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Sequential changes in plasma selenium concentration after cadaveric renal transplantation
G J Morris-Stiff1, D A Oleesky, S C Smith
1Welsh Transplantation Research Group, Department of Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK. garethmorrisstiff@hotmail.com
The British Journal of Surgery
|March 3, 2004
Summary
Low plasma selenium levels are common at kidney transplant but typically normalize within three months. However, lower selenium in patients experiencing acute rejection or cytomegalovirus infection warrants further study regarding chronic graft nephropathy risk.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Immunology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Previous studies indicate lower plasma selenium in chronic graft nephropathy (CGN) patients versus healthy controls.
- Understanding the timing of selenium level changes post-transplant is crucial.
- Exploring selenium's link to CGN risk factors is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine when low plasma selenium concentrations emerge during the kidney transplant process.
- To investigate the association between selenium levels and CGN risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Plasma selenium concentrations were measured in 40 kidney transplant recipients (cyclosporin or tacrolimus).
- Samples were collected pre-transplant and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant.
Main Results:
- Low plasma selenium was observed in 30 patients pre-transplant, normalizing for most by 3 months.
- Post-transplant selenium levels (3, 6, 12 months) were higher than baseline.
- Significantly lower selenium at 3 months was noted in patients with clinical acute rejection (CAR) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
Conclusions:
- Low plasma selenium is frequent at transplantation but generally resolves.
- Low selenium in patients experiencing CAR or CMV suggests a potential link to CGN.
- Further research into the selenium-CGN relationship is warranted.
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