Long-term results of autologous scaffold-free tissue-engineered vascular graft for hemodialysis access.

Background: The growing size of the end stage renal disease (ESRD) population highlights the need for effective dialysis access. Exhausted native vascular access options have led to increased use of catheters and prosthetic shunts, which are both associated with high risks of access failure and infection. Emerging alternatives include tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVG).

Beneficial Effect of Successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation on Plasma Profile of Metalloproteinases in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

It is not fully elucidated whether the restoring of normal glucose metabolism after successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) improves vascular wall morphology and function in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. Therefore, we compared arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and biomarkers of arterial wall calcification in T1D patients after SPK or kidney transplantation alone (KTA). In 39 SPK and 39 KTA adult patients of similar age, PWV, IMT, circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and calcification biomarkers were assessed at median 83 months post transplantation.

Early graft function and intrarenal resistant index after kidney transplantation using Biolasol-A new solid organ preservation fluid.

Biolasol is a newly developed preserving solution for cold organ storage prior to transplantation. To date, only animal model experiments results are available. The aim of this single-center analysis was to summarize the clinical experience concerning the early post-transplant course of kidney grafts preserved with Biolasol in comparison with other preservation solutions.

Metabolic acidosis in kidney transplant recipients.

Introduction Metabolic acidosis (MA) may accelerate the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is an important risk factor for increased mortality in CKD patients. The clinical value of MA in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients has not been extensively studied so far. Objectives The aim of this clinical single‑‑center case‑‑control study was to assess the prevalence of MA in KTx recipients in comparison with CKD patients and to identify pathogenic factors for MA in KTx recipients.

Comparison of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Concentration in Porcine Kidneys Removed From Living Donors After Cardiac and Brain Death.

The aim of this paper was to describe the differences in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in porcine kidneys removed from living donors (group I), donors after prior induction of brain death by brain herniation (group II), and donors after cardiopulmonary arrest (group III). The groups consisted of 6 animals which underwent dual renal removal procedures; kidneys were rinsed, stored for 24 hours at 4°C and rinsed again. Renal specimens (4g) were collected before and after perfusion (time 0 and 1), after 12 hours (time 2), and after reperfusion (time 3).

Influence of Experience Acquired by a Liver Transplantation Center on Extension of Donor Acceptance Criteria.

Background: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the only effective treatment for end-stage liver failure. Due to the ongoing lack of organs available for transplantation, there is a tendency to extend liver donor selection criteria. The aim of the study was to determine whether extension of donor acceptance criteria with increasing experience in LTx occurred at our transplant center.

Assessment of the Learning Process After Introducing a New Liver Transplantation Procedure in a Center With Extensive Experience in Kidney Transplantation.

Background: Liver transplantation (LTx) is one of the most complex transplant procedures. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the learning process can be observed after the introduction of LTx in a center with extensive previous experience in renal transplantation.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 264 primary LTx procedures performed with the piggyback technique (2005-2016).

Results of Transplantation of Kidneys Procured From Donors After Brain Death Aged 60 Years and Older.

Objective: To analyze results of transplantation of kidneys procured from donors after brain death aged 60 years and older (hereafter denoted by "≥60") compared to kidneys procured from donors after brain death aged 40-59 years (hereafter denoted by "40-59") in medium-term follow-up period, and to assess factors that affect recipient and kidney graft survival.

Material And Methods: 92 transplant recipients of kidneys procured from donors after brain death ≥60 were enrolled into the study. The control group were 363 recipients of kidneys procured from donors after brain death 40-59.

Usefulness of Pancreas Donor Risk Index and Pre-Procurement Pancreas Allocation Suitability Score: Results of the Polish National Study.

BACKGROUND Pre-procurement pancreas suitability score (P-PASS) and pancreas donor risk (PDRI) index are scoring systems believed to predict suitability of pancreatic grafts. Most European countries and the United States apply PDRI, while Poltransplant keeps using P-PASS: more than 16 points raises a red flag for graft use. Recent data discourage use of PDRI to predict pancreas graft survival.

Type 1 diabetic patients have better endothelial function after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation than after kidney transplantation with continued insulin therapy.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of simultaneous pancreas-kidney or kidney transplantation on endothelial function and systemic inflammation in type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease. In 39 simultaneous pancreas-kidney, 39 type 1 diabetic kidney and 52 non-diabetic kidney recipients, flow-mediated dilatation was measured. Additionally, blood glycated haemoglobin, serum creatinine and lipids, plasma nitrites [Formula: see text] and nitrates, asymmetric dimethylarginine, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 concentrations were assessed.

Concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β in Isolated Porcine Liver Depending on Type of Transgenesis.

Background: Transgenic animals may serve as organ donors in human organ transplantation. However, the number of the studies addressing all doubts related to this issue is currently insufficient for the clinical application of this approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) synthesis during a 24-hour cold preservation of the transgenic pig liver, depending on the type of transgenesis.

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Endothelin-1 Expression in the Early Post-Porcine Kidney Autotransplantation Period.

Background: The aim of this study was the assessment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endothelin-1 (EDN-1) expression in porcine kidneys on the 14th and 30th days after the autotransplantation procedure.

Methods: The research was conducted on 12 animals that underwent a left renal transplantation procedure with further standardized rinsing and 24-hour storage in 4°C; subsequently, the kidneys were implanted in the right retroperitoneal space after right-sided nephrectomy. Removed kidneys were examined (group 0).

Caspase-3 Expression and ALT, AST, and GGT Activity After 24 Hours of Porcine Liver Cold Storage, Depending on the Type of Transgenesis.

Background: Because of an insufficient number of human organs for transplantation, xenotransplantation may become an effective alternative. We aimed to analyze if the type of transgenesis has an influence on the hepatic caspase-3 expression, the enzyme that executes apoptosis as well as ALT, AST, and GGT activity after 24 hours of cold storage.

Methods: The experiment was carried out on the 24 livers of Polish White Landrace pigs carrying human α1,2-fucosyltransferase and/or α-galactosidase (GAL) genes and livers without this genetic modification (control).

Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney and Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation in Recipients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Silesian Experience.

Background: Kidney transplantation (KTx) markedly reduces mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The outstanding issue is whether transplantation should be limited only to KTx, with further insulinotherapy, or combined with pancreas transplantation in patients with ESKD/T1DM. The goal of this study was to compare the results of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKTx) and deceased donor KTx and to identify factors affecting patient and kidney graft survival in patients with ESKD/T1DM.

Past Cardiovascular Episodes Deteriorate Quality of Life of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and End-stage Kidney Disease After Kidney or Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation.

Background: The beneficial influence of kidney (KTx) or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with end-stage kidney disease caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus was confirmed in many studies. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence QOL of patients in long-term follow-up after SPK or KTx.

Methods: Twenty-seven SPK and 26 KTx patients with good function of transplanted organs at least 1 year after transplantation were enrolled into the analysis.

Donation and Transplantation of Kidneys Harvested From Deceased Donors Over the Age of 60 Years in the Upper Silesia Region.

Background: Population aging and shortage of organs for transplantation result in increasing numbers of kidneys retrieved from elderly donors. The aim of this study was to analyze donation of kidneys from donors after brain death (DBD) over the age of 60 years (≥60), comorbidities that affect decisions on retrieval, and early results of kidney transplantation.

Methods: Ninety-six potential DBD ≥60 and 309 aged 40-59 years (40-59) reported in Upper Silesia, Poland, from 2004 to 2013 were enrolled in the study.

Early and Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Grafts Procured From Multiple-Organ Donors and Kidney-Only Donors.

Background: The deceased-donor kidney pool consists of 2 different populations: multiple-organ donors (MOD) and kidney donors alone (KDA). In MOD, more complicated procedure and lowest priority for kidney procurement may affect graft survival. On the other hand, poor donor status and higher comorbidity are more frequent in KDA transplants.

Effect of the Second Warm Ischemia Time and Its Components on Early and Long-term Kidney Graft Function.

Background: During kidney transplantation, the total time of organ ischemia consists of first warm ischemia time (WIT1), cold ischemia time (CIT), and a second WIT (WIT2). Rising graft temperature during WIT2, which comprises the creation of vascular anastomoses, increases oxygen demand and tissue damage, especially in the kidney tubular cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of WIT2 on early and long-term kidney graft function.

Histopathological Examination may be Useful for Assessment of Fibrosis and Lipomatosis of Pancreas Allograft Prior to Solid Organ Transplantation.

Background: The results of pancreas transplantation depend in a large degree on appropriate pancreas allograft donor selection. Several risk factors of early surgical complications or pancreas allograft loss following transplantation have been identified, but the final decision on pancreas harvesting for transplantation belongs to the surgeon. In the present study we aimed to assess whether histopathological examination may be utilized for detection of fibrosis and lipomatosis in tissue from a potential pancreas allograft.

Splenectomy attenuates the course of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Introduction: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) initiates inflammatory response with synthesis of free oxygen radicals, chemokines, and cytokines which attract neutrophils and monocytes, which then differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, activating adaptive immune response. The spleen is the main source of both monocytes and lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to assess whether splenectomy performed before or upon IRI affects post-ischemic and long-term renal function.

Interleukin-6 concentration in the transgenic pig's liver preserved for 24 hours in Biolasol solution.

Introduction: Increasing the human lifespan contributes to a higher number of patients with end-stage organ failure, which in turn stimulates the search for alternative sources. Xenotransplantation seems to be a promising approach in this respect.

Objective: Analysis of changes in interleukin (IL)-6 concentration during 24-hour preservation of transgenic swine livers, depending on the kind of transgenesis and preservation solution used.

Cytochrome P450 3 A expression in pigs livers after 24-hour preservation in Biolasol solution depending on the type of transgenesis.

Background: An insufficient number of organs for transplantation shows the need for the development of new technologies. Xenotransplantation might be the answer.

Objective: To determine if the type of transgenesis influences the level of CYP3A4, which takes an active part in xenobiotics metabolism in livers after 24-hour storage, depending on the kind of solution used for preservation.

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in pigs' kidneys early after autotransplantation procedure.

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to evaluate mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) and the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) in pigs' kidneys 14 and 30 days after autotransplantation.

Methods: The research was conducted on 12 animals that underwent left renal transplantation procedure with further standardized rinsing with Biolasol solution and 24 hours' storage in 4°C; subsequently the kidneys were implanted in the right retroperitoneal space after right-side nephrectomy. Six randomly chosen animals (group I) were under observation for 14 days, the other 6 (group II) for 30 days.

Comparison of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1 levels in kidneys removed from living pigs after cardiac arrest and brain death.

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to describe differences between levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS-3) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in swine kidneys removed from living donors (group I) and after inducing brain death by brain herniation (group II) and cardiac arrest (group III).

Methods: Each group consisted of 3 animals who underwent dual renal removal procedure; kidneys were further rinsed according to standardized procedure with Biolasol perfusion liquid, stored for 24 hours (4°C), and rinsed again. Renal specimens of 4 g mass, including renal cortex and medulla, were collected before and after perfusion (times 0 and 1), after 12 hours (time 2), and after reperfusion (time 3).

Biolasol: novel perfusion and preservation solution for kidneys.

Introduction: Biolasol solution (Pharmaceutical Research and Production Plant "Biochefa," Sosnowiec, Poland) is a novel extracellular perfusion and ex vivo hypothermic kidney preservation solution. It ensures maintenance of homeostasis, reduces tissue edema, has low viscosity, and allows the graft to preserve structural and functional integrity. It minimizes ischemia-reperfusion damage.