Eosinophils in acute renal allograft rejection

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Transplantation Science

Background:

• Tissue eosinophils are implicated in allograft rejection and graft loss.
• The specific role of eosinophils in acute renal allograft rejection requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of eosinophils in acute renal allograft rejection.
• To assess the diagnostic value of tissue and peripheral blood eosinophil counts in predicting acute rejection and graft loss.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 114 renal biopsies from patients with acute allograft rejection.
• Comparison with 26 control biopsies.
• Quantification of tissue eosinophil density and peripheral blood eosinophilia.

Main Results:

• Higher median tissue eosinophil density and peripheral blood eosinophilia were observed in acute rejection grades compared to controls.
• Significant percentages of rejection biopsies showed elevated tissue eosinophil density (> or = 1 eosinophil/µm² x 10⁶) and peripheral blood eosinophilia (> or = 4%).
• Elevated tissue eosinophil density in biopsies was significantly associated with graft loss in acute rejection.

Conclusions:

• Tissue eosinophils and peripheral blood eosinophilia are elevated during acute renal allograft rejection.
• Tissue eosinophil density demonstrates potential as a diagnostic marker for acute rejection and predicting graft loss.