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To explore clinical effect of modified Chevron osteotomy combined with lateral tissue loosening for the treatment of mild-moderate hallux valgus through internal signal approach.From July 2015 to June 2016, 26 patients with mild-moderate hallux valgus treated with modified Chevron osteotomy combined with lateral tissue loosening through internal signal approach, including 2 males and 24 females aged from 45 to 65 years old with an average of(54.6±4.8) years old;the courses of diseases ranged from 1 to 5 months with an average of (7.5±3.3) months. Hallux valgus angle(HVA), inter metatarsal angle(IMA) were measured at 12 months after operation, and AOFAS score was applied to evaluate clinical effect before and after operation.All incisions were healed at stage I. No incision occurred infection, metatarsal necrosis and recurrence of hallux valgus deformity. Two patients occurred skin numbness caused by musculocutaneous nerve injury. Twenty-six patients were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of(9.12±2.06) months. HVA, IMA were(30.01±3.71)°, (14.00±1.50)° before operation and(9.41±4.16)°, (7.00±0.60)° after operation, which had significant difference. There was statistical significance in AOFAS score before operation 54.77±9.59 and after operation 92.73±5.47, and 19 cases obtained excellent results and 7 moderate.Modified Chevron osteotomy combined with full thread headless pressure screw fixation and lateral tissue loosening for the treatment of mild-moderate hallux valgus has advantages of excellent exposure, simple operation, stable fixation, rapid recovery. Akin osteotomy with internal capsulorrhaphy were used with lateral loosening and could recover soft tissue balance between lateral and internal, and could receive satisfied clinical effects.

Purpose To compare the analgesic effect of preoperative ropivacaine with or without tramadol for femoral nerve block in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods 14 men and 46 women aged 59 to 80 years who were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II and were scheduled for TKA were randomised to receive preoperative femoral nerve block with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine plus tramadol 0 mg (n=15), 50 mg (n=15), or 100 mg (n=15), or no preoperative femoral nerve block (control) [n=15]. Femoral nerve block was performed by a single anaesthesiologist before the standardised combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. Postoperatively, patient-controlled analgesia was given. The visual analogue score (VAS) for pain at rest and on movement was recorded at 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Passive knee range of motion (ROM) was measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results The 4 groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, weight, ASA grade, and operating time. Compared with patients who received no femoral nerve block or ropivacaine alone, those who received femoral nerve block with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine plus tramadol 50 mg or 100 mg recorded a lower VAS for pain at rest and on movement at 8 to 72 hours, longer sensory and motor block time, and lower demand, delivery, and total amount of patient-controlled analgesia. The passive knee ROM at 24 to 72 hours was greater in patients with femoral nerve block than in those without. Conclusion Preoperative femoral nerve block with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and 100 mg tramadol resulted in the best analgesic effect.

To explore the clinical characteristics, therapeutic measures and risk factors of pulmonary fungal infection in patients after renal transplantation.The clinical data of 176 patients receiving renal allograft transplantation with postoperative infections were retrospectively analyzed. Among the patients, 40 were diagnosed to have pulmonary fungal infection, and their clinical symptoms, signs, radiographic findings, pathogenic bacterial culture, histopathological examination, and treatments were analyzed.The 40 recipients with postoperative pulmonary fungal infection included 25 male and 15 female patients with a mean age of 49 years. Twenty-eight of the patients developed pulmonary fungal infection within 6 months after transplantation. Positive pathogen cultivation was reported in 19 cases, and Candida albicans was detected in 11 cases, Candida krusei in 2 cases, Candida glabrata in 3 cases, Candida tropicalis in 1 case, aspergillosis in 1 case, and Candida mycoderma in 1 case. Twenty-four of out of the 40 cases were found to have co-infection. All the patients received antifungal drugs and adjuvant treatments, and 38 patients were cured and 2 died.Pulmonary fungal infection often occurs within 6 months after renal transplantation. The most common fungal pathogen is Candida albicans, and the patients often had coinfections. Early diagnosis and timely intervention with antifungal drugs and comprehensive measures are critical in the management of pulmonary fungal infection following renal transplantation.

To investigate the risk factors for sensitization of anti-MICA antibodies and their impact on the outcomes of renal transplantation.Luminex flow cytometry were used to identify 10 MICA antibodies and evaluate the antibody specificity in 98 uremic patients positive or negative for anti-MICA antibodies undergoing kidney transplantation. The factors contributing to MICA sensitization were analyzed, and the incidence of acute rejection and graft function recovery time were compared between the positive and negative cases for anti-MICA antibodies.Of the 98 uremic patients, 16 (16.3%) were positive for anti-MICA antibodies. The positive and negative cases showed significant differences in the history of blood transfusion, pregnancy, transplantation, and PRA status (P0.05). In the 38 renal transplant recipients, 6 experienced acute graft rejection, which was reversed by methylprednisolone pulse therapy; of the 10 recipients positive for anti-MICA antibodies, 4 showed acute graft rejection as compared to 2 out of the 28 recipients negative for anti-MICA antibodies (P=0.031). The cases positive for anti-MICA antibodies showed a significantly longer graft function recovery time than the negative cases (14.6∓4.7 vs 8.2∓4.5 days, P=0.001).Blood transfusion, pregnancy, and transplantation all contribute to the production of anti-MICA antibodies. Patients positive for anti-MICA antibodies may require strict HLA matching and more potent immunosuppressive drugs to prevent renal graft rejection and improve graft survival.

To summarize the features of pulmonary infection (PI) in kidney transplant (Ktx) and liver transplant (Ltx) recipients for effective control measures.A retrospective analysis was conducted among Ktx recipients and Ltx recipients with PI during the period from Jan 2004 to Dec 2008. The clinical data concerning the infection was compared.Forty-five Ktx recipients and 23 Ltx recipients developed PI after the transplantation. The incidence of PI was 7.4% and 56.1% in (P0.001), respectively, with severe PI occurring in 2.6% and 46.3% of the recipients (P0.001). The median time from PI diagnosis to transplant was 230 days (29-1080 days) and 4 days (2-104 days) (P0.001), the case-fatality rate for PI was 6.7% and 17.4% (P=NS), and the mortality rate was 0.5% and 9.8% (P0.001) in Ktx and Ltx recipients, respectively; Gram-negative organisms were the most common in both Ktx and Ltx recipients, but Ltx recipients had significantly higher incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (12.9% vs 37.0%, P=0.005).The knowledge of PI after the transplantation will benefit appropriate prophylactic and empirical treatment to improve the survival of Ktx and Ltx recipients.

To summarize the experiences in high-risk renal transplant recipients for ketter long-term survival.From April 1991 to December 2008, a total of 921 kidney recipients with high-risk factors were divided into six groups as following: (1) pediatric patients (18 years old) (GI, n = 34); (2) retransplant recipients (GII, n = 169); (3) high sensitized patients (PRA30% or peak PRA50%)(GIII, n = 35); (4) elderly recipients (60 years old) (GIV, n = 297); (5) diabetic patients (GV, n = 112); (6) patients with HBV/HCV infection or HBV/HCV carrier (GVI, n = 274). Each group was compared to a control of 807 recipients without any above risk factor for patient and graft survival at 1, 3 and 5 years. Incidences of acute rejection (AR), chronic rejection (CR) and complication were analyzed and compared respectively between the studied subjects and the control group as well.Compared with the control group, patient/graft survivals were lower in GII, GIII and GVI (all P0.05), GIV had worse patient survival (P0.05); AR and CR incidences were greater in GI and GIII (all P0.05); GIV, GV and GVI had more complications.This study suggests the benefits for long-term outcome in high-immunological risk renal transplant recipients of low acute selection incidence rate, and reduction of complication incidences is the key to long term results for non-immunological high risk recipients.

To explore the effect of KIR/HLA ligand matching which mediates activated or inhibitory signal pathways on acute rejection (AR) after kidney transplantation.HLA and KIR genotype assortments were analyzed in 53 donor/recipient pairs of kidney transplantation. The recipients were divided into AR group (GI, n=19) and stable renal function group (GII, n=34) based on the early graft function. The impact of donor HLA, recipient KIR and distinct KIR/HLA class I ligand combinations on acute rejection after kidney transplantation was studied.No significant differences were found in donor HLA-C1/2, HLA-A3, HLA-A11, or HLA-Bw4 between GI and GII groups. The frequency for KIR2DL2/2DS2 and KIR genotype assortment (AA) of the recipients in GI group were significantly lower than that in GII group (26.3% vs 55.9%, P=0.038; 31.6% vs 67.6%, P=0.011). The incidence of AR was significantly lower in donor HLA-C1/1 than in non-C1/1 (31.6% vs 46.7%, P0.05), and lower in recipient KIR genotype assortment (AA) than in non-AA (20.7% vs 52.2%, P=0.011). A significant higher number of matches for the KIR2DL2/ HLA-C1 and KIR2DL3/HLA-C1 were observed in GII group (P=0.030, P=0.028).Distinct KIR/HLA class I ligand combinations between the donor and recipient (such as KIR2DL2/ HLA-C1 and KIR2DL3/HLA-C1) may reduce the incidence of AR. A good KIR/HLA class I ligand matching will benefit the survival of the renal allograft.

To review the clinical experiences concerning simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation in polycystic kidney and hepatic disease with kidney and liver failure.This study involved 8 cases of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation in polycystic kidney and hepatic disease with kidney and liver failure. There were 5 male and 3 female patients, aged from 41 to 67 years old with a mean of 52.8 years old. Six cases transplanted kidney after liver with orthotopic liver transplantation, and 2 cases transplanted liver after kidney with piggy-back liver transplantation. The acute rejections, complications, liver function, kidney functions, and survival rates of patient/liver/kidney were recorded.Within the follow-up of 28 to 65 months, all 8 patients are still alive with normal liver and kidney functions: 2 living more than 5 years, 2 living more than 4 years and 4 living more than 2 years. 2 cases of pleural effusion and 1 case of pneumonia were complications after operation, which had been cured successfully. No acute rejection of allograft was observed.Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation is a safe and effective treatment for polycystic kidney and hepatic disease with kidney and liver failure.

To study the relationship between expression of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and osteopontin (OPN) in occult metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.Forty-six patients of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from January 2006 to October 2007 were selected. There were 28 males and 18 females, aged from 33 to 77 years old. The levels of lung tissues Gal-3 and OPN were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of blood plasma's were measured by ELISA.There were 12 patients who had metastasized. In un-metastasis group the Gal-3 and OPN mRNA expression levels were significantly lower than that in metastasis group: mean value were 0.07 +/- 0.17 and 0.17 +/- 0.25 in un-metastasis group, while 0.73 +/- 0.23 and 0.79 +/- 0.24 in metastasis group. Blood plasma levels of Gal-3 (18.8 +/- 7.9) microg/L and OPN (153.5 +/- 63.5) microg/L in NSCLC which were detected from metastasis group were higher than un-metastasis group of (9.2 +/- 5.6) microg/L and (89.2 +/- 24.0) microg/L.High serum levels of Gal-3 and OPN and high expression of Gal-3 and OPN mRNA in NSCLC are closely related to the occurrence and metastasis of NSCLC. They may be indexes of evaluating the occult metastasis in NSCLC.

To compare the clinical effects and graft outcomes of 4 surgical approaches for nephrectomy in living related kidney donors.Between June, 2004 and June, 2007, 119 living related kidney donors underwent nephrectomy via different surgical approaches, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of these donors, 22 received retroperitoneal open nephrectomy, 21 had retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, 13 had hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, and 63 underwent transperitoneal open nephrectomy. The operating time, warm ischemia time of the graft, renal graft artery and vein lengths, reduction rate of recipient serum creatinine in the first 3 days after renal transplantation, mean hospital stay and complications of the donors were compared between the 4 surgical approaches.Open surgeries were associated with significantly shorter operating time (P=0.0033) and warm ischemia time of the graft (P=0.0001), longer hospital stay (P=0.0000), higher hospital expenses (P=0.0000), faster postoperative reduction of recipient serum creatinine (P=0.0001), and longer renal artery and vein lengths (P=0.0000 on the left and P=0.0001 on the right) than laparoscopic surgeries. In the laparoscopic surgery group, subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 1 case, DGF in 2 cases, and lumbar vein hemorrhage in 2 cases for which open surgery was performed. In the open surgery group, only one case required reoperation due to adrenal gland hemorrhage. All the kidney grafts were successfully harvested without other complications observed in the donors.Both open and laparoscopic surgeries are safe for nephrectomy in living related kidney donors, and the selection of the surgical approaches depends on the kidney and donor conditions and the surgical proficiency of the surgeons.

To study the changes in Notch1 expression on peripheral lymphocytes after acute graft rejection after renal transplantation.Twenty renal transplant recipients experiencing acute graft rejection and 20 without acute rejection were enrolled in this study. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Notch1 on peripheral lymphocytes of the patients before operation, at the occurrence of acute rejection and after anti-rejection therapy. The rates of Notch1-positive lymphocytes measured at different time points were compared between the two groups.In patients with acute graft rejection, Notch1 expression at the time of rejection onset was significantly higher than that before operation (t=4.245, P=0.000) and that of patients with graft rejection (t=3.839, P=0.000), and was obviously decreased after anti-rejection therapy (t=3.102, P=0.004). Patients without graft rejection showed no significant changes in Notch1 expression after the transplantation (P=0.409). Notch1 expression was comparable between the recipients receiving Tac therapy and those with CsA therapy (P0.05).Monitoring Notch1 expression on the peripheral lymphocytes after renal transplantation may help in the diagnosis of acute graft rejection and prediction of the effect of an anti-rejection therapy.

To identify the factors responsible for the inter-individual variations in the dosage/concentration of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients.This study involved renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with the tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisone regimen after the operation. The gender, age, height, body weight, tacrolimus dosage, hormone dosage, diarrhea, blood lipids, liver function, renal function, albumin, and hematocrit of the patients were recorded at different time points, namely in early stage (3, 7, 14, and 30 days postoperatively, 118 cases), at 3 months (103 cases), 6 months (75 cases) and over one year (119 cases) after the operation. The concentrations of tacrolimus and gene polymorphisms at CYP3A5, MDR1 3435, MDR1 2677 and MDR1 1236 were also determined in these patients. Multiple linear regression was used for analysis of these factors with tacrolimus concentration/dosage*body surface area as the independent variable.Patients in early stage following renal transplantation showed rather poor fitting of the stepwise regression model, which increased obviously 3 months after the operation and further increased till reaching a stable level at 6 months. Multiple factors were found to affect tacrolimus concentration/dosage in the early postoperative stage, during which period these factors underwent drastic variations and became stable 3 months later. In terms of pharmacogenomics, the major factors affecting tacrolimus concentration/dosage included MDR1 3435, MDR1 2677 and MDR1 1236 polymorphisms, which vastly varied between the patients early after the operation. Of these polymorphic sites, CYP3A5 produced only minor effects on tacrolimus concentration/dosage, and was not included as an active factor until the stable phase (over 1 year) following the transplantation; MDR1 3435 was found to be the predominant factor affecting tacrolimus metabolism in the stable phase. Age, liver function, albumin and hematocrit were found to be positively correlated to the independent variable tacrolimus concentration/dosage*body surface area, and identified as important factors responsible for the intra-individual variation of tacrolimus dosage/concentration.The variations in the factors affecting tacrolimus dosage/concentration after renal transplantation are consistent with the clinical features of the patients, and these factors vary with the postoperative stages. Pharmacogenomic factors produce the most conspicuous effect on tacrolimus dosage/concentration, and agents that may interfere with tacrolimus metabolism should be avoided after the operation. Age, liver function, albumin and hematocrit are also important factors responsible for the variation of tacrolimus dosage/concentration.

To study the frequency of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) antibody in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Luminex flow cytometry and beads loaded with 11 MICA antigens were used to identify the MICA antibody and evaluate the antibody specificity in 110 patients with ESRD.The positivity rate of MICA antibody was 40% (12/30) in PRA-positive patients, significantly higher than the rate of 17.5% (14/80) in PRA-negative patients (chi(2)=6.120, P=0.013). MICA-specific antibodies against 10 of the 11 MICA antigens were detected in 26 MICA antibody-positive patients, and 26.92% of the MICA antibody-positive patients had antibodies with single-specificity and 73.08% had polyspecific antibodies. Three MICA antibody-positive patients with cadaveric kidney transplantation showed good function of the graft without acute rejection 2 months after the operation.The positivity rate of MICA antibody is significantly higher in PRA-positive patients, suggesting a strong correlation between MICA and PRA positivity. The MICA antibodies are polyspecific and probably consist of IgM and IgG. These data can be used as prospective data for these ESRD patients considering potential renal transplantation, and may facilitate further investigation of the association of MICA with renal transplantation.

To explore the etiopathogenesis, therapy and incidence of pulmonary infection in kidney transplantation recipients taking new immunosuppressant.The clinical data from 752 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed, who were divided into 3 groups according to the immunosuppressants administered, namely group A (CsA+MMF+Pred, n=226), group B (FK506+MMF+Pred, n=386) and group C (FK506+Rap+Pred, n=140). The incidence and mortality of pulmonary infection were recorded and the analysis of etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary infection were carried out in the 3 groups.Fifty-three patients acquired post-transplant pulmonary infection. The incidence of pulmonary infection was 7.08% (16/226) in group A, 7.25% (28/386) in group B and 6.43% (9/140) in group C. One patient died in group A and 2 in group B. Among the 53 patients, 24 had simple bacterial infection, 9 had cytomegalovirus infection, 1 had mycotic infection, 17 had combined infection, and 2 had unidentified pathogen infection. Of the pathogenic bacteria detected, 68.35% were Gram-negative.Gram-negative bacteria are most likely responsible for pulmonary infection after kidney transplantation, which most possibly occurs within 6 months after kidney transplantation. Early diagnosis and early treatment are critical for decreasing the mortality of severe pneumonia and for improving the survival rate of the patients and grafts.

To investigate the etiology and therapy of delayed graft function (DGF) recovery in renal transplant recipients.The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed in 15 renal recipients with DGF. All the 15 patients received hemodialysis along with pulse treatment against acute rejection (AR), or immunosuppressant adjustment, or in situ retransplantation after the resection of the original transplanted kidney according to different etiological factors.Among the 15 patients, 8 developed AR, 5 showed acute renal tubular necrosis (ATN), 1 had grafting-associated renal vein embolism and 1 had acute cyclosporine nephrotoxication. The renal function recovered within 10 to 35 days after transplantation without complication during the follow-up period (0.5-3.0 years).DGF is a common complication after kidney transplantation mainly due to the occurrence of AR and ATN. Good prognosis is expected if etiology-oriented therapy is performed properly and promptly.

To investigate the effect of trichostatin A (TSA) on proliferation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression of mouse T cells in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), and explore its effect on T cell-mediated immune response.BALB/c and C57BL mouse MLC was treated with different concentrations of TSA for different durations, and the lymphocyte inhibition ratio was measured by MTT assay. With CTX as the control, one-way MLC system of BALB/c and C57BL mouse was treated with the same concentrations of TSA, and IL-2 expression in the T cells was observed by flow cytometry.TSA inhibited the proliferation of T cells in the MLC in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. It also reduced the IL-2 expression in one-way MLC dose-dependently, showing it significantly differed from the effect of CTX (P0.01).Histone deacetylase inhibitor TSA can inhibit the proliferation and reduce IL-2 expression of the T cells in MLC of mice, and therefore inhibit the T cell-mediated immune response.

To investigate the dynamics of expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an innate immune molecule, in patients early after renal transplantation and the role thereof in the renal transplantation immunity.Eighteen patients early after renal transplantation were divided into rejection group (n = 3) and non-rejection group (n = 15) according to the rejection episode record within two weeks. 1, 4, and 7 days after transplantation peripheral blood samples were collected. Three-color fluorescent staining flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and CD80 in the CD14 positive monocytes.(1) The expression rates of TLR4 in the monocytes 1, 4, and 7 days after transplantation were (21.38 +/- 16.02)%, (11.81 +/- 8.49)% and (4.15 +/- 3.80)% respectively in the non-rejection group with a downtrend; and the expression rate of TLR4 at the 7th day was significantly lower than those at the 1st and 4th days (both P0.05); the expression rates of TLR4 in the monocytes 1, 4, and 7 days after transplantation were (3.59 +/- 1.18)%, (21.5 +/- 20.54)% and (17.05 +/- 12.92)% respectively in the rejection group, showing an increasing trend, however, without significant differences among any 2 values (all P0.05). (2) The link relative ratio of TLR4 expression of day 4 vs day 1 after renal transplantation in the rejection group was significantly higher than that in the non-rejection group (P0.05). The link relative ratio of TLR4 expression of the day 7 vs day 4 after renal transplantation in the rejection group was significantly higher than that in the non-rejection group (P0.05). One case of the rejection group underwent removal of the graft because of irreversible rejection at day 5 after renal transplantation, in which the TLR4 expression rate was decreased day 7. (3) In the non-rejection group, the expression of CD80 at the days 1, 4, and 7 after transplantation displayed a downtrend, however, without significant differences between any 2 values (all P0.05). In the rejection group, the expression of CD80 1, 4, and 7 days after transplantation were elevated in different degrees, however, without significant differences between any 2 values (all P0.05).The dynamics of expression of TLR4 in the patients early after renal transplantation is accordance with their immune state. The link relative ratio of TLR4 expression in the rejection group is significantly higher than that in the non-rejection group.

To observe the dynamic changes of dendritic cells (DCs) in the renal graft of rats within 72 h after renal transplantation.Using SD rats as the donors and Wistar rats as the recipients, renal transplantation was performed in 30 pairs of rats, with another 5 donor kidneys that were not transplanted serving as the sham operation group. The transplanted kidneys were harvested at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after recovery of blood circulation, paraffin-embedded and sectioned ,followed by HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein for DC identification. The pathological changes and the DC density per glomerulus in the renal graft were observed with optical microscope.No signs of acute rejection were found in these sections. Few DCs were observed in the sham operation group and in the renal graft 1 h after transplantation. The number of DCs in the renal graft increased with time and reached the maximum 24 h after transplantation followed by gradual decrease.Within 72 h after renal transplantation, the number of DCs in the graft varies following a curve with a single peak. Increased DC density in the graft may result from recipient DC migration into the graft, and accordingly, decreased recipient DC migration results in decrease of DC density in the graft. The pattern of DC number variation in the graft can be helpful to further improve the therapy against graft rejection.

To compare the long-term effect and safety of tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporine (CsA) in kidney transplant (KT) recipients carrying hepatitis B Virus(HBV).A total of 109 patients with HBV were randomized into FK506 group (52 cases) and CsA group (57 cases) after KT, and a 2-year-long follow-up of the patients was conducted to record the patient and graft survival, incidence of acute graft rejection and postoperative liver function.The 2-year patient/graft survival was 86.0%/73.7% and 94.2%/90.3% in CsA and FK506 groups, respectively (P0.05), with incidence of acute rejection of 10.5% and 9.6% (P0.05), and rate of abnormal liver function of 26.3% and 15.4% (P0.05), respectively. Eight patients (14.4%) in CsA group required a drug conversion but none in FK506 group. The drug conversion resulted in significant reduction of ALT/AST level from 255.13+/-31.38/201.88+/-21.25 U/L to 31.25+/-11.50/25.13+/-9.68 U/L (P0.01).For HBV-carrying renal transplant recipients, FK506 as the primary choice of immunosuppressant can be more effective and safer than CsA.

To evaluate influence of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on nutritional status and immune function in early postoperative stage of liver transplantation including hepatic function, acute rejection and infection rate, in order to assess its safety in clinical use.Sixty patients with non-malignant diseases of the liver in terminal stages were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (rhGH treatment n=30) and control group (n=30). All the patients received the same nutritional support and immunodepressant treatment regimes. The patients in treatment group received rhGH 10 U hypodermically daily for 10 days 24 hours after liver transplantation. The following parameters including siderophilin, prealbumin, albumin, urea nitrogen, CD4/CD8, immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), dosage of insulin to control blood sugar (8-10 mmol/L) were determined on 1st, 4th, 8th, 14th days after the operation, and acute rejection rate after 28 days of operation (confirmed by liver acupuncture biopsy), and infection rate were also assessed.Compared with control group, levels of siderophilin, prealbumin, CD4/CD8, GH, IGF-1 within 14 days in treatment group were increased significantly 14 days after the operation (all P0.05), and level of urea nitrogen was decreased significantly (P0.05). The level of albumin in treatment group was lower than that in control group 14 days after operation (P0.05), while dosages of exogenous insulin were higher on 4th and 8th days after operation than that in control group (both P0.05). There were no significant differences in levels of AST, ALT within 14 days, or acute rejection rate and infection rate within 28 days between two groups (all P0.05).rhGH can accelerate recovery of nutritional status in the early liver transplantation period. It does not show superiority in improving immune function and influence on recovery of hepatic function, acute rejection or infection rate. The safety has been challenged by inducing high blood sugar as a side effect.

To investigate the association between transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) gene polymorphism and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).Fifty patients with failed renal allografts and clinically and histopathologically confirmed CAN were enrolled in this study along with another 50 renal transplant recipients with normal graft function. The DNA extracted from whole blood of the patients was amplified with PCR with sequence-specific primers for determining TGF-beta1 genotypes (position +869, codon 10 and position +915, codon 25). According to documented descriptions, the patients were classified into high and moderate-to-low cytokine production genotypes. The distribution frequencies of high production genotypes was then compared between CAN and non-CAN groups. To eliminate interference in the analysis of the association between TGF-beta1 polymorphism and CAN, other possible risk factors for CAN were screened, including the patients' gender, age, HLA match, delayed graft function, acute rejection, immunosuppressive regimen, cytomegalovirus infection, hypertension, and high cholesterol.CAN patients showed significantly greater proportion of high cytokine production genotype than the non-CAN group [70% (35/50) vs 38% (19/50), Chi(2)=10.306, P=0.001). Of the screened risk factors for CAN, only acute rejection showed some difference between the two groups, but analysis after subgrouping according to acute rejection did not suggest its influence on CAN, which supports the result that the rate of high production genotype was significantly higher in CAN group than in the non-CAN group.Most CAN patients have high TGF-beta1 production genotype, which might be a risk factor for CAN after renal transplantation. TGF-beta1 genotyping can be of value in predicting the risk of CAN after renal transplantation.

To study the influence of different nutritional regimes on the stress hyperglycemia and the outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation, for the purpose of optimizing nutritional regime for early post-operative period.One hundred and seventy-two patients who received liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced hepatic function failure or end-stage cirrhosis were enrolled, and the post-operative complications and length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) were retrospectively analyzed, in regard to high caloric (HC) or low caloric (LC) nutritional regime with their blood glucose controlled to a optimal level.After the liver transplantation, those patients who were supplied with LC (83.7-104.6 kJ.kg(-1).d(-1)), energized stepwise with higher fat ratio (sugar:fat=50%:35%) with blood glucose being maintained8 mmol/L, had less exogenous insulin requirement (P0.01), lower infection-related mortality rate (P0.05), and shortened weaning from mechanical ventilation time and length of stay in ICU (both P0.05), compared with those who were supplied with HC nutrition (125.5-146.4 kJ.kg(-1).d(-1)) with routine sugar and fat ratio (55%:35%), and blood glucose maintained at the same level. However, there was no significant differences in serum bilirubin contents, incidences of poor healing of incision and anastomosis as well as hypoglycemia, and extrinsic albumin requirement between two groups.LC nutrition regime and controlling the blood glucose8 mmol/L during the early post-operative period may reduce the incidence of post-operative complications without influencing the prognosis.

To discuss adequate application of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in hepatitis C patients after kidney transplantation.A one-year follow-up study was conducted in 49 patients with hepatitis C but normal liver function before kidney transplantation, who were given postoperatively immunosuppressants of predisone, MMF and CsA/FK506. Patients with abnormal liver function after kidney transplantation who continued MMF therapy at routine dose and those with reduced or suspended MMF therapy all received intravenous therapy for liver protection, and the duration of therapies was recorded.Nineteen patients presented with abnormal liver function after operation, and the duration of abnormal liver function till recovery was 32.82-/+4.13 days in the patients with unsuspended MMF therapy and 13.31-/+2.98 days in those with reduced or suspended MMF (P0.05); the former patients required subsequently 62.7-/+3.23 days to recover normal liver function and the latter need only 23.4-/+2.29 days (P0.05).MMF should be reduced or suspended when liver function abnormality occurred in patients with hepatitis C after kidney transplantation, and immediate intravenous therapy for liver protection may prove beneficial.

To investigate the risk factors of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS).The clinical records of 26 patients undergoing renal transplantation in our hospital between 2000 and 2005 were retrospectively analyzed, whose final diagnosis of TRAS was established on the basis of arteriographic findings. A case-control group of 52 post-renal transplantation patients were sampled by stratified randomization, whose blood pressure and renal graft function were without complications of avascularity or urinary passage. The two groups were matched for the operation time, gender, age, primary diseases, blood type, PRA and HLA matching and use of immunosuppressants. Possible events related to TRAS such as cold ischemia time, acute rejection, delayed graft function and approaches of arterial anastomosis were compared.Fifteen patients (57.7%) with TRAS had a history of acute rejection episode, 7 (26.9%) had delayed graft function, both rates of which were higher than those in the control group (P0.05). The cold ischemic time and type of arterial anastomosis showed no significant effect on TRAS occurrence (P0.05).Post-transplant renal artery stenosis is closely associated with acute rejection and delayed graft function but not with the cold ischemic time or the type of arterial anastomosis.

To summarize the treatment experience of long-term surviving patients after combined abdominal organ transplantation.From October 2001 to January 2005, 19 patients received combined abdominal organ transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, including 6 with simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT), 12 with combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT), and 1 with simultaneous liver-pancreas transplantation (SLPT). The periods of follow up were from 6 months to 3 years and 8 months. Summarize primary diseases of the patients, factors which impacted on patients long-term survival rate, and immunological characteristics of combined abdominal organ transplantation.All of 19 transplant cases were performed successfully. Among then, 18 were followed up; 16 survived till now; 2 patients undergoing liver-kidney transplantation were dead, one of which died from myocardial infarction in the 18 months after operation, and one died from cytomegalovirus in infection of lung in 13 months; 1 liver-kidney transplantation patient and 2 pancreas-liver transplantation patients experienced acute rejection once; 2 patients were found nephrotoxicity. Among the 18 patients, 4 patients' survival time were over 3 years, 7 over 2 years, 6 over 1 year, 1 over 10 months.Combined abdominal organ transplantation is effective for treatment of two abdominal organ failure diseases. Factors which impact on patients long-term surviving include choosing suitable recipient, high quality of donated organ, avoidance of surgical complication, the history of myocardial infarction before operation, immunosuppressive regime and virus infection late after transplantation. Combined abdominal organ transplantation has some different immunological characteristics from single organ transplantation.

To explore the clinical significance of early diagnose and treatment of subclinical renal allograft rejection.Ninety-six renal allograft recipients (54 male and 42 female) with normal renal function aged 17 to 58 years (mean 37.5 years) were included in this study. Early subclinical rejection was diagnosed 3 months after the transplantation by color Doppler examination.Patients with early subclinical rejection were given methylpredisolone followed by adjustment of immunosuppressive regimens, and no difference was observed in 3-year survival rate between these patients and those with normal renal allograft findings.Early diagnosis and treatment of subclinical renal allograft rejection is significant to improve renal allograft survival rate.

To investigate the effect of treatment on end-stage liver disease and type-I diabetes mellitus with simultaneous liver-pancreas-duodenum transplantation.In September 2003, one patient with chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hepatic cellular cancer, and insulin-dependent diabetes received simultaneous orthotopic liver and heterotopic pancreas-duodenum transplantation. Liver and pancreas graft function was monitored after transplantation.The function of pancreas allograft was recovered immediately and the patient became insulin-independence postoperatively. The liver allograft was experienced an acute rejection episode and reversed by intravenous bolus methylprednisolone. The recipient was currently liver disease-free and insulin-free more than 21 months.The simultaneous liver-pancreas-duodenum transplantation is an effective method in the treatment of end-stage liver disease and type-I diabetes mellitus.

To compare the characteristics of three- and two-color flow cytometry for immunologic surveillance of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) after renal transplantation.The expressions of CD14, TLR4 and CD80 in peripheral blood monocytes were measured in 10 patients after renal transplantation by three- and two-color fluorescent staining flow cytometry, respectively. The percentages of TLR4 and CD80 in CD14-positive monocytes were calculated, and the characteristics of two methods of flow cytometry were compared.The two detection methods did not significantly differ in their detection of TLR4 (P=0.198) and CD80 (P=0.872) expressions in CD14-positive monocytes, and the measurements of the two methods for the same sample showed positive correlation (r=1, P=0.000 for TLR4 and r=0.999, P=0.000 for CD80). Three-color flow cytometry was also capable of detecting monocytes positive for both TLR4 and CD80. Compared with two-color flow cytometry, three-color flow cytometry provided more information and required less blood sample and monoclonal antibody.Three- and two-color flow cytometry have almost the same accuracy in immunologic surveillance of TLR4 after renal transplantation. The former method also provides information of the simultaneous expression of TLR4 and its down stream molecule CD80, which could be critical for imploring the mechanisms by which TLR4 takes part in alloimmunity through modulating CD80 expression, and requires less blood sample and monoclonal antibody.

To detect the expression of CD95 and CD95L mRNAs after liver transplantation and investigate the role of CD95 and CD95L in acute liver allograft rejection.The expressions of CD95 and CD95L mRNAs of peripheral blood lymphocyte from 56 liver allograft recipients were examined using SYBR real-time PCR.CD95 and CD95L mRNA levels in the recipients with acute rejection were significantly higher than those without rejection (P0.01), and the elevation occurred about 2 days earlier than that of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.CD95 and CD95L are related to acute liver allograft rejection and their mRNA expression level may serve as an indicator for prediction and diagnosis of acute rejection episodes.

To evaluate the correlation between the quality of donor renal grafts and graft rejection.The cold ischemia time and the pathological findings by biopsies of the donor grafts in 87 cases were analyzed in conjunction with the occurrence of acute or chronic graft rejection after transplantation.After transplantation, acute rejection occurred in 28 cases, in which 5 (17.8%) had adverse changes in the donor grafts; chronic allograft nephropathy developed in 13 cases, in which 6 (46.1%) had adverse changes in the donor grafts. By binary logistic regression analysis, the cold ischemia time and acute renal tubular injury were identified as the factors affecting acute graft rejection, and cold ischemia time and glomeruloserosis as the risk factors for chronic rejection.High-quality donor kidney and minimization of the risk factors help reduce the occurrence of graft rejection after kidney transplantation.

To summarize the experience with perioperative management of multiorgan transplantation.From October 2001 to January 2005, 19 patients received multiorgan transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, including 6 with simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT), 12 with combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT), and 1 with simultaneous liver-pancreas transplantation (SLPT). The surgical techniques, application of immunosuppressants, and complication management were reviewed.All transplantation procedures were performed successfully. The transplantation-related complications included tacrolimus-induced renal toxicosis in 1 (5.3%) case, acute graft rejection in 3 (15.8%) cases, intestinal hemorrhage in 2 (10.5%) cases, intra-abdominal hemorrhage in 1 (5.3%) case, and lung infection in 1 (5.3%) case, all of which were cured after proper treatment.Donor selection, good quality of the donor organ, proper surgical approaches, adequate use of the-mmunosuppressants, and prevention of complications are essential to the success of multiorgan transplantation.

To investigate the causes, prevention measures and treatment of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities (LDVT) following renal transplantation.Thirty-eight renal transplant recipients who developed LDVT following the transplantation were analyzed for the causes, evidence for diagnosis, prevention measures and treatment of LDVT.The 38 cases were diagnosed by B-mode ultrasound and systemic medical history review and after timely and effective therapy, all the patients recovered between 3 to 20 d, showing evidence of establishment of efficient collateral circulation as found in color Doppler ultrasound examination.Following renal transplantation, the recipients are exposed to greater risks of developing LDVT, for which B-mode ultrasound provides the most effective diagnosis. The patients generally respond well to timely interventions with anticoagulation, clot removal and thrombolysis, and preventive measures are indicated in those at high risk of LDVT following transplantation.

To investigate the relationship of the renal allograft weight and the recipient's body weight with allograft function after transplantation.The correlation of the renal allograft weight, the recipient's body weight, the ratio of the allograft weight to the recipient body weight and the mean serum creatinine (sCr) 3 years after transplantation were measured in 108 kidney recipients.The allograft weight was inversely correlated with the mean sCr 3 years after transplantation (P0.01).The renal allograft weight, recipient's body weight and the ratio of allograft weight to recipient's body weight are important indicators of the long-term allograft function after transplantation, and recipients with greater body weight should receive allografts of higher weight.

To summarize the experiences of pneumatic lithotripsy under ureteroscope for pyonephrosis due to calculus obstruction.Twelve patients with pyonephrosis due to calculus obstruction were treated using endoscopic manipulation such as ureteroscopy, pneumatic lithotripsy and indwelling double J catheter.In the 12 cases, the ureteral calculi were cleared after one treatment in 10 cases, and the other 2 cases were cured by additional extracorporeal shock-wave lithotomy performed 1 to 2 weeks later.Ureteroscopic manipulation is safe, minimally invasive and effective for the treatment of pyonephrosis due to calculus obstruction.

To study the influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the clinical outcome of kidney transplantation.The recipient/graft survival, the incidence of acute/chronic rejection and cause of death in 86 HCV-infected recipients of renal transplantation were compared with those in another 86 recipients without HCV infection.HCV-infected recipients had significantly shorter 5-year survival (74.4%) than those without HCV infection (87.2%, P0.01). The 1-year (94.2%/90.7% vs 96.8%/96.0%) and 3-year recipient/graft survival rates (88.4%/79.1% vs 90.7%/87.2%), the incidence of acute/chronic rejection (31.3% vs 21.2%, and 12.5% vs 6.5%) and the 5-year graft survival (73.3%/81.4%) were comparable between the two groups (P0.05). Hepatic disease was identified as the primary cause of mortality.HCV infection may affect the long-term survival of the recipients with kidney transplantation, and therefore should be considered as a relative contraindication of kidney transplantation.

To compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (FK506)- versus cyclosporine (CsA)-based immunosuppression protocol in the treatment of patients with renal transplantation for diabetic end-stage renal disease.A total of 64 patients with end-stage renal disease were randomized into FK506 (n=33) and CsA (n=31) group after cadaveric renal transplantation, the former group adopting small-dose FK506 therapy with low trough concentration, and the latter receiving CsA therapy. The dose of insulin was adjusted according to blood glucose level of the patients after the operation. The incidence of acute rejections, blood glucose level, the dose of insulin and changes in blood pressure, lipid metabolism and liver function were compared between the two groups.The 1-year patient/graft survival rates were 96.97%/93.94% in FK506 group and 96.77%/90.32% in CsA group. Four patients (12.12%) developed acute rejection in the FK506 group, while 11 (35.48%) did in the CsA group during the first year after the operation (P0.05). The dose of the insulin of the FK506 group (34.35 U/d, 14.09 U/d) was not significantly different from that in the CsA group (28.15 U/d, 13.05 U/d) at the first month and 1 year after the operation (P0.05). One year after the operation, 21 patients (63.63%) required anti-hypertension treatment, 5 (15.15%) needed anti-hyperlipidemia treatment and 3 (9.09%) had abnormal liver function in FK506 group, while in the CsA group, 28 patients (90.32%) needed anti-hypertension therapy, 13 (41.94%) received anti-hyperlipidemia treatment and 11 (35.48%) showed signs of abnormal liver function, with significant differences between the two groups.Small-dose FK506 therapy with low concentrations is effective in the postoperative management of patients with renal transplantation for diabetic end-stage renal disease, with only mild adverse effect. FK506 is comparable with CsA in terms of the effect on glucose metabolism of the patients.

To investigate the effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on of endothelium-dependent NO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) relaxation of.The organ chamber technique was employed to study rabbit renal artery rings. By inhibiting the PGI2 relaxation pathway with hypoxia-reoxygenation of the renal artery rings, followed by inhibition of NO and EDHF relaxation pathways respectively, the effects of hypoxia-reoxygenation on NO and EDHF relaxation were observed.Hypoxia-reoxygenation decreased the endothelial NO relaxation of rabbit renal rings, but the endothelial EDHF relaxation.Hypoxia-reoxygenation may injure endothelium-derived NO relaxation, but not the endothelium-derived EDHF relaxation of rabbit renal rings.

To explore the possible causes of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) in cadaveric transplant recipients.We retrospectively analyzed multiple factors that may contribute to TRAS (including the patients' age, presence of diabetes, cold ischemic time, acute rejection episode, cytomegalovirus infection, serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, pre-operative dialysis, number of donor renal arteries, which side of donor kidney, type of surgical anastomosis, different protocols of inductive and maintenance drug therapy) in 18 recipients with transplant renal artery stenosis after cadveric renal transplantation from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2001 in comparison with another 566 non-TRAS recipients who underwent the transplantation during the same period.There was a higher incidence of acute rejection in the TRAS group than non-TRAS group (66.67% vs 5.48%, P0.01), and no significant difference was noted between TRAS and non-TRAS cases in terms of the pre-operative dialysis, presence of diabetes, cold ischemic time, number of donor renal arteries, whith side of donor kidney, type of surgical anastomosis, different protocols of inductive and maintenance drug therapy, cytomegalovirus infections and serum and LDL cholesterols.The occurrence of TRAS in cadaveric allografts is associated with acute graft rejection episode, suggesting the importance of the treatment of acute graft rejection in the prevention of TRAS.

To establish a simple and reliable rat model of simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation.The simultaneous transplantation was performed in healthy male SD rats as the recipients and other SD rats of either gender as the donors. The donor liver and kidney were resected simultaneously and grafted into the recipients whose corresponding organs were previously removed. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vein cava (IVC) inferior to the kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, followed by end-to-side anastomosis of the IVC superior to the liver between the donor and the recipient. The urethra and bile duct were anastomised using a simple inside bracket.The time for blood vessel anastomosis and for recipient operation were reduced, with a success rate of 73.3% in the operations. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal.This rat model of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation is simple and reliable.

To investigate the incidence and cause of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) and explore its diagnosis and management.A retrospective study was conducted in 10 TRAS cases confirmed by selective artery angiography between 2000 and 2001.Seven patients had a history of acute rejection episode, balloon angioplasty was per-formed in 9 patients, and stent implantation in 1 patient. Revascularization resulted in a decrease in arterial pressure and renal function improvement in all but 1 case. Restenosis occurred in 2 of the 9 patients receiving balloon angioplasty, but after stent implantation, their renal function was improved. Serious graft failure occurred in 1 case, resulting eventually in renal graft loss.TRAS is related to episodes of acute rejection. Doppler ultrasonography is useful in screening of TRAS, the definite diagnosis of which relies on artery angiography, and angioplasty constitutes an effective therapeutic modality.

To evaluate the role of panel reactive antibody (PRA) screening and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing in renal transplantation.PRA screening and HLA typing were performed in 1 700 patients eligible for the first group of renal transplantation who had 3 to 6 HLA matches in HLA-A, B and DR with the donor, and in cases positive for PRA, plasma exchange was conducted. Another 423 patients who did not receive PRA screening or HLA typing constituted the second group. The changes of immune variables, incidences of acute rejection and the effect of HLA-A, B, DR matching on long-term graft survival were observed.In 1 700 cases of group 1, post-transplantation CsA dose was reduced to 5 to 7 mg*kg(-1)*d(-1) and the graft function recovery time ranged from 2 to 16 d, averaging 5 d. Acute graft rejection occurred in 252 (14.8%) cases, but no hyper-acute rejection was observed. The 1-, 3- and 5-year patient/graft survival rates were 98.6%/96.7%, 93.1%/87.3% and 88.1%/83.6% respectively. In group 2, CsA dose ranged from 8 to 12 mg*kg(-1)*d(-1) and the graft function recovery time was 4 to 30 d, averaging 13 d. Hyper-acute rejection occurred in 9 (2.1%) and acute rejection in 198 (46.8%) cases, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year patient/graft survival rates were 86.7%/76.3%, 72.5%/67.9% and 69.5%/59.3% respectively.Negative PRA and good HLA matching can eliminate the incidences of hyper-acute rejection, decrease the rate of acute rejection and improve both patient and graft survival rates.

To establish rabbit model of renal allograft transplantation with reduced complications and high survival rate using microsurgical technique.Twelve healthy adult rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups of equal number, one as donor group and the other recipient. The left kidneys of the donor rabbits were removed followed by immediate reperfusion with 4 degrees celsius H-CA solution, before they were transplanted into the recipient rabbits with their left kidneys excised and end-to-end anastomosis of the renal arteries, veins and ureter respectively performed with microsurgical technique. Another 12 normal rabbits received operations to temporarily block the right renal arteries and veins, serving as control group, in which 11 completed the experiment.No thrombosis or stricture occurred at the site of anastomosis in rabbits with renal allograft transplantation, and the survival rate reached 91.7% (11/12).This rabbit model of renal allograft transplantation has markedly fewer complications with improved survival rate, thus providing a more practical and reliable model for experimental and clinical studies of renal transplantation.

To evaluate the management of acute rejection (AR) after kidney transplantation and investigate the factors influencing the clinical outcome of the patients.A retrospective study was conducted in 86 cases of AR developed after primary kidney transplantation in the light of therapeutic measures, clinical outcome and prognosis.Among these patients, 81 survived AR after treatment. In patients with pulse treatment with methylprednisolone (MP), 48 out of 68 managed to survive the crises, while in those who received ATG as the first line drug therapy 10 out of 11 patients survived and in other cases, 6 out of 7 did due to first-line OKT3 administration. All the 20 patients who did not respond to MP received ATG or OKT3 instead, with 14 recovered. Of the 8 patients who failed to be cured by the management above, 6 with previous CSA treatment took FK506 and 3 were consequently cured. Five patients lost the allografts because of uncontrollable infection, allograft rupture or thrombosis.MP therapy is still the most commonly used primary treatment for acute rejection episodes. Increase of SCr by more than 10% on days 2 and 3 of MP therapy indicates poor prognosis. ATG or OKT3 can be effective against acute rejection not only as first-line but also as second-line drug. In condition of steroid-resistant rejection when ATG and OKT3 fail to manage, a change to baseline immunosuppression may be considered as the replacement of CSA with FK506.