Reduction of ischemia/reperfusion injury in organ transplants by cytoprotective strategies

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Initial nonspecific injury occurring during organ retrieval and storage has been considered an increasingly important risk factor in transplantation. Ischemia/reperfusion of renal allografts, especially from cadaver sources, is clearly associated with an increased risk of delayed graft function or acute rejection and has been implicated in the development of chronic allograft dysfunction. With the progressive shortage of cadaver kidneys and the increased emphasis on the use of organs from non–heart beating or marginal donors, it is imperative to minimize this critical insult and its effects after transplantation. Recent advances detailed in this review, including intervention with new pharmacologic agents, T-cell costimulation targets, and gene therapies, should allow clinicians broader opportunity to improve long-term results of grafted organs.