Bridge-to-transplant temporary mechanical circulatory support and risk of allosensitization.

Introduction: Since the 2018 change in the US adult heart allocation policy, more patients are bridged-to-transplant on temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS). Previous studies indicate that durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) may lead to allosensitization. The goal of this study was to assess whether tMCS implantation is associated with changes in sensitization.

Immunologic effects of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices before and after heart transplant.

Background: Immune allosensitization can be triggered by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF LVAD). However, the effect of this type of allosensitization on post-transplant outcomes remains controversial. This study examined the post-transplant course in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing transplantation with and without LVAD bridging.

Utility of virtual crossmatch in sensitized patients awaiting heart transplantation.

Background: Organ transplant candidates with serum antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) face longer waiting times and higher mortality while awaiting transplantation. This study examined the accuracy of virtual crossmatch, in which recipient HLA-specific antibodies, identified by solid-phase assays, are compared to the prospective donor HLA-type in heart transplantation.

Methods: We examined the accuracy of virtual crossmatch in predicting immune compatibility of donors and recipients in heart transplantation and clinical outcomes in immunologically sensitized heart transplant recipients in whom virtual crossmatch was used in allograft allocation.

AMP-activated protein kinase kinase activity and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in contracting muscle of sedentary and endurance-trained rats.

This study was designed to examine activity of AMP-activated protein kinase kinase (AMPKK) in muscles from nontrained and endurance-trained rats. Rats were trained 5 days/wk, 2 h/day for 8 wk at a final intensity of 32 m/min up a 15% grade with 30-s sprints at 53 m/min every 10 min. Gastrocnemius muscles were stimulated in situ in trained and nontrained rats for 5 min at frequencies of 0.