Metabolic syndrome after renal transplantation

Obesity and hyperlipidemia are common findings after kidney transplantation (Tx), and may represent independent risk factors for development of atherosclerosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In a prospective metabolic study, we monitored a total of 68 obese transplant patients (body mass index > 30 kg/m2) with dyslipidemia. We compared findings of a new therapeutic regimen 1 year (at baseline) and 2 years after renal transplantation. Using the Subjective Global Assessment, at the end of the first year an Individualized Hypoenergetic-Hypolipidemic diet was initiated. Subsequently, after withdrawal of corticosteroids IHHD was regularly supplemented with statins (atorvastatin 10-20 mg/day) and followed-up for 2 years. All patients were on a regimen of cyclosporin A or tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. During the study period, there was a significant decrease in BMI (p<0.25) and an increase in adiponectin levels (p<0.01). Long-term therapy was associated with a significant decrease in serum leptin (p<0.01) and lipid metabolism parameters (p<0.01). Insulin clearance mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria and apo-lipoprotein E isoforms did not differ significantly. Based on our results, we can assume that obesity and hyperlipidemia after renal transplantation can be effectively treated by modified immunosuppression (corticosteroid withdrawal), statins and long-term diet (IHHD). The increased levels of adiponectin may be a marker of reduced atherosclerosis and chronic allograft nephropathy.