maintenance with a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen. We report three cases of PVAN in patients who never received immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Two patients received induction immunosuppression consisting of an IL-2 receptor antagonist while 1 received thymoglobulin. These 3 patients were maintained on prednisone, sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and none was treated for rejection. All three patients presented with an elevated serum creatinine and demonstrated polyomavirus infection on biopsy and by blood PCR. These cases demonstrate that, unlike reports linking tacrolimus and PVAN, polyomavirus infection may develop in patients maintained on CNI-free immunosuppressive regimens and have not had episodes of rejection.
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PMID:BK nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients treated with a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression regimen. 1557 19

Mycophenolat mofetil (MMF) is a new imunosuppressant without nephrotoxic adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and effect of MMF introduction in conjunction with stepwise reduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in stable liver transplant patients with chronic CNI-induced renal dysfunction (RDF). In the MMF-group (n=27) but not in the controls (n=16), mean serum level of creatinine fell from a baseline of 227.4+/-67.9 micromol/l to 159.2+/-48.2 micromol/l (P<0,001), while mean urea level declined significantly from a baseline of 18.5+/-8.7 mmol/l to 11.4+/-4.2 mmol/l 6 months after initiation of MMF. Additionally, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values improved. In 52% of patients, dose reduction (n=11) or withdrawal (n=3) of MMF was necessary due to gastrointestinal or hematologic adverse effects. But also in patients on low dose MMF, there was a significant improvement of renal function without increased immunological risk.
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PMID:Introduction of MMF in conjunction with stepwise reduction of calcineurin inhibitor in stable liver transplant patients with renal dysfunction. 1558 74

As liver transplantation (LT) is now being performed with excellent 1-year graft survival rates of 85% to 90%, attention has been shifted to reducing long-term complications of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). We randomized LT patients (2:1) who displayed renal dysfunction under CNI treatment to either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (1000 mg twice a day) followed by stepwise reduction of CNI (n = 21; Tac trough levels <4 ng/mL, CsA trough levels <50 ng/mL); or continue their current CNI dose (n = 11; control group). Three months after study entry, we observed significantly decreased mean values in the CNI reduction group of serum creatinine (1.88 +/- 0.36 versus 1.58 +/- 0.33 mg/dL, P < .001) and BUN (39.2 +/- 11.8 versus 29.9 +/- 9.59 mg/dL, P < .001) with a significantly increased GFR (51.4 +/- 10.8 versus 61.6 +/- 14.1 mL/min, P < .001). Improved renal function in these long-term LT recipients (5.6 +/- 3.6 years posttransplant; range, 2 to 13 years) suggests at least a partial reversibility of CNI-induced renal damage. Furthermore, we found an improved lipid profile as well as a significantly decreased mean systolic (140 +/- 19 versus 130 +/- 14 mm Hg, P < .01) and diastolic (82 +/- 9 to 74 +/- 8 mm Hg, P < .001) blood pressure 3 months after introduction of MMF therapy. Additionally, transaminases significantly improved in the CNI reduction group within this time period (ALT 37.9 +/- 25.9 versus 25.2 +/- 13.2, P < .05). MMF and CNI-reduced immunosuppressive regimens may improve long-term patient survival, suggesting a broad application within the liver transplant setting.
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PMID:Impact of combined mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose calcineurin inhibitor therapy on renal function, cardiovascular risk factors, and graft function in liver transplant patients: preliminary results of an open prospective study. 1562 Nov 20

In eligible patients, cardiac transplantation has become the definitive treatment for end-stage heart failure. The initial posttransplantation course is marked by many potential difficulties, including renal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and perioperative bleeding. It is important to prevent early rejection; calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, are integral parts of such management. However, these drugs are associated with renal toxicity in some patients. Previous work suggests that limiting the increase in tacrolimus levels is associated with less renal insufficiency. The hypothesis of the current study was that a combination of clinical or laboratory variables could identify patients at risk for rapid changes in tacrolimus target levels. No single variable was strongly associated with high resultant trough levels following a standard 1-mg oral "test dose" of tacrolimus. However, the combination of 2 indices of liver metabolism (alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin) along with serum creatinine did identify patients who tended toward elevated levels of tacrolimus (> or =4.5 ng/dL). Other variables, such as demographics, and even functional variables, such as right ventricular function by echocardiography, did not enhance the predictive value of this simple scoring system.
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PMID:Can initial tacrolimus trough levels be predicted from clinical variables? 1562 Nov 57


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