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The oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in pediatric liver graft recipients
R Ganschow1, J Albani, X Rogiers
1Department of Pediatrics, Ped. Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Hamburg, Germany. ganschow@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Background:
Data on the oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) after solid organ transplantation are very limited. We hypothesized that immunosuppressive agents reduce the capacity of PMN to produce reactive oxygen species, such as O2(-), H2O2, OH, and OCL(-) leading to an increased susceptibility to infectious complications after liver transplantation.
Methods:
A lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) assay was used with soluble and particulate stimuli to study the oxidative metabolism of PMN in pediatric liver graft recipients. Sixteen patients (median age: 2.4 yr) were enrolled in a prospective study and integrated CL response was compared with the CL activity of 29 healthy controls.
Results:
In the second week post-transplant, we found a significantly reduced CL activity. Pre-operatively, and after lowering steroids and cyclosporin A (CsA) the oxidative burst was normal.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that CsA and steroids may not only influence T and B cells but also PMN, which may be a relevant factor for the incidence of infectious complications in pediatric liver graft recipients.
Insights
Immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine A and steroids may impair polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) oxidative metabolism in pediatric liver transplant patients. This reduced immune function could increase infection risk post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Limited data exists on polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) oxidative metabolism post-solid organ transplantation.
- Immunosuppressive agents are hypothesized to reduce PMN reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- This reduction may increase susceptibility to infections following liver transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of immunosuppressive agents on PMN oxidative metabolism in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
- To compare PMN oxidative function in patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) assay to assess PMN oxidative metabolism.
- Employed soluble and particulate stimuli in pediatric liver graft recipients (n=16).
- Compared integrated CL response with that of healthy controls (n=29).
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced CL activity was observed in the second week post-transplant.
- Pre-operative and post-steroid/cyclosporine A (CsA) reduction showed normal oxidative burst.
- PMN oxidative metabolism was impaired during immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporine A (CsA) and steroids may affect PMN function beyond T and B cells.
- Impaired PMN oxidative capacity could be a factor in infectious complications.
- This finding has implications for managing pediatric liver graft recipients.
