Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
A Rat Orthotopic Renal Transplantation Model for Renal Allograft Rejection
Published on: February 2, 2022
Emerging role of gasotransmitters in renal transplantation
P M Snijder1, E van den Berg, M Whiteman
1Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Once patients with kidney disease progress to end-stage renal failure, transplantation is the preferred option of treatment resulting in improved quality of life and reduced mortality compared to dialysis. Although 1-year survival has improved considerably, graft and patient survival in the long term have not been concurrent, and therefore new tools to improve long-term graft and patient survival are warranted. Over the past decades, the gasotransmitters nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have emerged as potent cytoprotective mediators in various diseases. All three gasotransmitters are endogenously produced messenger molecules that possess vasodilatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties by influencing an array of intracellular signaling processes. Although many regulatory functions of gasotransmitters have overlapping actions, differences have also been reported. In addition, crosstalk between NO, CO and H2S results in synergistic regulatory effects. Endogenous and exogenous manipulation of gasotransmitter levels modulates several processes involved in renal transplantation. This review focuses on mechanisms of gas-mediated cytoprotection and complex interactions between gasotransmitters in renal transplantation.
Insights
Kidney transplant patients benefit from gasotransmitters like nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These molecules offer cytoprotective effects, improving long-term transplant survival.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Kidney transplantation is preferred over dialysis for end-stage renal failure, improving quality of life and reducing mortality.
- While 1-year survival rates post-transplant are high, long-term graft and patient survival remain a challenge.
- New strategies are needed to enhance long-term outcomes in renal transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cytoprotective mechanisms of gasotransmitters in renal transplantation.
- To explore the interactions and synergistic effects of nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in this context.
- To highlight the potential of modulating gasotransmitter levels for improved transplant outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gasotransmitters and renal transplantation.
- Analysis of the endogenous production and exogenous administration of NO, CO, and H2S.
- Examination of the signaling pathways and cytoprotective properties (vasodilatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant) of gasotransmitters.
Main Results:
- Gasotransmitters (NO, CO, H2S) are endogenously produced molecules with significant cytoprotective roles.
- These molecules exhibit overlapping yet distinct vasodilatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant functions.
- Crosstalk between NO, CO, and H2S can lead to synergistic beneficial effects in cellular processes.
Conclusions:
- Modulation of gasotransmitter levels, through endogenous or exogenous means, can impact renal transplantation processes.
- Understanding the complex interactions of gasotransmitters is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Gasotransmitter-mediated cytoprotection holds promise for improving long-term graft and patient survival in kidney transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management