title: Improved transplantation outcome by epigenetic changes.
abstract: Epigenetics and transplantation seem an odd couple. The influence of epigenetic changes on the immune response of the host following an organ graft is not one of the more obvious connections. However, modifying host immunity to a graft via epigenetic changes of immune related genes could have unexpected ramifications for therapy post transplantation. This review discusses various studies concerning the effects of epigenetic alterations on transplantation-associated pathologies. We present tools for improving transplantation outcome, such as histone deacetylase inhibition, DNA methyltransferase inhibition or venous systemic oxygen persufflation. This will allow a reduction of immunosuppressive medication, leading to fewer side effects. We also show, however, that much effort needs to be put into the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these advantageous effects. Taken together, altering epigenetics in transplanted organs will ultimately lead to a higher quality of life for transplant patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH-Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. f.schildberg@uni-bonn.de
authors.forename: Frank A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Schildberg
authors.forename: Cristina A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hagmann
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Böhnert
authors.forename: René H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Tolba
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014181:Transplantation Immunology
chemical_list: D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases; D006655:Histone Deacetylases; D010100:Oxygen