Changes in total serum glycosaminoglycan levels in patients undergoing renal transplantation: preliminary data.

PURPOSE: To study the involvement of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the immunological process of renal disease. They are related to cytokines, which are known to play an important role in acute graft rejection after renal transplantation.

METHODS

We studied 40 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for chronic renal failure, who underwent renal transplantation from a live donor. We measured serum GAGs preoperatively, intraoperatively, and on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 10. The clinical outcome and other biochemical markers, such as blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, were also recorded.

RESULTS

The total serum GAG levels decreased after renal transplantation in patients with normal graft function (group N). However, in patients with acute graft rejection post-transplantation (group R), the GAG levels remained significantly elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

Total serum GAGs fluctuate in renal transplantation and their association with graft rejection should be investigated further.