Immune tolerance induced by RelB short-hairpin RNA interference dendritic cells in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The induction of specific immune tolerance for alloantigen is the best method for solving transplant rejection. We have previously reported T-cell tolerance induced by RNA interference (RNAi) RelB dendritic cells (DCs), supporting the possibility of immunologic tolerance in liver transplantation. METHODS: A stable model of acute rejection was established in Lewis (RT11) rats that had received a liver graft from dark agouti-RT1a rats. To evaluate the immune tolerance of DCs of different maturity, the rats were randomly assigned to four groups (12 donor/recipient pairs): (1) control-DC group, recipient rats without preinjection; (2) RelB short hairpin (sh)RNAi-DC group, recipient rats with preinjection of tolerogenic DCs by way of RelB silencing; (3) imDC group, recipient rats with preinjection of immature DCs; and (4) lipopolysaccharide-DC group, recipient rats with preinjection of mature DCs. The immune tolerance of the grafts was evaluated by liver function tests (aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin), cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-10 and interferon-γ), and histopathologic examination during the 2 wk after transplantation. The survival time of the rats was also observed. RESULTS: Compared with the other three groups, the graft survival time was significantly prolonged in the RelB shRNAi-DC group. In addition, RelB shRNAi-DCs resulted in the reduced secretion of IL-2 and interferon-γ and increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4. The symptoms of rejection were obviously alleviated in the RelB shRNAi-DC group, and the rejection activity index was still reduced after 2 wk. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of RelB-silenced DCs contributed to the reduced incidence of graft rejection and prolonged the graft survival time. The potential mechanisms involved the regulation and induction of immune-incompetent T cell by DCs.

[Experience with laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our experience with laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with hepatic hydatid cysts who received laparoscopic treatment were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all cases with no intraoperative rupture of the cysts or occurrence of anaphylactic shock. Among these patients, biliary fistula occurred in 8 cases, residual cavity effusion in 8, recurrence at other sites in 4, and postoperative bleeding in 1 case, but all cases were cured without mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic treatment is safe and effective for hepatic hydatid cysts.