Detection of human leukocyte antigen compatibility and antibodies in liver transplantation in China.
BACKGROUND
The exact roles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, HLA antibodies and underlying diseases in acute rejection of liver transplants are not clear. Moreover, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, one of the most common infections after transplantation, is related to HLA genotype and the incidence of acute rejection.


METHODS
Since there are controversial reports, we analyzed the impact of HLA matching, HLA antibodies and underlying diseases in 38 liver transplant recipients in China, and assessed the association of CMV infection and HLA compatibility.


RESULTS
The frequency of no HLA compatibility was high in patients without antigenemia (P=0.019). All 17 patients with HLA-A matching developed antigenemia (P<0.05). Patients with three HLA locus matches were not found in patients with acute rejection (P<0.05), and no relationship between HLA antibodies and acute rejection was found (P>0.05). In patients with acute rejection, no differences were found in the incidence of acute rejection in transplants for hepatitis B, tumors, or combined hepatitis B and tumors (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There are fewer acute rejections in transplants with more HLA compatibilities. Specific investigations of underlying diseases and HLA typing may be necessary in liver transplantation. The mechanisms of CMV infection and HLA matching should be further studied. HLA before transplantation should be examined for the prevention of acute rejection and CMV infection.
Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Xue-Qin
XQ
Meng
Xuan
X
Zhang
Jun
J
Fan
Lin
L
Zhou
Bing
B
Hao
Xiao-Ming
XM
Chen
Wei-Hang
WH
Ma
Shu-Sen
SS
Zheng
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D006680:HLA Antigens; D007518:Isoantibodies