HSP-72 expression in pre-transplant donor kidney biopsies and post-transplant outcome

In experimental transplant models, upregulation of renal heat shock proteins (HSP) represents a new therapeutic tool to improve allograft survival. In this clinical study, we hypothesized that HSP-72 expression in pretransplant donor kidney biopsies predicts posttransplant outcome. Expression of HSP-72 in pretransplant biopsies was assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in 82 consecutive renal transplantations and clinical data were collected prospectively during the first six months posttransplant. Renal tubular expression of HSP-72 was low and not influenced by donor-, graft-, or procedure-related risk factors. Neither strength nor pattern of pretransplant HSP-72 staining discriminated allografts with complicated (40%) posttransplant courses from those without complications (60%). The low HSP-72 expression in pretransplant donor kidney biopsies failed to predict delayed graft function or acute rejection. These findings suggest that constitutive HSP-72 gene expression at the time of engraftment does not play a role in graft protection.