Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual gene expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cell-regulated genes in lung transplant recipients and its correlation with tacrolimus blood levels.

Introduction: Trough blood levels (C) of tacrolimus are used to adjust drug dosage, but they do not consistently correlate with clinical outcomes. Measurement of residual gene expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)-regulated genes (NFAT-RGE) has been proposed as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to assess the degree of immunosuppression in certain solid organ transplantations, but little is known regarding lung transplant recipients (LTR). Our primary objective is to correlate tacrolimus blood levels with NFAT-RGE.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Searching for potential biomarkers.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is the most commonly used biomarker for diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). However, lung biopsy is often necessary as well; therefore, defining new biomarkers for LAM is crucial. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic accuracy of a variety of biomarkers.

Long-term results of sirolimus treatment in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a single referral centre experience.

There are few published data on long-term treatment with sirolimus in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The objective of this study was to describe the long-term effect of sirolimus in a series of LAM patients followed up in a referral centre, focusing on pulmonary function. We retrospectively reviewed a series of 48 patients with LAM diagnosed, followed up and treated with sirolimus in a single centre.

Use of serum KL-6 level for detecting patients with restrictive allograft syndrome after lung transplantation.

KL-6 is an antigen produced mainly by damaged type II pneumocytes that is involved in interstitial lung disease. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation (LT) is a major concern for LT clinicians, especially in patients with restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). We investigated KL-6 levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a potential biomarker of the RAS phenotype.