Molecular markers in stored kidneys using perfluorocarbon-based preservation solution: preliminary results

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Organ preservation science
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Delayed graft function (DGF) is a significant challenge in kidney transplantation.
• Cold ischemia during organ storage is a known risk factor for DGF.
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) offer enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity for preservation solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel PFC-based preservation solution (PFC-UW) on kidney tissue.
• To assess histological and molecular changes in stored kidneys using PFC-UW versus standard UW solution.
• To investigate the potential of PFCs to mitigate ischemia-induced damage in kidney transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Kidney transplantation model using ACI rats.
• Perfusion of donor kidneys with either University of Wisconsin (UW) solution or PFC-UW solution.
• Storage of kidneys at 4°C for 12, 24, and 36 hours.
• Intragraft histological evaluation and analysis of HO-1 and iNOS mRNA levels.

Main Results:

• Kidneys stored with PFC-UW solution showed elevated HO-1 mRNA levels at 24 hours compared to the control group.
• A decrease in iNOS mRNA levels was observed in the study group (PFC-UW) at 24 hours.
• Histological evaluation supported the molecular findings, indicating reduced ischemia-induced damage.

Conclusions:

• PFC-UW solution led to HO-1 overexpression and iNOS underexpression in kidney tissue after 24 hours of storage.
• These findings suggest that enhanced oxygen delivery via PFCs in preservation solutions may activate cytoprotective mechanisms.
• PFC-based solutions show promise for improving kidney graft viability and reducing DGF in transplantation.