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Survival after pancreas transplantation in patients with diabetes and preserved kidney function.

CONTEXT: Solitary pancreas transplantation (ie, pancreas alone or pancreas-after-kidney) for diabetes mellitus remains controversial due to procedure-associated morbidity/mortality, toxicity of immunosuppression, expense, and unproven effects on the secondary complications of diabetes. Whether transplantation offers a survival advantage over conventional therapies for diabetes is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between solitary pancreas transplantation and survival in patients with diabetes and preserved kidney function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Retrospective observational cohort study conducted at 124 transplant centers in the United States, in 11 572 patients with diabetes mellitus on the waiting list for pancreas transplantation (pancreas alone, pancreas-after-kidney, or simultaneous pancreas-kidney) at the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2000. All patients receiving a multiorgan (other than simultaneous pancreas-kidney) transplant were excluded, as were those listed for solitary pancreas transplantation who had a serum creatinine level greater than 2 mg/dL (176.8 micromol/L) at time of listing, or who ultimately received a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause mortality within 4 years following transplantation (or within a comparable time on the waiting list for the group not undergoing transplantation). RESULTS: Overall relative risk of all-cause mortality for transplant recipients (compared with patients awaiting the same procedure) over 4 years of follow-up was 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-2.53; P =.06) for pancreas transplant alone, 1.42 (95% CI, 1.03-1.94; P =.03) for pancreas-after-kidney transplant, and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.39-0.48) for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. Transplant patient 1- and 4-year survival rates were 96.5% and 85.2% for pancreas transplant alone, respectively, and 95.3% and 84.5% for pancreas-after-kidney transplant, while 1- and 4-year survival rates for patients on the waiting list were 97.6% and 92.1% for pancreas transplant alone, respectively, and 97.1% and 88.1% for pancreas-after-kidney transplant. CONCLUSION: From 1995-2000, survival for those with diabetes and preserved kidney function and receiving a solitary pancreas transplant was significantly worse compared with the survival of waiting-list patients receiving conventional therapy.

Adolescent↗

Conversion of pancreas allograft rejection to acceptance by liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver allografts of PVG(RT1c)-->DA(RT1a) are spontaneously accepted, whereas pancreas, heart, and kidney allografts are rejected. Our previous studies have shown that simultaneous liver and pancreas transplantation prevents pancreas allograft rejection. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of liver transplantation on subsequent pancreas allografts and on ongoing pancreas rejection. METHODS: Heterotopic, duct-ligated segmental pancreas grafts were transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic recipients (60 mg/kg body weight i.p.) with or without orthotopic liver grafting at different times. Experimental design was as follows. Group 1 received PVG-->PVG pancreas syngrafts (n=6); group 2, PVG-->DA pancreas allografts (n=7); groups 3-5, PVG-->DA pancreas allografts followed by liver transplantation on day 2 (n=6), on day 4 (n=5), and on day 6 (n=5), respectively, group 6, PVG-->DA pancreas allografts after liver transplantation at 4 weeks (n=6). RESULTS: The results showed that pancreas allografts in group 2 were rejected from postoperative day 7 to 13. Liver transplantation prevented subsequent pancreas allograft rejection in group 6. Ongoing pancreas rejection was reversed by liver transplantation with subsequent graft acceptance in groups 3-5. Significant graft-infiltrating lymphocyte apoptosis was demonstrated at 2 weeks in pancreas transplants associated with liver grafting. Graft-versus-host disease was not detected in the pancreas recipients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that pancreas allografts in the PVG-->DA combination are rejected rapidly with median survival time of 9 days. Liver transplantation can protect subsequent pancreas grafts from rejection and reverse ongoing pancreas graft rejection with subsequent pancreatic acceptance. Graft-infiltrating lymphocyte apoptosis may be associated with the process of graft acceptance.

Animals↗

Effect of core pancreas temperature during cadaveric procurement on human islet isolation and functional viability.

BACKGROUND: Success of human pancreatic islet isolation depends largely on the techniques used during pancreas procurement and the quality of the gland. Warm ischemia of the pancreas of any duration during organ procurement may be detrimental to subsequent islet yield and functional viability of the islets. The aim of this study was to correlate pancreas procurement technique with the core temperature within the pancreas during in situ procurement to the recovery and in vitro function of isolated human islets. METHODS: Alternative pancreata were recovered from human cadaveric organ donors with needle-point myocardial temperature probes placed within the body of the pancreas. After vascular flushing with University of Wisconsin organ preservation solution, the first group of human pancreata were removed after standard liver and kidney procurement followed by in situ dissection of the pancreas. The second group of pancreata were removed using a similar protocol, except that the lesser sac was opened (and the spleen was mobilized to the midline) rapidly at the time of aortic cross-clamp. An additional 3-4 L of ice slush solution was placed behind and in front of the pancreas and replenished throughout the procurement process for the liver and kidneys. Immediately after recovery, in both groups, the pancreas was placed in cold University of Wisconsin solution and transported to the islet isolation laboratory for processing. Islets were isolated using a standard protocol of Liberase perfusion via the duct, gentle mechanical dissociation, and Ficoll purification. RESULTS: The absence of in situ ice-chilling of the entire pancreas during liver and kidney procurement caused the core pancreas temperature to rise to a peak of 18.2 degrees C; but when the pancreas was surrounded and replenished with iced saline slush, the core pancreas temperature was maintained at approximately 4 degrees C. The lower pancreas temperature correlated with a significantly higher recovery of islets in the group of pancreata surrounded with iced saline (223+/-35x10(3) IE vs. 103+/-26x10(3) IE; mean +/- SEM). Functional ability of the islets was also significantly improved in glucose static incubation, with a stimulation index of 4.4+/-0.3 in the iced-saline pancreas group versus 3.0+/-0.4 in the standard procurement group (P<0.05, paired t test). CONCLUSIONS: Procurement technique and the maintenance of a low temperature of the pancreas are critical to subsequent islet recovery and function. Maintaining a low pancreas temperature during procurement through the addition and replenishment of iced saline slush surrounding the anterior and posterior aspects of the pancreas greatly improves islet yield and functional viability of the isolated islets and is essential for success in clinical islet transplantation.

Adult↗

Combined analysis of islet cell antibodies that cross-react with mouse pancreas, antibodies to the M(r) 64,000 islet protein, and antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase in type I diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: A combined analysis of whether islet cell autoantibodies (ICAs) are cross-reactive with mouse pancreas, with glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, and with 64K antibodies was performed in a large sample of recently diagnosed type I diabetic patients. The disappearance rates of these different autoantibodies were compared in some patients after onset of the disease. The aims were to determine patterns in GAD/64K antibodies with regard to cross-species reaction of ICA and to assess whether GAD could contribute to ICA positivity in mouse and human pancreases and whether the simultaneous search for all the antibody specificities enhances the detection of autoimmune stigma. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: ICA detected by immunofluorescence in human and mouse pancreases, antibodies immunoprecipitating the 64K rat islet antigen, and antibodies immunotrapping brain GAD activity were quantified at diagnosis of diabetes in 95 patients and in sequential samples during 1 year after diagnosis in 13 patients. The contribution of GAD to ICA positivity in mouse and human pancreases was evaluated by the analysis of correlations between tests and by the ability of brain homogenate to block ICA reactivity in pancreases from both species. RESULTS: ICAs were detected in human pancreases in sera from 63 (66%) patients, among which 61% bound also to a mouse pancreas. GAD and 64K antibodies were strongly correlated (P < 0.0001) and were detected in 69 and 73% of the patients, respectively. All but two patients with ICA in human pancreas also displayed either ICA in mouse pancreas or GAD/64K antibodies. Among 32 patients without ICA in human pancreas, 54% displayed either GAD/64K antibodies or ICA in mouse pancreas. Only 16% of the patients displayed neither ICA nor GAD/64K antibodies. A correlation (P < 0.005) was found between ICA in human and mouse pancreases. GAD or 64K antibodies were strongly correlated with ICA in human pancreas (P < 0.0001), but not with ICA in mouse pancreas. After preincubation of six sera with GAD-containing brain homogenate, ICA titers were unaffected in mouse pancreas but reduced in human pancreas. ICA titers in mouse pancreas were decreased after 3 months (P < 0.01) in diabetic patients, contrasting with the stability of ICA in human pancreas and GAD antibodies by 1 year after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: According to cross-species reaction, we confirm the heterogeneity of ICA in a large series of type I diabetic patients, ICAs that cross-reacted with mouse pancreas being more frequent than ICAs without cross-species reactivity. GAD and 64K antibodies were also present in a majority of patients. The simultaneous search for all the antibody specificities enhances the detection of autoimmune stigma so that only a few patients did not display any autoantibody at diagnosis. GAD is not the target of ICAs in mouse pancreas, whereas GAD accounts for ICA positivity in human pancreas. The conclusion that ICAs in mouse pancreas are not GAD-reactive is reinforced by the fact that they are more transient after onset of diabetes than are GAD antibodies or the complex mixture of ICAs in human pancreas.

Adolescent↗

Lewis rat pancreas, but not cardiac xenografts, are resistant to anti-gal antibody mediated hyperacute rejection.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of anti-Gal Abs and non-anti-Gal Abs in hyperacute rejection (HAR) of concordant pancreas xenografts compared with heart xenografts. In addition, we tested whether rejection of Lewis rat pancreas grafts was T-cell dependent and could be prevented by anti-T-cell treatment. METHODS: To determine the role of anti-Gal Abs in the induction of HAR, Lewis rat pancreas and heart xenografts were transplanted into alpha1,3Galactosyltransferase knockout (GT-Ko) mice treated with normal human serum (NHS) or hyperimmune serum, or into presensitized GT-Ko mice. To investigate whether rejection of pancreas xenograft was mediated by a T-cell dependent response, Lewis rat pancreas grafts were transplanted into streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic GT-Ko mice treated with FK506, anti-CD4 mAbs (GK1.5), and thymectomy. Antidonor-specific IgM and IgG and anti-Gal Abs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Rejected and long-term surviving pancreas xenografts were assessed by functional (blood glucose) and histopathological examination. RESULTS: HAR of Lewis rat pancreas xenografts could not be induced by NHS (0.4 ml), whereas NHS (0.2 ml) resulted in HAR of Lewis heart xenografts. Infusion of Lewis rat-specific hyperimmune serum (0.2 ml) resulted in HAR of Lewis rat pancreas xenografts. In addition, second Lewis rat pancreas grafts were hyperacutely rejected by presensitized GT-Ko mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed a low expression of Galalpha1,3Gal antigen in the endocrine tissue compared with that in the cardiac grafts. The levels of anti-Gal Abs in pancreas xenograft transplantation did not increase in GT-Ko mice after pancreas xenograft transplantation that was significantly increased after heart transplantation. FK506 treatment induced long-term survival of Lewis pancreas xenografts (mean survival time (MST) >90 days). Anti-CD4 treatment delayed rejection of Lewis rat pancreas xenografts with MST of 34.3 days, whereas anti-CD4, in combination with thymectomy, synergistically prolonged survival of pancreas xenograft (MST=70.4 days). CONCLUSION: Pancreas xenograft is resistant to anti-Gal Abs-induced HAR but is susceptible to anti-donor specific Abs. Rejection of Lewis pancreas xenograft in STZ-induced, diabetic, GT-Ko mice is T-cell dependent.

Acute Disease↗

Pilot study of early corticosteroid elimination after pancreas transplantation.

UNLABELLED: Early corticosteroid withdrawal has recently been shown to be possible in recipients of simultaneous pancreas kidney transplants; however, its feasibility in solitary pancreas recipients has not been documented. In the present study, we provide evidence that early withdrawal can be achieved in pancreas as well as pancreas-kidney recipients. METHODS: Twenty type I diabetics underwent 13 pancreas-kidney transplants and 7 pancreas-only transplants with early withdrawal (methylprednisone 6-day taper). Additional immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and thymoglobulin induction (five doses). RESULTS: Transplants included 13 pancreas-kidney, 6 pancreas after kidney transplant, and 1 pancreas after islet transplant. Overall mean follow-up was 7.3 months. One episode of pancreas transplant rejection after pancreas-only transplant was detected on protocol biopsy without biochemical abnormalities. One renal allograft rejection occurred 65 days posttransplant in a pancreas-kidney recipient and was graded as a Banff IA rejection. A single pancreas graft loss occurred due to thrombosis 6 days after pancreas-kidney transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that relatively short thymoglobulin induction (five doses) with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil can allow early withdrawal in both pancreas-kidney and pancreas-only transplant recipients.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Mechanism of oxygenation of pancreas during preservation by a two-layer (Euro-Collins' solution/perfluorochemical) cold-storage method.

To clarify the mechanism of oxygenation of the pancreas during preservation by two-layer (Euro-Collins' solution [EC]/perfluorochemical [PFC]) cold-storage method, the pancreas viability in the canine model of the pancreatic autotransplantation and tissue concentration of adenosine triphosphate were examined after 24-hr preservation by original and modified two-layer methods with respect to the position of the pancreas and oxygen bubbling into the PFC. Namely, the pancreas was in EC and on the surface of PFC with (group 1, original method) or without (group 2) oxygen bubbling into PFC. The pancreas was floated in EC with oxygen bubbling into PFC (group 3); compared with simple cold storage of the pancreas in EC (group 4); and nonpreserved pancreas (control, group 5). The preserved pancreas grafts by each method functioned immediately after transplantation and maintained normoglycemia for at least 5 days except that 1 of 5 dogs in group 4 died of a cause unrelated to the pancreas graft. The functional success rates of groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. It was clear that mitochondrial function was well-preserved during 24-hr preservation regardless of the preservation method. In the condition that the mitochondrial function is well-preserved the tissue concentration of ATP was mostly dependent on the tissue oxygenation. The tissue concentration of ATP of group 1, 7.92 +/- 1.06 mumol/g dry weight, was significantly higher than that of nonpreserved pancreas (group 5), 4.44 +/- 0.49 mumol/g dry weight (P less than 0.01). It was apparent that the two-layer method was excellent to supply oxygen to the pancreas and maintain high ATP concentration of the pancreas during preservation. In contrast, ATP concentration of the pancreas of group 2 was 1.83 +/- 0.30 mumol/g dry weight, and there was no significant difference between group 2 and group 4, 1.19 +/- 0.33 mumol/g dry weight, thus meaning that PFC was biologically inert without oxygenation. In addition, when the pancreas was not contacted with oxygenated PFC and floated in EC (group 3) ATP concentration of the pancreas, 2.24 +/- 0.90 mumol/g dry weight, was significantly lower than group 1 (P less than 0.01), and no significant different was found as compared to groups 2 and 4. It was essential that the pancreas was contacted with oxygenated PFC to maintain high ATP tissue concentration during preservation by the two-layer method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Infant human pancreas. A potential source of islet tissue for transplantation.

Twelve pancreases from human infants one year old or less were analyzed for tissue insulin and amylase content before and after dispersal of pancreatic fragments by mincing and collagenase digestion. Tissue insulin and amylase content provide an index of pancreatic islet mass and exocrine digestive enzyme content, respectively. The results were compared with similar anaylses performed on juvenile and adult human pancreases before and after islet isolation and on intact and dispersed neonatal rat and adult rat pancreas. Infant human pancreas has an average tissue insulin concentration of 1,128 mug./gm. of tissue and a total insulin content of 1,718 mug/pancreas, as against values of 140 mug./gm. of tissue and 7,209 mug./pancreas for adult human pancreas. Average tissue amylase concentration is 0.24 mg./gm. of tissue in infant human pancreas and 3.0 mg./gm. of tissue in adult human pancreas. The insulin/amylase ratio in infant pancreas is 4,800, as against 46 in the adult pancreas. Neonatal rat pancreas, which can be dissociated and transplanted without separation of islet and exocrine components, has a similarly high tissue insulin and low tissue amylase content when compared with adult rat pancreases. Infant human pancreas has a total islet mass 24 per cent that of an adult human pancreas, and neonatal rat pancreas has a total islet mass 11 per cent of that of an adult rat pancreas. One neonatal rat pancreas prepared by minimal collagenase digestion can cure diabetes when transplanted via the portal vein to a rat. Following dispersal of infant human pancreas by collagenase digestion, the islet content and the insulin/amylase ratio of the recovered tissue equals or exceeds that which usually can be isolated from adult cadaver pancreases. Infant human pancreas is a rich source of islet tissue that is relatively uncontaminated by exocrine digestive enzymes. After dispersal, infant human pancreas may be ideal for transplantation to selected diabetic patients.

Adolescent↗

Estimation of pancreas weight from donor variables.

Previous studies have identified several donor factors affecting the outcome of islet isolation. Pancreas weight has not been considered as a donor selection criterion, because a value cannot be obtained prior to organ procurement. However, a larger pancreas will likely contain a higher number of islets. Therefore, the prediction of pancreas weight would be helpful in donor selection, benefiting cost and efficiency of the islet isolation laboratory. The purpose of this study was to investigate normal pancreas weight in cadaveric donors and identify pancreas weight predictors from demographic data of cadaveric organ donors. We retrospectively analyzed data on pancreas weight from 354 cadaveric donors with respect to gender, age, body weight, body height, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA). In men, pancreas weight correlated more closely with body weight than with age, height, or BMI. BSA was as strong a correlate of pancreas weight as body weight. In women, pancreas weight had a similar pattern of relationships, with generally lower correlation coefficients. On the basis of the observation of gender-specific pancreas weight difference in elderly donors, stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for younger (< or =40 years) and elderly (> or =41 years) donors. In younger donors, body weight and age were the major predictors of pancreas weight [pancreas weight (g) = 4.355 + 0.742 x body weight (kg) + 0.837 x age (years) (R2 = 0.564, p < 0.001)]. In contrast, pancreas weight of elderly donors was best predicted by BSA and gender [pancreas weight (g) = -17.624 + 60.036 x BSA (m2) - 7.152 x gender (R2 = 0.372, p < 0.001; "gender": 1 = female, 0 = male)]. Pancreas weight was found to be positively associated with pre- and postpurification islet yields. These formulae should contribute to the estimation of pancreas weight, and thus improve donor selection for islet isolation and transplantation.

Adolescent↗