Cytokine gene polymorphism and postreperfusion syndrome during orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

The molecular basis underlying the clinical response to acute liver stress remains to be clarified. Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) occurring after the meeting of grafted liver with the recipient blood is characterized by hemodynamic instability that develops immediately after reperfusion of an orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Cytokines have a role during PRS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of some cytokine gene polymorphisms on PRS in patients.

Materials and Methods. Forty-six patients who underwent OLT were divided into two groups: with versus without PRS. Cytokine genotyping using patient blood was determined by the PCR-SSP method.

Results. Liver transplant patients as a whole are usually characterized as low producers of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-10, high producers of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 and IL-6 and intermediate producers of interferon (IFN)-gamma. However no significant relationship was shown between the development of PRS and cytokine gene polymorphisms of TNF-alpha (-308 G/A), TGF-beta 1 (C/T codon 10, C/G codon 25), IL-10 (-1082 G/A, -819 T/C, -592 A/C), IL-6 (-174 G/C), or IFN-gamma (+874 A/T).

Conclusion. It seemed that our limited data did not substantiate a role of certain cytokine gene polymorphisms on PRS occurence during OLT. A larger study population may be required to examine this relationship.