Galectin-1 in stable liver transplant recipients

Transplant Proc. 2015 Jan-Feb;47(1):93-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.12.001.

Abstract

Introduction: The achievement of a state of tolerance and minimization of the immunosuppressive load form part of the "Holy Grail" in solid organ transplantation. Galectin-1 recently has been described to be involved in the maintenance of a tolerant environment, but there is no evidence of its role in human liver transplantation. The aim of our study was to measure the serum levels of galectin-1 in stable liver transplant recipients.

Methods: Serum levels of galectin-1 were determined in 30 stable liver transplant recipients who had been free of rejection episodes for at least 8 years. Fifteen patients with an acute rejection episode and 34 healthy subjects were used as the control group.

Results: The concentrations of galectin-1 were significantly higher in stable liver transplant recipients compared with healthy subjects and with the acute rejection group.

Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate that galectin-1 is upregulated in stable liver transplant recipients. Thus, our results extend the recent findings that galectin-1 may play an immune-suppressive role in liver transplantation. It remains to be established whether it might help to induce tolerance in liver transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Galectin 1 / blood*
  • Galectin 1 / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / blood
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Galectin 1
  • Immunosuppressive Agents