Effect of exercise on markers of vascular health in renal transplant recipients.

The cornerstone of cardiovascular risk management is lifestyle intervention including exercise which could exert favorable impact also in renal transplant recipients. Nevertheless, reliable assessment of the effect of lifestyle interventions is complicated and the available data in this population are not consistent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity on selected laboratory markers of vascular health including circulating stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, microparticles, and plasma asymmetric dimethyl arginine in renal transplant recipients. Nineteen men and 7 women were recruited in 6-month program of standardized and supervised exercise. Control group consisted of 23 men and 13 women of similar age and body mass index not included into the program. One year after the transplantation, the main difference between intervention and control group was found in the change of endothelial progenitor cells (p=0.006). Surprisingly, more favorable change was seen in the control group in which endothelial progenitor cells significantly increased compared to the intervention group. The explanation of this finding might be a chronic activation of reparative mechanisms of vascular system in the population exposed to multiple risk factors which is expressed as relatively increased number of endothelial progenitor cells. Therefore, their decrease induced by exercise might reflect stabilization of these processes.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine and endothelial progenitor cells after renal transplantation: the effect of exercise training.

Level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is elevated and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and stem cells (SC) are decreased in patients undergoing renal transplantation (Tx) and may contribute to cardiovascular complications. We tested the hypothesis that ADMA, EPC and SC can be influenced with regular physical exercise early after Tx. Blood samples of ADMA, EPC, SC, adipocytokines and metabolic parameters were randomly obtained from 50 transplant patients before and 6 months after exercise program (Group I). Fifty age, sex, HLA typing, duration of dialysis and immunosupression regimen-matched non exercising transplant were examined as controls (Group II). After 6 months, in Group I ADMA decreased (3.50+/-0.45 vs 2.11+/-0.35 micromol/l, P<0.01) and was lower comparing to Group II (P<0.01), SC and EPC also decreased (2816+/-600 vs 2071+/-480 cells/ml resp. 194+/-87 to 125+/-67 cells/ml, P<0.02). Next changes in Group I: adiponectin (P<0.01), leptin (P<0.01), resistin (P<0.02). Visfatin, blood lipids, HbA1c, insulin and blood pressure were also influenced by training program (P<0.05).

[Regular exercise training decreases asymmetric dimethylarginine after kidney transplantation]. / Casný pohybový rezim snizuje asymetrický dimetylarginin po transplantaci ledviny.

BACKGROUND: Levels of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine are elevated in patients undergoing kidney transplantation and may contribute to vascular complications. In this study we tested the hypothesis that elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine can be reduced in patients after kidney transplantation by early regular physical exercise. Selected cytokines and metabolic parameters were also analysed. METHODS: Plasma samples for analysis of asymmetric dimethylarginine, adiponectin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor, resistin, visfatin, CRP, TNFα and selected metabolic parameters were obtained from randomly selected sixty eight patients after kidney transplantation who agreed to participate in a supervised aerobic exercise program for six months. Samples were collected before the training began (one month after surgery with stabilized graft function) and at six months after initiation. Sixty transplant patients matched for age, sex, HLA typing, duration of previous dialysis, history of cardiovascular disease and immunosupression regimen who did not exercise regularly and did not participate in the training program were examined as controls. RESULTS: There were no differences in elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine levels between both groups before the training program began. After six months of exercise, asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration in the exercising group I significantly decreased (3.5 ± 0.45 vs 2.11 ± 0.35 µmol/L, P < 0.01) and was also significantly lower comparing to non-exercising group II (2.11 ± 0.23 vs 3.25 ± 0.34 µmol/L, P < 0.01). We found significant changes in exercising group I: adiponectin (15.4 ± 6.6 vs 22.3 ± 6.2 mg/mL, P < 0.01), leptin (51.3 ± 11.2 vs 20.3 ± 9.2 ng/L, P < 0.01), soluble leptin receptor (24.6 ± 8.4 vs 46.1 ± 11.4 U/mL, P < 0.01), resistin (20.8 ± 10.1 vs 14.6 ± 6.4 mg/mL, P < 0.025) and visfatin (1.8 ± 0.2 vs 1.2 ± 0.01 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Blood lipids, HbA1c, CRP and TNFα were also affected by the training program. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine level, selected adipocytokines and proinflammatory cytokines in patients after kidney transplantation were significantly influenced by early regular exercise. This regimen may decrease cardiovascular risk in patients after kidney transplantation.

[Possibilities of evaluation of changes of glomerular filtration rate estimated on the basis of predicting formulas]. / Moznosti posouzení zmen glomerulární filtrace na podklade predikcních formulí.

INTRODUCTION: Estimation of changes of glomerular filtration rate based on accurate measurement (GFR) and that based on predicting formulas (eGFR) could differ significantly. In this study we have tried to analyse the relationship between (eGFR)t2/(eGFR)t1 and (GFR)t2/(GFR)t1 (where t1 and t2 denote the time at the beginning and the end of the follow-up interval). METHODS: Renal clearance of inulin (Cin) was repeatedly examined in 32 patients suffering from chronic renal impairment (S(Cr) = 231 +/- 70 micromol/l). Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated on the basis of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equations. RESULTS: A significant relationship between (MDRD)t2/(MDRD)t1 and (Cin)t2/(Cin)t1 (r = 0.544, p = 0.0028, R2 = 0.295) as well as between (CG)t2/(CG)t1 and (Cin)t2/(CG)t1 (r = 0.556, p = 0.0026, R2 = 0.309) was found. Average difference between (MDRD)t2/(MDRD)t1-(Cin)t2 /(Cin)t1 was 0.017 +/- 0.17 and that of (CG)t2 /(CG)t1-(Cin)t2/ (Cin)t1 was 0.024 +/- 0,18. Within +/- 0.20 of the difference (eGFR)t2/(eGFR)t1-(Cin)t2 /(Cin)t1 59 % values were found and within +/- 0.30 of this difference 75% values were recorded. Highly significant relationship was found between (MDRD)t2/(MDRD)t1 and (CG)t2/(CG)t1 (r = 0.991; p = 0.0001; R2 = 0.983). CONCLUSION: Considering these preliminary findings, predicting formulas are not sensitive sufficiently to by able to detect GFR changes lower than 30% of initial value.

Obesity and adiponectin after kidney transplantation.

Obesity and hyperlipidaemia are found very frequently after kidney transplantation (Tx) and may represent independent risk factors for development of atherosclerosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In a prospective metabolic study, we monitored, a total of 68 obese transplant patients [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2] with dyslipidaemia over a period of 24 months. We compared the findings of a new therapeutic regimen 1 year (start of the study) and 2 years after renal transplantation. Based on a Subjective Global Assessment Scoring Sheet, we started at the end of the first year with an individualized hypoenergic-hypolipidaemic diet (IHHD). Subsequently, after corticoid withdrawal, IHHD was supplemented regularly with statins (atorvastatin 10-20 mg/day)) and followed-up for 2 years. All patients were on a regimen of cyclosporin A or tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. During the study period, there was a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.025) and an increase of the adiponectin level (p < 0.01). Long-term therapy was associated with a significant decrease in serum leptin (p < 0.01) and lipid metabolism parameters (p < 0.01). Inulin clearance, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, lipoprotein(a) and apo-lipoprotein E isoforms did not differ significantly. Based on our results, we assume that obesity and hyperlipidaemia after renal transplantation can be treated effectively by modified immunosuppression (corticosteroid withdrawal), statins and long-term diet (IHHD). The increased level of adiponectin may be a marker of reducing atherosclerotic and chronic allograft nephropathy processes.

[Glomerular filtration rate prediction formulas in obese persons with chronic renal impairment]. / Moznosti posouzení glomerulární filtrace na podklade predikacních vzorcu obézních jedincu s chronickým renálním onemocnením.

BACKGROUND: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) could be estimated on the basis of serum creatinine concentration (Scr) and some simple variables and demographic data. In clinical practice the most used methods for GFR estimation are Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula and abbreviated MDRD equation (MDRD abr). The aim of this study was to evaluate how far obesity could affect GFR estimation based on the above formulas. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 291 patients with chronic renal impairment (S(cr) 45-489 micromol/l) GFR was examined on the basis of renal inulin clearance (C(in)) and estimated using MDRD abr and CG (without correction for body surface area-BSA and CG corrected for BSA) (CGkorig). The group of nonobese patients (A) consisted of 229 patients (BMI <30 kg/m2) and the group of obese patients (B) consisted of 62 patients (BMI 30 kg/m2). The values of r (r2) for MDRD abr, CG and CG(korig) in group A of patients was as follows: 0.893 (0.797), 0.810 (0.651), 0.853 (0.727) and 0.853 (0.727). In obese patients (group B) the corresponding values were as follows: 68.3% (82.6%), 28.6% (39.7%) and 46% (61.9%). Predicted GFR within 30% and 50% of C(in) (in brackets), CG and CG(korig) (for BSA) were for group A: 70.2% (87.3%), 50.4% (67.1%) and 55.7% (75%) and for group B: 68.3% (82.6%), 28.6% (39.7%) and 46% (61.9%). The ratio MDRD abr/Cin did not correlate with BMI. A weak, but significant correlation was found between BMI and CCcorig/Cin ratio (r=0.22, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that estimation of GFR based on MDRD abr is not influenced by obesity. Estimation of GFR based on CG formula is significantly affected by obesity. A weak but significant relation could by found between CGkorig/Cin and BMI.

[Obesity and progression of chronic renal insufficiency: a Czech long term prospective double-blind randomised multicentre study]. / Obezita a progrese chronické renální insuficience: ceská dlouhodobá prospektivní randomizovaná dvojite slepá multicentrická studie.

Obesity represents one of serious risk factors in chronic renal failure patients (CRF). In three years prospective double-blind randomised multicentre study we monitored 66 patients with advanced chronic renal insufficiency, GFR 24.4-37.3 ml/min (0.41 to 0.62 ml/s) and BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 on long term low-protein diet (0.6 P/kg BW/day) and ACEI + ARB. Thirty four randomly selected patients (group I) were treated with keto amino acids, 32 patients in control group (group II) with placebo. During the study period significant decrease of BMI, proteinuria and slowing in progression of renal failure (C(in)) were found. Significant changes were also noted in parameters of albumin and transferrin (p < 0.02), leucin and WQ (p < 0.01 - p < 0.02), glycaemia and HbA1c (p < 0.02), triglycerides (p < 0.01), leptin and ObRe (p < 0.01) and selected parameters of endothelial dysfunction (ET1, p < 0.02, TGFbeta1, p < 0.02). Significantly also decreased PTH value (p < 0.01). Successful treatment of obesity can significantly improve long term prognosis in CRF patients.

[Long-term follow up of renal function after orthotopic liver transplantation]. / Dlouhodobé sledování funkce ledvin po ortotopické transplantaci jater.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction in patients after the orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is frequent and it significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality. The aim of our work was to assess the level of glomerular function (GFR) within the first to fifth year after OLT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum creatinine concentration (Skr), creatinine clearance (Ckr) and predicted value of creatinine clearance using the Cockcrofta a Gaulta formula (CG) were assessed in 75 patients. Normal values of the given parameters (Skr <110 umol/l, Ckr > or = 1.3 ml/s/1.73 m2) were found only in 16% of all patients. Significant decrease of GFR (Ckr < 0.5 ml/s/1.73 m2) was found in 24% of cases, acute renal failure, which required transitory haemodialysis developed in 4% of patients. In 60% of patients various degree of GFR decrease was found without the necessity of haemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Level of renal functions was not significantly related to the blood pressure or serum lipids concentration. An important factor appeared to be the level of renal function before OLT. Because the level of renal function after OLT can significantly influence the post transplantation development, regular follow up of GFR is recommended.

Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in obese patients with chronic renal impairment based on serum cystatin C levels.

BACKGROUND: Serum cystatin C (Scyst) has an obvious advantage in recognizing the initial stages of renal impairment. However, several recent studies suggest that Scyst may also be affected by some nonglomerular factors such as thyroid dysfunction, glucocorticoid administration or metabolic status of the diabetic patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether obesity could affect Scyst. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed in 33 patients (mean age 49.1 +/- 6.3 years) with chronic renal disease (Scr = 227 +/- 118 micromol/l) and BMI = 35.6 +/- 1.8 kg/m2, and in 78 patients (mean age 43.4 +/- 5.1 years) with chronic renal disease (Scr = 245 +/- 111 micromol/l) and BMI = 24.0 +/- 1.8 kg/m2. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined using renal inulin clearance (Cin) under conditions of stabilized plasma concentrations and water loading. Scyst was measured using immunonephelometry. For statistical evaluation, linear regression analysis and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used. RESULTS: A significant correlation (r = 0.956, p < 0.001) between l/Scyst and Cin was demonstrated in patients with BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 (Group A). Similarly, a significant correlation (r = 0.900, p < 0.001) between l/Scys and Cin was found in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (Group B). There was no significant difference between the regression straight lines characterizing these relationships. ROC curve analysis (using a cut-off value for Cin = 30 ml/min/1.73 m2) did not show significant differences in AUC, sensitivity and specificity for Scyst between obese and nonobese patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that evaluation of GFR based on Scyst in obese patients need not differ from that in nonobese ones.

[A new method to estimate glomerular filtration rate based on serum concentration of creatinine, urea and albumin (MDRD, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease)]. / Nová metoda stanovení glomerulární filtrace na podklade sérové koncentrace kreatininu, mocoviny a albuminu (MDRD).

The equation developed from the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) study provides more accurate estimate of GFR than other commonly used equations. The aim of this study was to compare prediction of GFR based on MDRD and Cockcrof-Gault (CG) method. The study was performed in 111 patients (mean age 42 +/- 5 years) with chronic renal impairment (Scr = 281 +/- 83 micromol/l). The mean of MDRD was 0.480 +/- 0.345 ml/s/1.73 m2 and that of CG 0.608 +/- 0.336 ml/s/1.73 m2. The difference is highly significant (p < 0.0001). The mean of CG/MDRD ratio was 1.24 +/- 0.17. This ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in obese patients (1.59 +/- 0.14 vs 1.22 +/- 0.09). The CG/MDRD ratio did not show relation to Scr. The results are in keeping with the assumption that the difference between MDRD and CG method cannot be explained by increased tubular secretion of creatinine in residual nephrons. Obesity seems to be on of the factors responsible for the difference between CG and MDRD values.

[Present opinions on use of ketoanalog essential aminoacids in a conservative treatment of chronic renal insufficiency]. / Soucasné názory na uzívání ketoanalog esenciálních aminokyselin v konzervativní lécbe chronické renální insuficience.

Conservative treatment implies procedures which involve normalization or improvement of metabolic disorders in chronic renal insufficiency and failure by medicamentous and dietary means. Keto amino acids administration can remarkable influence protein synthesis, metabolic acidosis, Ca-P and PTH levels, carbohydrate and lipid disorders, but has no effect on hyperfiltration. Long-term co-administration of rHuEPO and keto amino acids in CRF patients on LPD has accelerated metabolic effect associated with a delay in progression of renal failure and reduction of proteinuria. Also, concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist in CRF patients on LPD with KA was associated with significant decrease of proteinuria, amino-aciduria and, via its glomerulo-tubular action, it had also an effect on progression of CRF.

Predicting the glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine, serum cystatin C and the Cockcroft and Gault formula with regard to drug dosage adjustment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of the classification of the degree of decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measured exactly (as inulin clearance) on the basis of serum concentrations of creatinine (Scr), cystatin C (Scyst) and creatinine clearance predicted according to Cockcroft and Gault (CG), and to establish whether any of the above methods is more accurate than the other 2. SUBJECTS: The study was conducted in 126 patients (52 men, 74 women) aged 18 to 64 years with various chronic renal diseases (predominantly various forms of glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis). The study subjects were divided into 3 subgroups according to GFR levels. Subgroup A (n = 41) included individuals with GFR >50 ml/min/1.73 m2, subgroup B (n = 56) was made up by individuals with GFR of 20-50 ml/min/1.73 m2, while subgroup C (n = 29) comprised individuals with GFR <20 ml/min/1.73 m2. METHODS: GFR was determined on the basis of renal inulin clearance (Cin) under conditions of stable plasma levels and water loading. Each individual had his/her Scr, Scyst values measured and CG was calculated. Results were evaluated using discrimination analysis. RESULTS: Mean values and SD of the monitored markers in the subgroups were as follows. Subgroup A: Scr 102.4 (38.3) micromol/l, Scyst 1.46 (0.42) mg/l, CG 80.0 (19.2) ml/min/1.73 m2. Subgroup B: Scr 161.2 (45.6) micromol/l, Scyst 2.01 (0.55) mg/l, CG 46.1 (16.7) ml/min/1.73 m2. Subgroup C: Scr 314.9 (58.3) micromol/l, Scyst 3.41 (0.96) mg/l, CG 24.8 (7.6) ml/min/1.73 m2. The percent of correct classifications and the respective confidence intervals (95%) for the methods used were as follows. Subgroup A: Scr 79.3 (64.6, 94.0), Scyst 75.9 (60.3, 91.5), CG 86.2 (73.6, 98.8). Subgroup B: Scr 51.8 (35.5, 68.1), Scyst 57.1 (41.5, 72.7), CG 64.3 (48.6, 80.0). Subgroup C: Scr 90.2 (81.0, 99.2), Scyst 80.5 (68.1, 92.9), CG 87.8 (77.8, 97.8). The percent of correct classifications established on the basis of Scr, Scyst and CG in subgroup B is significantly lower than that of correct classifications in subgroups A and C (p < 0.05-0.001). The percent of correct classifications using Scr, Scyst and CG, estimated separately for each subgroup (A, B, C) does not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the assumption that estimation of the decrease in GFR using Scr, Scyst and CG is, as regards their utilization in everyday practice, suitable for individuals with severely decreased GFR (<20 ml/min/1.73 m2) and for individuals with a decrease in GFR to levels >50 ml/min/173 m2. Estimation of the decrease in GFR using the above subgroups did not demonstrate significant differences among Scr, Scyst and CG. Using the above markers, estimation of the decrease in GFR is the least reliable with GFR values in the range of 20-50 ml/min/1.73 m2.

[Tubular function after orthotopic liver transplantation]. / Tubulární funkce u jedincu po ortotopické transplantaci jater.

Renal function after orthotopic liver transplantation (OTL) is very frequently reduced and its level exerts a significant effect on the morbidity and mortality of these subjects. One of the main factors with a negative impact on renal function after OTL is the nephrotoxic action of cyclosporin A (CsA). Renal function after OTL is usually evaluated on the basis of glomerular filtration (GF). As chronic nephrotoxicity of CsA is manifested in the histological picture by significant tubulointerstitial affection, in 75 subjects after OTL the spontaneous concentrating and acidifying capacity of the kidneys was investigated. The value of urine osmolality (UOSM) assessed after noctunal withdrawal of fluids was in 72.7% lower than in healthy subjects and did not reach 600 mOsm/kg H2O, although the serum creatinine concentration (Scr) was still within the normal range. The pH value of the morning urine did not reach in 38.2% the required value of 6.0 although Scr was within the normal range. Between values of UOSM after nocturnal liquid withdrawal and GF assessed on the basis of inulin clearance (Cin) was a significant direct relationship, however the scatter of values was considerable (r = 0.226, p < 0.05). Between pH values of the morning urine and Cin no correlation was found. The assembled results support the idea that the concentrating activity of the kidneys in subjects after OTL treated with CsA is reduced. This reduced concentrating capacity is already apparent on the basis of UOSM of morning urine after nocturnal fluid withdrawal. Although this defect is also frequent in subjects with a normal Scr value, the authors assume that the use of this simple evaluation of the concentrating capacity (it does not burden the patient nor the attending staff) could be useful in the early diagnosis of tubulointerstitial affection.

[Nitric oxide in patients after cadaveric kidney transplantation]. / Oxid dusnatý u nemocných po transplantaci kadaverózní ledviny.

BACKGROUND: The role of nitric oxide (NO) after cadaveric renal graft transplantation has not been yet fully clarified. The aim of our study was to examine NO production into the urine of patients following cadaveric renal graft transplantation with a normal course and complications (acute rejection and cyclosporin toxicity). METHODS AND RESULTS: Production of stabile NO metabolites (NO2 and NO3) into urine (U-NOx) was examined in recipients of cadaveric renal transplantation. Only patients with standard triple immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporin, azathioprine, prednisone) were include into the study. Patients receiving other immunosuppressive agents or drugs affecting NO formation (nitrates, ACE inhibitors) were excluded from the study, as were those with infectious or other serious post-transplant complications. Overall, we examined 33 patients (21 men and 12 women), with acute rejection and cyclosporin-induced toxicity in ten each, and a normal course with no complications in 13. The mean age of the patients was 50.96_11.13 years. U-NOx was examined by biochemistry using Griesse reaction every day after transplantation both in a morning urine sample and in a sample from 24-hour collection over the preceding day and calculated to 1 mmol/l of urinary creatinine (U-Cr). The levels of U-NOx/U-Cr in patients with acute rejection over the past 2 days before its development were lower compared with those in patients with a normal course (p_0.05). No difference was found between the groups of patients with cyclosporin-induced toxicity and a normal course. The levels of U-NOx were inversely correlated (p_0.01) to the levels of serum creatinine (S-Cr), but did not correlate with the blood levels of cyclosporin A. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a decrease in urinary U-NOx production within the past 2 days before renal transplant rejection. The levels of U-NOx in patients with cyclosporin-induced toxicity remain unaltered. U-NOx/U-Cr could possibly become a non-invasive marker of rejection.

[Age and changes in dietary habits affect hyperlipoproteinemia after kidney transplantation]. / Vek a zmenené stravovací zvyklosti ovlivnují hyperlipoproteinémii po transplantaci ledviny.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis of the blood vessels is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality of patients after transplantation of the kidneys with a long-term function of the graft. It is assumed that the most significant risk factor for its development is secondary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP). In the development of HLP a number of factors may participate (chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria, immunosuppressive treatment, diet, increment of body weight, age, genetic factors). The objective of the investigation was to follow changes of the lipid spectrum after renal transplantation and evaluate the impact of different factors which participate in these changes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors investigated in a retrospective metabolic study for a period of 18 months a total of 348 patients after the first cadaverous kidney transplantation. They compared the findings in 34 patients (group I) who had throughout the investigation period a total cholesterol of < or = 5.2 and triacylglycerols < or = 2.3 and group II (314 patients) who had elevated values of these factors. The mean values of different parameters differed highly significantly (group I vs. group II): cholesterol 4.6 +/- 0.4 vs 6.8 +/- 1.5 (p < 0.001), triacylglycerols 1.8 +/- 0.8 vs 3.6 +/- 1.6 (p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol 2.6 +/- 0.6 vs 4.0 +/- 1.1 (p < 0.001), (all in mmol/l) and HDL/total cholesterol 0.28 +/- 0.07 vs 0.20 +/- 0.09 (p < 0.01). The authors did not detect a difference in the incidence of isoforms of apo E. There were no differences in the mean cyclosporin A levels: 394 +/- 114 vs. 489 +/- 202 (ng/ml) and renal function CCr 1.0 +/- 0.6 vs 0.9 +/- 0.3 (ml/s). In group I there was a significantly higher intake of energy 150 +/- 20 vs. 125 +/- 25 (kJ), of fat 1.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.2 (g/kg) and disaccharides (by 50%). With this corresponded also a significantly higher increment of BMI 27.4 +/- 4.6 vs. 23.8 +/- 3.3 (p < 0.01). Patients in group II were also significantly older (44.5 +/- 14.1 vs 49.4 +/- 12.5, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is assumed that one of the main causes of the development of HLP after transplantation are poor dietary habits of the patients associated with an excessive intake of energy, fats and disaccharides and an increase of body weight. The patient's age is significantly higher. Standard lower doses of immunosuppressive drugs have obviously only a supportive effect.

[Renal excretion of potassium in individuals with stabilized function of a transplanted kidney]. / Renální vylucování draslíku u jedincu se stabilizovanou funkcí transplantované ledviny.

From previous work it is known that in subjects with a transplanted kidney treated with cyclosporin A hyperkalaemia may develop even if the glomerular filtration rate is within the normal range or only slightly reduced. The mechanism of this defect was not elucidated so far. In the present work the authors try to study the question whether and how renal potassium excretion by the transplanted kidney is influenced by the intensity of sodium excretion. Focused on renal excretion of potassium, sodium, chlorides, all osmotically active substances, glomerular filtration rate (polyfructosan clearance) and renal plasma flow (paraaminohippuric acid clearance) the authors examined 12 patients after transplantation of the kidney from a cadaverous donor (group A), 11 subjects after unilateral nephrectomy for the purpose of donorship for transplantation (group B) and 27 subjects after nephrectomy on account of a pathological process in one kidney (group C). The glomerular filtration rate in the investigated groups was greater than 1.0 ml/s/1.73 m2. The mean value of the fractional potassium excretion (FEK) in group A was 15.2 (+/- 6.3)%, in group B 18.4 (+/- 6.6)% and in group C 20.1 (+/- 8.6)%. The value of FEK in group A was significantly lower than in group C (p < 0.01). Groups B and C did not differ significantly in the mean value of FEK. Between values of FEK and FENA a significant direct correlation was found (r = 0.621, p < 0.001) in the group of subjects with a single kidney of their own (B + C). On the other hand, this correlation was not found in subjects with a transplanted kidney (A). The achieved results support the idea that in subjects with a transplanted kidney treated with cyclosporin A there are deviations in tubular potassium transport even when its serum level is not elevated. This deviation is manifested by lower FEK values and also by and inadequate response of the distal tubule to an increased sodium supply by increased tubular potassium secretion. The authors assume that when drugs with a potential potassium retaining effect are administered to subjects with a transplanted kidney it is important to check carefully the serum potassium level even when the glomerular filtration rate is within normal limits or only slightly reduced.

[Hyperlipidemia after kidney transplantation and its control by individualized therapy: evaluation of the first years' trial]. / Hyperlipidémie po transplantaci ledviny a její ovlivnení individualizovanou lécbou: Hodnocení prvního roku studie.

Secondary hyperlipidaemia (HLP) is one of the most serious metabolic complications in patients after transplantations of the kidney. In its development a number of factors may participate, the most important ones being immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporin A and prednisone) and the patients dietary habits. In a prospective metabolic trial a group of 248 patients after transplantation of the kidney with a long-term stable function of the graft were followed up for 12 months. Group I (128 patients) was systematically followed up in the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and the patients were treated by individualized dietetic and pharmacological intervention. Group II (120 patients) were out-patients who were treated according to current procedures in other departments than the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. The cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol increased significantly in both groups starting with the 3rd month of the follow-up. A subsequent decline was observed in group I from the 9th month onward, while in group II both values rose steadily. The triacylglycerol level rose in both groups during the 6th month, there were however great interindividual differences. There was a significant rise of the HDL-cholesterol. The Lp(a) level changed also significantly--its values--after an initial drop during the 3rd month--rose significantly in group II.

[Evaluation of long-term monitoring of glomerular filtration in individuals with kidney transplantation]. / Hodnocení dlouhodobého sledování glomerulární filtrace u jedincu s transplantovanou ledvinou.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in subjects with a transplanted kidney revealed that changes of this function in the course of time are frequently irregular and cannot be expressed by a simple mathematical function. This fact causes problems when evaluating the rate of progression of chronic transplant nephropathy. Characterization of changes of the GFR of the graft by values of this function at the beginning and at the end of the follow-up period does not take into account transient changes and the predominating level of GFR during the entire follow-up period. The authors tried to elaborate a method which would render it possible to evaluate in a simple manner the level of the GFR during the entire investigation period. The method is based on assessment of the area under the curve (AUC) of GFR. METHODS AND RESULTS: This method was used to investigate the time course of GFR in 22 subjects after transplantation of the kidney from a cadaverous donor. The investigated group included nine women and 13 men aged 30-65 years (mean 50 years). The time interval after transplantation was 1-84 months (mean 22 months). The GFR was assessed after 3-months intervals for a period of 9-21 months (mean 13.5 months). GFR was assessed on the basis of renal clearance of polyfructosan. The time course and level of GFR was evaluated in the common way based on GFR values at the beginning and end of the investigation period and according to the new method based on calculation of AUC. It was found that the two methods of evaluation of graft function do not provide the same results. In one third of the examined subjects the differences were higher than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide evidence that evaluation of changes and the level of the GFR of the graft throughout the follow-up period based on AUC provides more detailed information then evaluation of the GFR only at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. The authors assume that this method of evaluation of the GFR of the graft could be helpful in a more accurate assessment of the effect of different therapeutic procedures.

Predicting glomerular function from adjusted serum creatinine in renal transplant patients.

In 22 individuals with a renal graft the correlations between the renal clearance of polyfructosan (CLPF), renal creatinine clearance (CLcr)--established under the same conditions as CLPF--and the value of glomerular function predicted using the equation by Cocroft and Gault (PredCLcr) were followed up, at an interval of 2-3 months, for 8-22 months. A significant linear correlation (r = 0.777, p < 0.001) was found between PredCLcr and CLPF as well as between PredCLcr and CLcr (r = 0.801, p < 0.001). Equally significant correlations, however, were established when relating the serum concentrations of creatinine (Scr) to 1/CLPF (r = 0.784, p < 0.001) and Scr to 1/CLcr (r = 0.744, p < 0.001). The values of the PredCLcr/CLPF and PredCLcr/CLcr ratios during follow-up in one and the same individual may vary significantly. This fluctuation exceeds maximal error of the analytical methods employed in one third of the individuals examined. When considering stabilization or slow changes in graft function on the basis of PredCLcr and CLPF we found significant discrepancies in more than one half of the individuals examined (64%). The findings support the assumption that more accurate methods must be used to assess graft glomerular function on long-term follow-up.