Methylation of FOXP3 TSDR Underlies the Impaired Suppressive Function of Tregs from Long-term Belatacept-Treated Kidney Transplant Patients.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are considered key players in the prevention of allograft rejection in transplanted patients. Belatacept (BLT) is an effective alternative to calcineurin inhibitors that appears to preserve graft survival and function; however, the impact of this drug in the homeostasis of Tregs in transplanted patients remains controversial. Here, we analyzed the phenotype, function, and the epigenetic status of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR) in FOXP3 of circulating Tregs from long-term kidney transplant patients under BLT or Cyclosporine A treatment.

Belatacept and Long-Term Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation.

Background: In previous analyses of BENEFIT, a phase 3 study, belatacept-based immunosuppression, as compared with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression, was associated with similar patient and graft survival and significantly improved renal function in kidney-transplant recipients. Here we present the final results from this study.

Methods: We randomly assigned kidney-transplant recipients to a more-intensive belatacept regimen, a less-intensive belatacept regimen, or a cyclosporine regimen.

[Kidney transplant program: Mexican Institute of Transplants. Model of synergy between private hospital and private assistance foundations].

Introduction: The Mexican Institute of Transplantation (IMT) was created in 1999 in response to the need to meet the demand for transplants in the south of the country for patients with limited resources. Thanks to the synergy with private assistance foundations this task has been accomplished.

Objective: To describe the IMT experience in kidney transplants.

[Determination of creatinine in drained liquid. Urinary leak or lymphocele?].

Background: Liquid collections around the renal graft that are displayed in 51% of cases implicate a diagnostic challenge and a risk for graft function. We undertook this study to determine the usefulness of creatinine concentration measurement in drainage in patients with renal transplantation.

Methods: We selected patients with surgically corrected urinary leak and patients with lymphocele from November 1, 1999, to November 30, 2008, in whom we determined the creatinine concentration in liquid drainage, plasma and urine.

Desensitization and renal transplant: plasmapheresis/IVIG standard dose in patients with high immunological risk.

Background: Patients with high immunological risk have been relegated to the growing waiting list for an immunologically compatible donor. Our objective was to report the experience of a transplant center in desensitization of patients with high immunological risk.

Methods: We carried out a descriptive and retrospective study.