title: Analysis of FOXP3 gene and protein expressions in renal allograft biopsies and their association with graft outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The transcription factor FOXP3 is increased in acute renal rejection, but its influence on graft outcomes is unclear. This study correlated FOXP3 with dendritic cells and graft outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We assessed 96 kidney transplants undergoing allograft biopsy for cause. FOXP3 mRNA was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and FOXP3 protein and DCsCD83(+) by immunohistochemistry. Graft function and survival were assessed at 5 years post-transplantation, as well as by independent predictors of graft loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intragraft FOXP3 gene and protein expression were significantly correlated (r = 0.541, p < 0.001). Both FOXP3 mRNA and protein were increased in patients with acute rejection (AR). High expression of FOXP3 mRNA or protein in biopsies did not correlate with clinical variables, but there was a trend to higher positive variation in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from biopsy to last follow-up. Patients with FOXP3-mRNA(high) had more DCsCD83(+) in biopsy, but these cells did not associate with AR. Five-year graft survival was not influenced by either FOXP3 mRNA or protein expressions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FOXP3 mRNA and protein had a good correlation in archival renal graft tissue. Increased FOXP3 expression was found in AR and FOXP3 associated with high numbers of DCs. However, both FOXP3 mRNA and protein was not associated with better allograft outcomes.
authors: Post-Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors: Claus Dieter
authors: CD
authors: Dummer
authors: Virna Nowotny
authors: VN
authors: Carpio
authors: Melina
authors: M
authors: da Silva Loreto
authors: Gabriel
authors: G
authors: Joelsons
authors: Dirce Maria
authors: DM
authors: Carraro
authors: Eloísa Ribeiro
authors: ER
authors: Olivieri
authors: Roberto Ceratti
authors: RC
authors: Manfro
authors: Luiz Felipe Santos
authors: LF
authors: Gonçalves
authors: Francisco Veríssimo
authors: FV
authors: Veronese
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D012333:RNA, Messenger