Expression of Programmed Cell Death 1 and Helios Genes Correlates With rs872071A>G and rs12203592C>T Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of InterferonRegulatory Factor 4 in Patients with T-Cell-Mediated Rejection of Renal Allograft.

Objectives: Acute T-cell-mediated rejection of the renal allograft is a serious posttransplant challenge that requires administration of high-dose immunosuppressive drugs with considerable side effects; therefore, specific targeting of T-cell responses may improve both prevention and treatment of T-cell-mediated rejection. A potential candidate for this purpose is interferon regulatory factor 4 because of its implication in differentiation and function of T cells. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of the rs872071A>G and rs12203592C>T single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the interferon regulatory factor 4 gene and association of these 2 polymorphisms with the gene expression of programmed cell death 1 and Helios in patients with T-cell-mediated rejection versus stable recipients.

The Relationship Between Serum Level of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Introduction: Kidney transplant recipients are at risk of opportunisticinfections; previous studies demonstrated the association betweenlow level of vitamin D and the risk of viral infections. This studywas designed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and active Cytomegalovirus infection / disease inkidney transplant recipients.

Methods: A total number of 83 kidney transplant recipients enrolledin this case-control study from June 2013 to January 2014.

Investigation of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) and HLA Genotypes to Predict the Occurrence of Acute Allograft Rejection after Kidney Transplantation.

After kidney transplantation, natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in triggering the immune response to the allogeneic grafts primarily by their killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). This process may be one mechanism that contributes to graft rejection. In this study, we have evaluated whether acute rejection after kidney transplantation was associated with predicted NK cell alloreactivity based on KIR gene and ligand along with KIR/HLA compound genotype analysis.

Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related antigen A level in chronic allograft dysfunction.

Introduction: Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related antigen A (soluble MICA) has recently been considered as an inhibitory molecule which is shed from tumors and protects them against natural killers and some subgroups of T cells' cytolysis. In transplantation, soluble MICA is also a foreign antigenic molecule that can induce allospecific responses. This study aimed to clarify its possible role in long-term kidney allograft outcome.

Does kidney transplantation with deceased or living donor affect graft survival?

Background: There are growing numbers of patients with end-stage renal disease globally at an unexpected rate. Today, the most serious challenge in transplantation is organ shortage; hence, using deceased donor is increasingly encouraged.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in survival rates between kidney transplant recipients with deceased donor and living donor.

Comparison of the Th1, IFN-γ secreting cells and FoxP3 expression between patients with stable graft function and acute rejection post kidney transplantation.

There are limited clinical investigations identifying the percentage of T helper 1 (Th1) and T regulatory (Treg) cells in stable as well as rejected kidney allografts, a concept which needs to be more studied. The aim of our study was to compare the percentage of CD4+ IFN-γ+ cells, the number of IFN-γ secreting cells and the amount of FoxP3 expression in patients with or without stable graft function, to determine the roles of these immunological factors in stable and rejected renal allografts. In this prospective study, 3 months after transplantation 30 patients who received renal transplants from unrelated living donors were enrolled and divided into two groups, 20 patients with stable graft function and 10 patients with biopsy proven acute rejection.

Mycophenolic Acid pharmacokinetics early after kidney transplant.

Objectives: To determine the mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetic profile early after transplant in Iranian kidney graft recipients.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed during 6 months in 31 patients who recently had kidney transplant and received fixed doses of mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/d). The plasma levels of mycophenolic acid were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.