Plasma kinetics of chylomicron-like emulsion in renal transplant patients receiving cyclosporin-based immunosuppression.
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is prevalent among renal transplant patients. Increase in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein is common in those patients. Alterations in chylomicron metabolism, however, are also related to atherogenesis and were not studied in renal transplant.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate chylomicron metabolism in renal transplant recipients receiving cyclosporin-based immunosuppression. We determined the plasma kinetics of triglyceride-rich emulsions labeled with [3H]triolein and [14C]cholesteryl oleate that are known to mimic the chylomicron metabolism when injected into the blood stream.


METHODS
Fourteen renal transplant recipients with normal renal function (10 men, 4 women, aged 40 +/- 6.1 years) and 17 age- and gender-matched healthy controls received bolus injections of the chylomicron-like emulsion. Plasma samples were then taken at regular intervals during 60 min. Disappearance curves of the labels and the respective fractional clearance rates (FCR) were calculated in order to measure lipolysis and chylomicron remnant removal from the plasma.


RESULTS
Fasting serum lipid levels did not differ in the two groups. The difference between Median FCR of [3H]triolein emulsion in renal transplant patients and that obtained in the controls (0.07 vs. 0.11 min-1, NS) was not statistically significant. Median FCR of [14C]cholesteryl oleate also did not differ between the groups (patients: 0.044; controls: 0.046, NS).


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that neither chylomicron lipolysis nor remnant removal are affected in stable renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporin-based immunosuppression.
De Lima
J J
JJ
Hypertension Unit, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, Brazil.
Latrilha
M da C
Mda C
Toffoletto
O
O
Ianhez
L E
LE
Krieger
E M
EM
Maranhão
R C
RC
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002914:Chylomicrons / Q000097:blood*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008066:Lipolysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D002914:Chylomicrons; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine