Effect of Wuzhi capsules on whole blood concentration of Tacrolimus in renal transplantation recipients / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It has reported that the combination of Tacrolimus and Wuzhi capsules can increase the peak concentration and area under curve of Tacrolimus recipients, however, the effects of this combination on recipients is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Wuzhicapsules on the blood concentration of Tacrolimus recipients. METHODS: A total of 38 renal transplantation recipients receiving triple therapy regime (Tacrolimus+mycophenolate +Prednisolone) were involved in the study and were divided into the experimental group (n=21) and control group (n=17). Recipients in the experimental group were taking Wuzhi capsules simultaneously, and those in the control group were not taking Wuzhicapsules. The Tacrolimus dosage to therapeutic concentration window and renal function were compared between the two groups at months 1,3 and 6 after transplantation. The incidence rates of acute rejection and diabetes mellitus, and renal and liver functions were observed at 6 months after transplantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The Tacrolimus dosage to therapeutic concentration window of the experimental group was significantly smaller than that of the control group (P < 0.05). However, incidence rate of acute rejection, diabetes mellitus, and renal and liver functions had no dramatically difference in 2 groups (P > 0.05). Results suggest that Wuzhi capsules may improve the immunosuppressive efficacy of Tacrolimus in renal recipients, therefore, can decrease the toxic effect of Tacrolimus with reduction dosage.