Oxidative stress is associated with weight gain in recipients at 12-‐months following kidney transplantation

Authors

• Young Cho
• Hyung Kim
• Chen Lai
• Ansly Stanfill
• Ann Cashion

Abstract

Weight gain after kidney transplantation (Tx) is considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and poor outcomes. Increased oxidative stress is associated with not only chronic renal disease and Tx, but also obesity and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to test whether oxidative stress is related to weight gain at 12-months after kidney Tx and to obtain preliminary insight into potential mechanisms involved. Recipients (n=33) were classified into weight loss and weight gain group, based on their weight changes at 12-months post-transplant. Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were measured to evaluate oxidative stress from the plasma at baseline and 12-months. A secondary data analysis was conducted to identify potential gene regulation. It was shown that 17 recipients lost (-6.63±5.52 kg), and 16 recipients gained weight (8.94±6.18 kg). TAOC was significantly decreased at 12-months compared to baseline (p=0.018) for the total group, however, there was no significant difference between groups at either time point. TBARS was higher in weight gain group, at both time points, and it was significantly higher at 12-months (p=0.012). Gene expression profiling analysis showed that 7 transcripts annotated to reactive oxygen species related genes in adipose tissue were expressed significantly lower in weight gain group at baseline, which might be a negative feedback mechanism to reduce oxidative stress. These results may indicate that elevated oxidative stress (TBARS) is associated with weight gain after kidney Tx and that incorporating early clinical prevention strategies known to decrease oxidative stress could be recommended.

Scientific Focus Area: Cell Biology

This page was last updated on Friday, March 26, 2021