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To evaluate the feasibility of serum sCD30 for prediction of acute graft rejection, we analyzed clinical data of 231 patients, whose serum levels of sCD30 were detected by ELISA before and after transplantation. They were divided into three groups: acute rejection group (AR, n = 49), uncomplicated course group (UC, n = 171) and delayed graft function group (DGF, n = 11). Preoperative sCD30 levels of three groups were 183±74, 177±82 and 168±53 U/ml, respectively (P=0.82). Significant decrease of sCD30 was detected in three groups on day 5 and 10 post-transplantation respectively (52 ±30 and 9±5 U/ml respectively, P< 0.001). Compared with Group UC and DGF, patients of Group AR had higher sCD30 values on day 5 post-transplantation (92±27 U/ml vs. 41±20 U/ml and 48± 18 U/ml, P<<0.001). However, sCD30 levels on day 10 post-transplantation were virtually similar in patients of three groups (P=0.43). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that sCD30 level on day 5 post-transplantation could differentiate patients who subsequently suffered acute allograft rejection from others (area under ROC curve 0.95). According to ROC curve, 65 U/ml may be the optimal operational cut-off level to predict impending graft rejection (specificity 91.8%, sensitivity 87.1%). Measurement of soluble CD30 on day 5 post-transplantation might offer a noninvasive means to recognize patients at risk of impending acute graft rejection during early post-transplantation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of the Notch1/Delta-like 4 signaling pathway and its relationship with T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the peripheral transplantation immune of renal transplant recipients. Methods Fifty-two kidney transplant recipients in our hospital were selected and divided into the acute rejection group (AR), renal tubular necrosis (ATN) group, and stable renal function group, according to their postoperative recovery. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 in peripheral lymphocytes and the presence of Th17 cells in the kidney of transplant recipients. Results The expression levels of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 and level of Th17 cells among the three groups before surgery and at postoperative day 1 showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). At 3, 7, and 14 d after surgery, these three factors in the AR group were significantly higher than in the stable renal function group (P < 0.01) and ATN group (P < 0.01), where the levels in the latter two groups were similar. Upon the occurrence of acute rejection, the Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression and Th17 cell ratio were significantly increased (P < 0.01) but gradually decreased after anti-rejection therapy. Notch1 and Delta-like 4 were significantly positively correlated with Th17 cells (r = 0.893, P < 0.01 and r = 0.893, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion The detection of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of renal transplant recipients can serve as a positive indicator for evaluating the diagnosis and treatment efficacy of the AR reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]