Mortality after kidney transplantation: 10-year outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: In the past decade, advances in immunological therapy have increased the survival of kidney recipients and their grafts. However, it has not achieved the desired level of improvement. This study aims to reveal the mortality among kidney recipients. METHODS: Medical data of the patients, who had undergone kidney transplantation (KT) between November 2010 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult kidney recipients, who had died. Exclusion criteria were pediatric recipients, recipients of en bloc and dual KT, recipients with missing data, and recipients with a primary non-functioning graft. The recipients were grouped according to their donor type; Group 1 (from a living donor) and Group 2 (from a deceased donor). Subgroup analyses were done for mortality by time-period post-transplant and for infectious causes of mortality. RESULTS: Of 314 recipients, 35 (11.14%) died. Twenty-nine recipients were included in the study (Group 1: 17 and Group 2: 12). The most common cause of mortality was infection (58.6%), and the second was cardiovascular disease (CVD) (24.1%). Sepsis developed in 29.4% of infection-related deaths, while COVID-19 constituted 23.5% of infection-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of infectious and CVD are important to improve survival in kidney recipients.

OBJETIVOS: En la última década, los avances en la terapia inmunológica han aumentado la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón y sus injertos. Sin embargo, no se pudo lograr el nivel de mejora deseado. Este estudio tiene como objetivo revelar la mortalidad entre los receptores de riñón. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los datos médicos de los pacientes, que se habían sometido a un trasplante de riñón entre Noviembre de 2010 y Diciembre de 2020. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los receptores de riñón adultos, que habían fallecido. Los criterios de exclusión fueron los receptores pediátricos, los receptores de trasplantes de riñón dual y en bloque, los receptores con datos faltantes y los receptores con un injerto primario no funcionante. Los receptores se agruparon según su tipo de donante; Grupo 1 (de un donante vivo) y Grupo 2 (de un donante fallecido). Se realizaron análisis de subgrupos para la mortalidad por período de tiempo posterior al trasplante y para las causas infecciosas de mortalidad. RESULTADOS: De 314 beneficiarios, 35 (11,14%) fallecieron. Se incluyeron 29 receptores en el estudio (Grupo 1:17; Grupo 2:12). La causa más común de mortalidad fue la infección (58,6%) y la segunda fue la enfermedad cardiovascular (24,1%). La sepsis se desarrolló en el 29,4% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección, mientras que el COVID-19 constituyó el 23,5% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección. CONCLUSIÓN: El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de enfermedades infecciosas y cardiovasculares es importante para mejorar la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón.

Percutaneous Drainage of a Splenic Abscess via Laparoscopic Trocar in a Kidney Transplant Patient.

Spleen abscess is a life-threatening disease. Treatment can be done by medical, radiological, or surgical methods. Here, we offer an innovative method of laparoscopic trocar-assisted percutaneous abscess drainage in the treatment of splenic abscess. Our patient, a 48-year-old male who had a kidney transplant 3 years previously, was admitted due to abdominal pain and fever. A-25-cm splenic abscess was detected, and ultrasonography-guided percu-taneous catheter 10F drainage was attempted. However, this attempt was not successful due to the high viscosity of the abscess content. Under general anesthesia, we then attempted abscess drainage percutaneously via a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar, and a large-bore drain of 28F was inserted into the abscess cavity. The drainage was successful (5300 mL high viscosity content) without any complications. The patient was discharged on day 8 and remained well at 9-month follow-up. Percutaneous drainage instead of splenectomy is preferred in the treatment of spleen abscess by preserving the immunologic functions of the spleen, particularly in immunocompromised patients. When percutaneous catheter drainage therapy fails, percutaneous treatment with a laparoscopic trocar is an innovative and reliable alternative.

Transplantation Using Renal Grafts With Multiple Renal Arteries: A Putative Study on the Impact of Arterial Reconstruction Technique and Site of Implantation on Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In the present retrospective study, we analyzed the outcomes of patients transplanted with grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 89 patients were transplanted with renal grafts with MRAs from 2003 to 2018. Demographic characteristics; type of donor; warm and cold ischemia times; arterial anastomosis technique; complications; graft function at first month, first year, and last outpatient clinic visit; and patient and graft survival were all retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 40.4 ± 13.3 years. Fifty-six patients (62.9%) were male. In total, 42 patients (47.2%) received renal grafts from living related donors. In group A (n = 24; 27%), anastomosis was performed separately to the recipient external or internal iliac arteries; in group B (n = 38; 42.7%), the secondary artery was anastomosed to the main artery in a side-to-side fashion to form a single common orifice; in group C (n = 27; 30.3%), secondary arteries were anastomosed to the main renal artery in an end-to-side fashion. Creatinine clearance at the first month was significantly lower for deceased-donor grafts compared to living-donor renal grafts (P < .05). Creatinine clearance in the first postoperative month was significantly lower in group A and creatinine clearance in the first year was significantly lower in group C (P < .05). The best survival was found for anastomosis to the internal iliac artery (P < .05). CONCLUSION: MRAs can be safely used and the reconstruction technique does not matter if the graft kidney's arterial supply is preserved and the internal iliac artery is chosen for anastomosis.

Why potential donors and recipients not proceed to live kidney transplantation, malatya algorithm / Por qué los donantes y receptores potenciales no proceden al trasplante de riñón vivo, algoritmo de malatya

ABSTRACT Introduction: In some countries, organ donation is not widespread enough due to medical, cultural, ethical and socioeconomic factors. Living-donor kidney transplant constitutes the main source of kidney donation. Aim: To evaluate the causes of cancellation of living-donor kidney transplant and improve the effectiveness of transplant programs. Methods: Medical records of possible donors and recipients who were evaluated for living-donor kidney transplant at a tertiary medical center between November 2010 and September 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Evaluations were performed on 364 potential donors and 338 living-donor kidney transplant recipients; 207 of the latter (61.24%) underwent living-donor kidney transplant. Immune disorders represented the majority of cancellations (38.84%). Fifty-six donors (15.38%) were rejected mainly due to renal disorders (39%). Conclusion: Timely referral of patients to transplant centers must be guaranteed in order to overcome immune problems. Transplant centers should invest in programs adequate both for their resources and for their patients: paired kidney exchange, desensitization protocols, future research, etc.

RESUMEN Introducción: En algunos países la donación de órganos no es suficiente debido a factores médicos, culturales, éticos y socioeconómicos. El donante vivo de riñón constituye la principal fuente de donación de riñones. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de cancelación de los donantes vivos de riñón y mejorar la eficacia de los programas de trasplante. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los registros médicos de posibles donantes y receptores para trasplante de riñón con donante vivo en un centro terciario, entre noviembre de 2010 y septiembre de 2019​​. Resultados: Se evaluaron 364 donantes potenciales y 338 receptores de trasplante de riñón con donante vivo; 207 receptores (61,24%) se sometieron a trasplante de riñón con donante vivo. Los problemas inmunológicos ocasionaron la mayoría de las cancelaciones (38,84%). A cincuenta y seis donantes (15,38%) se les negó la donación, principalmente debido a problemas renales (39%). Conclusión: La derivación oportuna de los pacientes a los centros de trasplante debe garantizarse para superar las barreras inmunológicas. Los centros de trasplante deberían invertir en programas adecuados, tanto por sus recursos como por los pacientes: protocolos de desensibilización, trasplante renal cruzado, investigación futura, etc.

Is peritoneal dialysis prior to kidney transplantation a risk factor for ureteral stenosis after adult to adult live kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Major urinary complications such as urinary leaks, stenosis or urinary tract infections after kidney transplantation can lead to graft or patient loss. The effect of peritoneal dialysis on post-kidney transplantation complications have been discussed but its effect on ureteral stenosis is unknown. In this study, it was aimed to analyze factors effecting major ureteral complications after living donor kidney transplantation and impact of peritoneal dialysis and double J-stents (JJ stents). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 116 adult to adult living donor kidney transplant patients. Factors effecting major urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation were analyzed. The donors were primary relatives of the recipients. RESULTS: Major urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation was 8/116 (6.9%). Urinary leak was present in 2 (1.7%) patients. Ureteral stenosis was encountered in 6 (5.2%) patients. Double J stents were used in 84 (72.4%) of the cases. The effect of JJ ureteral stent was not statistically significant for urinary leak, ureteral stenosis (p= 0.074, p= 0.470, respectively). A total of 29 (25%) patients had peritoneal dialysis before kidney transplantation. Preoperative peritoneal dialyses and bacteriuria after kidney transplantation were independent risk factors for ureteral stenosis in multivariate analysis (p= 0.013, and p= 0.010 respectively). CONCLUSION: In the guidance of the results of the present study, peritoneal dialysis prior to kidney transplantation and bacteriuria are independent risk factors for ureteral stenosis after living donor kidney transplantation. JJ stents have no effect on urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation.

Factors Affecting eGFR Slope of Renal Transplant Patients During the First 2 Years.

PURPOSE: In healthy individuals, glomerular filtration rate decreases by 1 mL/min/y after a peak level of 125.0 mL/min has been reached in adulthood. Any reduction greater than this is a progressive slope (slope more negative than -1 mL/min/y, stable [-1 to +1]), or an improvable slope if it shows more of an increase, that is, greater than +1.0 mL/min/y). The aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope during the first 2 years of renal transplant in patients with negative pretransplant panel-reactive antibody. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The characteristics of 59 renal transplant patients, such as age, sex, etiology, and 2 years of laboratory data, were collected retrospectively. For each patient, the eGFR decline rate (slope) (mL/min-1/1.73 m2-1/y-1) was determined by linear regression analysis using all calculated eGFR values over the study period. FINDINGS: Of 59 patients, 7 (11.8%) had a progressive slope, 22 (37.2%) had a stable slope, and 30 (50.8%) had an improvable slope. The first-year mean tacrolimus level was lower in patients with progressive slope than in the patients with stable slope and improvable slope (P < .022). The determinants of eGFR slope in multiple regression analysis were post-transplant hypertension (ß = -0.393; P = .002) and the first-year mean tacrolimus level (ß = 0.320; P = .01), whereas age, serum albumin, and 2-year mean tacrolimus level did not reach the level of significance. CONCLUSION: Keeping tacrolimus levels high in the first year to prevent eGFR declining is important.

Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor within Amyand's Hernia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Amyand's hernia is defined as the herniation of the whole or a part of appendix vermiformis into an inguinal hernia sac. Amyand's hernia is very rare, constituting about 1% of all inguinal hernia patients and 0.1% of all acute appendicitis patients. In one-quarter of Amyand's hernia patients, inflammatory changes are detected in appendix vermiformis. Detecting an appendiceal tumor in an Amyand's hernia sac is extremely rare, with only eight cases having been reported so far in the English literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man with an appendiceal carcinoid tumor inside an incarcerated Amyand's hernia sac. As the tumor was localized to the radix of the appendix, resection was carried out with the help of a linear-cutter stapler in a way to contain a part of the cecal wall. As the pathology examination revealed a carcinoid tumor infiltrating the periappendicular fatty tissue, right hemicolectomy was performed in a second session, in compliance with the oncological principles. No metastasis was present at the 24th month. Case reports published in the English literature regarding the Amyand's hernia with an appendiceal tumor were also analyzed in this study. CONCLUSION: Amyand's hernia containing an appendiceal tumor is an extremely rare clinical entity. Clinical manifestations mostly mimic the incarcerated hernia and thus accurate diagnosis is made incidentally during hernia surgery. The basic oncological principles apply for the approach to tumors inside a hernia sac.

A Novel Technique in the Treatment of Lymphoceles After Renal Transplantation: C-Arm Cone Beam CT-Guided Percutaneous Embolization of Lymphatic Leakage After Lymphangiography.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous embolization after lymphangiography using C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) performed at the site of lymphatic leakage in patients with postrenal transplant lymphocele. METHODS: Between July 2014 and August 2017, 13 patients not responding to percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy and conservative treatment for recurrent lymphocele after renal transplant were included. The mean age of the patients was 56.38 ± 9.91 (range, 36-70) years, and it comprised 9 men and 4 women. All patients underwent intranodal lymphangiography. C-arm CBCT-guided percutaneous embolization was performed in patients with confirmed lymphatic leakage. Patients who had no lymphatic leakage underwent drainage with fibrin glue injection. RESULTS: Lymphatic leakage was observed in 9 patients after lymphangiography, and they underwent CBCT-guided percutaneous N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate embolization. The volume of lymphatic drainage reduced to less than 10 mL in 8 patients. One patient who was not responding to embolization was treated surgically, after percutaneous drainage and fibrin glue injection. Lymphatic leakage was not observed in 4 patients after lymphangiography. Of these, 3 patients showed a reduction in the amount of lymphatic drainage after lymphangiography. All 4 patients underwent percutaneous drainage and fibrin glue injection. One patient did not respond to the treatment and was treated surgically. Prelymphangiography and postlymphangiography and embolization, the volume of lymphatic drainage was 113.07 ± 21.75 mL, and 53.84 ± 30.96 mL, respectively, and statistically significant decrease was detected (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphangiography and CBCT-guided percutaneous embolization procedures might be an effective treatment method for patients with lymphocele refractory to treatment.

Management of non-vascular complications following renal transplantation using percutaneous approach.

OBJECTIVE: Non-vascular complications following renal transplantation can cause graft failure. In this study, we present our two-year experience with percutaneous treatment for non-vascular complications following renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients who underwent percutaneous radiological treatment between March 2014 and July 2016 were included in the study. RESULTS: Following renal transplantation, a total of 36 percutaneous radiological procedures which includes hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral stricture (n. 15), clinical symptom-producing lymphocele due to pressure (14) and creatinine elevated nondilated grafts (n. 7) after excluding other reasons of creatinine elevation, were performed. Six patients received percutaneous treatment for both ureteral stricture and lymphocele. The patients underwent balloon dilatation and double- J ureteral stent due to ureteral stricture. The mean pre- and post-procedural creatinine levels were 4.36 ± 2.84mg/dL and 2.17 ± 1.24 mg/dL respectively (p=0.004), indicating a significant difference. For lymphocele treatment, sclerosing agents were injected and lymphatic leakage areas were injected with percutaneous glue. The mean pre- and post-procedural creatinine values were 2.97 ± 1.78 mg/dL and 1.75 ± 1.18 respectively (p=0.002), indicating a significant difference. Nephrostomy catheters were placed for patients with elevated creatinine levels and non-dilated collecting system. The mean pre- and post- nephrostomy creatinine levels were 3.55 ± 2.36 mg/dL and 2.57 ± 1.82 mg/dL respectively (p>0.05), indicating no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that percutaneous treatment is an effective method for the treatment of non-vascular complications following renal transplantation, and, therefore, should be the first option for the preservation of graft functions. KEY WORDS: Percutaneous treatment, Renal transplantation.

Reconstruction of Anomalous Portal Venous Branching in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Malatya Approach.

Reconstruction of anomalous portal vein branching (APVB) during right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be challenging. The goal of this article is to describe our surgical technique, named the Malatya Approach, in case of APVB during right lobe LDLT. The technique unifies the APVB and obtains a funnel-shaped common extension with a circumferential fence by a saphenous vein conduit. In total, 126 (10.6%) of 1192 right lobe grafts had APVB that were divided into 2 groups according to the adopted surgical techniques: the Malatya Approach group (n = 91) and the previously defined other techniques group (n = 35). Both groups were compared regarding portal vein thrombosis (PVT), postoperative 90-day mortality and survival. PVT developed in 3 patients (3.3%) in the Malatya Approach group and developed in 10 (28.6%) patients for the other group (P < 0.001). There were 8 (8.8%) 90-day mortalities in the Malatya Approach group (1 PVT related) and 15 patients (9 PVT related) died in the other techniques group (P < 0.001). Mean follow-up time for both groups was similar (999.1 days for the Malatya Approach group versus 1024.7 days for the other group; P = 0.47), but longterm survival in the Malatya Approach group was better than in the other group (84.6% versus 40%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Malatya Approach group showed less PVT development and longer survival (P < 0.001). This technique is promising to avoid PVT and mortalities in cases of APVB during right lobe LDLT. Liver Transplantation 23 751-761 2017 AASLD.

Single-center analysis of the first 304 living-donor liver transplantations in 3 years.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) is a definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), especially in the countries with donation problem. Between April 2007 and April 2010, we performed LDLT in 289 patients. Fifteen of the cases required re-transplantations. This study evaluates these 304 consecutive LDLTs donor and recipient outcomes. METHODOLOGY: Complication rates and survival data of the recipients and donors of 304 LDLT cases were analyzed. RESULTS: All donors are alive and well. Overall complication rate was 27%. Early postoperative recipient complication rate was 51%. Most frequent complication was infection. In the long-term there were 57 biliary stricture and 5 chronic bile fistula cases. Chronic and acute rejection attacks developed in 7 and 103 patients, respectively. Hepatic artery thrombosis rate was 8%. One, two and three year survival rates were 82%, 79% and 75%, respectively. Recipient mortality was 25%, mostly due to vascular complications, septic complications, liver dysfunction and chronic rejection. CONCLUSIONS: More than 150 liver tranplantations per year in a single center is a challenge in Turkey, where there is a shortage of deceased donor grafts. LDLT is a safe procedure for donors and effective for ESLD. Improvement in surgical technique would provide better outcomes.

Reuse of a pediatric liver graft: a case report.

We report the reuse of a liver graft after brain death of the first recipient. The liver donor was an 8-year-old male who died as a result of head injury. The graft was implanted first to a 4-year-old girl for fulminant hepatic failure. Unfortunately she developed progressive coma and brain death on fifth day of transplantation. The graft functions were normal, and reuse of the liver graft was planned. After informed consent, the graft was transplanted to a 31-year-old female recipient who has hepatocellular carcinoma with an underlying cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. The patient was discharged to home on 9th day after an uneventful postoperative period. However, she was readmitted to hospital with an acute abdominal pain 30 days after the operation. Hepatic artery thrombosis was diagnosed, and the attempt to open the artery by interventional radiology was unsuccessful. She died of sepsis and multiorgan failure on 37th posttransplant day.

Right-lobe liver transplant from donors with Gilbert syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Donor safety is one of the most important aspects of living-donor liver transplant. The preoperative evaluation of candidates for such transplants essentially starts with serologic and biochemical analyses. However, some potential liver donors with normal liver function test results may have isolated mild hyperbilirubinemia (serum indirect bilirubin level > 20.5 µmol/L [1.2 mg/dL]). Gilbert syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition that is a common cause of nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, and its prevalence is 3% to 10% in the healthy US population. Mild hyperbilirubinemia episodes are expected in people with Gilbert syndrome when they are exposed to physical stress, such as operative intervention or low energy intake. The liver morphologic findings of these individuals are normal; however, there is a debate on the use of people with Gilbert syndrome as living-liver donors. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of right-lobe living-donor hepatectomy of liver donors with Gilbert syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2010, two hundred twenty-five living-donor liver transplants using right-lobe grafts were performed in our hospital. Donors with Gilbert syndrome were defined as those whose serum bilirubin level was greater than 20.5 µmol/L (1.2 mg/dL). Six of 225 right-lobe living-donor liver transplants were performed using donors with Gilbert syndrome. RESULTS: The median follow-up after transplant was 34 months (range, 18 to 51 mo). One week after the operation, the median bilirubin level for right-lobe liver donors was 34.5 µmol/L (2.02 mg/dL) (range, 17.1 to 51.3 µmol/L [1 to 3 mg/dL]), and the median prothrombin time (international normalized ratio) was 1.36 (range, 1.1 to 1.7). The median bilirubin level of the donors after 6 months was 29 µmol/L (1.7 mg/dL) (range, 20.5 to 41 µmol/L [1.2 to 2.4 mg/dL]). CONCLUSIONS: Living-donor liver transplant from Gilbert syndrome donors can be safely performed.

Successful treatment of severe hepatorenal syndrome with living donor liver transplantation.

Hepatorenal syndrome is defined as renal failure caused by acute or chronic liver failure without any laboratory or histological reasons. The exact etiology of this syndrome is unknown. However, vasodilatation in the splanchnic area as a result of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, reflex systemic and splanchnic vasoconstriction are the basic pathophysiological reasons of this syndrome. The decrease of renal perfusion, decrease in glomerular filtration rate, sodium retention and deterioration of excretion of free water are the major renal problems and these remain progressive according to the stage of liver disease. The treatment of this syndrome is correction of the underlying problem. Here, we report a patient who was having hemodialysis due to renal failure as a consequence of liver cirrhosis for three months and returned back to his normal life without a need for dialysis after liver transplantation.

Recipient splenic artery utilization for arterial re-anastomosis in living donor liver transplantation: single-center experience.

Thrombosis of recipient hepatic artery is a life threatening complication for liver transplantation. The etiology of hepatic arterial thrombosis is multi-factorial and can be caused by intimal dissection, poor surgical technique and coagulopathies. The patency of hepatic arterial flow is very important for both graft survival and patient survival. Intraoperative diagnosis of inadequate hepatic arterial flow found with Doppler ultrasonography is essential in order to achieve good results after liver transplantation. Urgent re-anastomosis is necessary when the arterial blood flow is insufficient. We performed 317 living donor liver transplantations from July 2004 to July 2011. We used recipient splenic artery for hepatic artery reconstruction in six patients. These six patients were included in this study. Using the recipient splenic artery is a simple, safe and practical alternative for hepatic artery re-anastomosis in living donor liver transplantations.

Acute traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures: A retrospective study of 48 cases.

PURPOSE: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and the preoperative diagnosis is difficult. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with TDR were treated in our department between January 2000 and May 2009. The cause, location, size of rupture, associated morbidity and mortality, surgical material for repair, and predictive factors for overall outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 41 male patients (85%) and 7 female patients (15%) with a mean age of 33.8 years (range 17-69 years). Blunt trauma accounted for the injuries of 15 patients (31%) and 33 patients (68%) had penetrating injuries. The diagnosis was preoperatively established in 12 patients (25%) with a plain chest X-ray or/and computed tomography. The location of rupture was on the left side of the diaphragm in 35 patients (73%), on the right side in 10 (21%), and was bilateral in 3 patients (6%). Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture was repaired with interrupted nonabsorbable sutures or polypropylene mesh (8 patients). Postoperative complications were observed in 18 patients (38%). Overall mortality was observed in 7 patients (15%). The mortality was associated with hemorrhagic shock (P = 0.002), a high injury severity score (P = 0.002), and having additional injuries (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The outcome of the patients is associated with presence of hemorrhagic shock, a high injury severity score, and additional organ injury.

The effect of melatonin against FK506-induced renal oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Nephrotoxicity is an important side effect of FK506 and oxidative stress has been considered as one of the possible mechanisms. The present investigation examines the ability of melatonin to protect against FK506-induced renal oxidative stress. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each group). Group A was the sham group. Group B received 14 days FK506 (5 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and group C received FK506 (5 mg/kg/d, i.p.) together with melatonin (4 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. Kidney tissues were harvested to determine the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite and nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: In group C, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and NO were lower than in the group B (P < .01, P < .03, and P < .04, respectively) and although MDA levels were lower than in group B, the differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that melatonin has protective effect against FK506-induced renal oxidative stress.