Article
Virology
Baptiste Demey, Veronique Descamps, Claire Presne, Francois Helle, Catherine Francois, Gilles Duverlie, Sandrine Castelain, Etienne Brochot
Summary: In this study, the levels of bkv-miR-B1-3p and bkv-miR-B1-5p in urine were found to be potentially valuable markers for monitoring viral replication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), which could help prevent excessive reduction in immunosuppressive therapy. The study also observed a progressive reduction in BKPyV DNA load and subsequent disappearance of microRNAs in some KTRs with sustained BKPyV infection, while stability was seen in others over the first year post-transplantation.
Article
Virology
Yi-Jung Li, Hsin-Hsu Wu, Cheng-Hsu Chen, Hsu-Han Wang, Yang-Jen Chiang, Hsiang-Hao Hsu, See-Tong Pang, Robert Y. L. Wang, Ya-Chung Tian
Summary: The study demonstrates that BKPyVAN patients have increased risk of allograft losses, higher incidence of UTC, lower cancer-free survival rate, and earlier onset of UTC compared to non-BKPyVAN patients.
Review
Cell Biology
Ramin Yaghobi, Afsoon Afshari, Jamshid Roozbeh
Summary: Early detection of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection is crucial for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) to improve their quality of life and preserve the transplanted kidney. This study explores the detection of BKPyV microRNAs (miRNAs) during viral infection in KTRs. It also examines the impact of BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) on the expression of host genes and miRNAs. However, further research is necessary to determine the potential value of these miRNAs as viral infection markers and understand the regulatory network during viral-host interactions.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kenza Zoubir, Veronique Descamps, Aurelien Aubry, Francois Helle, Catherine Francois, Sandrine Castelain, Etienne Brochot, Baptiste Demey
Summary: Overall, TaqMan MicroRNA Assays appeared to be a more sensitive and accurate RT-qPCR method than TaqMan Advanced MicroRNA Assays to quantify bkv-miR-B1-3p and bkv-miR-B1-5p BKPyV miRNAs in patients' urine samples.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Karel Krejci, Tomas Tichy, Jana Bednarikova, Margita Bartkova, Kamil Zamboch, Jiri Orsag, Josef Zadrazil
Summary: BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) is a significant cause of premature kidney function termination in transplanted kidneys, closely related to the intensity of immunosuppressive therapy. Nephrotoxicity score can serve as an indicator of excessive immunosuppression. The study found that nephrotoxicity is associated with BK polyomavirus activation and PyVAN occurrence.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baptiste Demey, Marine Bentz, Veronique Descamps, Virginie Morel, Catherine Francois, Sandrine Castelain, Francois Helle, Etienne Brochot
Summary: This study investigates the stability and distribution of bkv-miR-B1-5p, a potential biomarker for active BK polyomavirus replication. The study found that bkv-miR-B1-5p is stable in samples from humans and in vitro experiments. It is mainly bound to proteins, particularly Ago2, rather than associated with exosomes. The level of bkv-miR-B1-5p can predict viral infectivity, making it a potential specific biomarker for active BKPyV replication after kidney transplantation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Thomas Neumann, Nandette Peters, Jennifer Kranz, Desiree L. Draeger, Florian H. Heidel, William Krueger, Laila Schneidewind
Summary: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment for hematological diseases, but long-term survivors may face kidney function impairment due to BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. Further studies are needed to develop causal therapy for this severe viral infection.
Article
Surgery
Kaitlin Nguyen, Adam Diamond, Antonio Di Carlo, Sunil Karhadkar
Summary: Retransplantation following BKVN-associated graft failure has been associated with favorable outcomes, and to maximize allograft lifespan in retransplantation, clinicians may consider selection of low KDPI donors, prevention of delayed graft function, and tailored immunosuppressive regimens that minimize steroids.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yiling Fang, Chengfeng Zhang, Yuchen Wang, Zhiyin Yu, Zhouting Wu, Yi Zhou, Ziyan Yan, Jia Luo, Renfei Xia, Wenli Zeng, Wenfeng Deng, Jian Xu, Zheng Chen, Yun Miao
Summary: Dynamic Cox regression based on the landmarking method is effective in assessing the risk of BKV reactivation in the early period after renal transplantation and serves as a guide for clinical intervention.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Evert Cleenders, Priyanka Koshy, Elisabet Van Loon, Katrien Lagrou, Kurt Beuselinck, Graciela Andrei, Marta Crespo, Katrien De Vusser, Dirk Kuypers, Evelyne Lerut, Kris Mertens, Olga Mineeva-Sangwo, Parmjeet Randhawa, Aleksandar Senev, Robert Snoeck, Ben Sprangers, Claire Tinel, Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Jan van den Brand, Marc Van Ranst, Geert Verbeke, Maarten Coemans, Maarten Naesens
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the value of performing a biopsy at the time of BKPyV-DNAemia in distinguishing presumptive and proven PyVAN. The results showed that plasma viral load had good predictive value for SV40 positivity, while the dichotomy of SV40 immunohistochemistry did not predict viral clearance. Therefore, the distinction between presumptive and proven PyVAN based on SV40 immunohistochemistry has limited clinical value.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Truong Quy Kien, Pham Quoc Toan, Phan Ba Nghia, Diem Thi Van, Nguyen Van Duc, Do Manh Ha, Nguyen Thi Thuy Dung, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Le Thi Bao Quyen, Hoang Trung Vinh, Bui Van Manh, Hoang Xuan Su, Tran Viet Tien, Le Viet Thang, Lionel Rostaing
Summary: This study identified the number of BKV infections and the circulating genotypes in kidney-transplant Vietnamese recipients. BKV-I genotype was more common than BKV-IV, but mutations in the VP1 typing region of BKV-IV strains were more frequent.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth A. Odegard, Heidi L. Meeds, Steven B. Kleiboeker, Assem Ziady, Anthony Sabulski, Sonata Jodele, Alix E. Seif, Stella M. Davies, Benjamin L. Laskin, Jason T. Blackard
Summary: BK polyomavirus infection is common after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is associated with the development of hemorrhagic cystitis. We investigated the impact of BK polyomavirus diversity on the development of hemorrhagic cystitis in pediatric HSCT patients.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Virology
Suwasin Udomkarnjananun, J. Stephen Kerr, I. Marith Francke, Yingyos Avihingsanon, M. Nicole van Besouw, C. Carla Baan, A. Dennis Hesselink
Summary: The ELISPOT assay has been shown to be a valuable tool in monitoring the recipient's anti-BKV immune response post-transplantation, aiding in BKV risk assessment and guiding immunosuppressive therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haris Omic, Johannes Phillip Klaeger, Harald Herkner, Stephan W. Aberle, Heinz Regele, Lukas Weseslindtner, Tarek Arno Schrag, Gregor Bond, Katharina Hohenstein, Bruno Watschinger, Johannes Werzowa, Robert Strassl, Michael Eder, Zeljko Kikic
Summary: This study shows that the decrease in absolute BK viral load is an independent risk factor for graft loss, indicating its importance in predicting short-term graft survival.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Irene Munoz-Gallego, Nerea Diaz-Madridano, Noelia Moral, Consuelo Pascual, Natalia Polanco, Esther Gonzalez, Amado Andres, Maria Dolores Folgueira
Summary: This study revealed that patients infected with mixed BKPyV genotypes had earlier detection of viral load and a higher risk of developing BKPyV-associated complications.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Julia D. Fuhrmann, Kristyna Valkova, Seraina von Moos, Rudolf P. Wuethrich, Thomas F. Mueller, Thomas Schachtner
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death in kidney transplant recipients with ultra long-term survival, with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and renal cell carcinoma being the most common cancer types. These findings emphasize the importance of long-term cancer surveillance in long-term survivors.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Alexander Ritter, Birgit Helmchen, Ariana Gaspert, Joerg Bleisch, Barbara Fritschi, Florian Buchkremer, Stephanie Damm, Nicolas Schmid, Thomas Schachtner, Harald Seeger
Summary: The occurrence of gross hematuria following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination has been observed, with some cases associated with glomerulonephritis. Most episodes of hematuria occurred within 2 days after vaccination, mostly after the second dose. Repeated episodes were seen in some individuals after subsequent doses of the same vaccine. The majority of patients had no prior history of gross hematuria, with 45.7% known to have immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Treatment options varied, and renal outcomes were favorable in isolated immunoglobulin A nephropathy but poor in patients with additional or isolated small vessel vasculitis.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Jakob E. Brune, Michael Dickenmann, Caroline Wehmeier, Daniel Sidler, Laura Walti, Dela Golshayan, Oriol Manuel, Karine Hadaya, Dionysios Neofytos, Aurelia Schnyder, Katia Boggian, Thomas Muller, Thomas Schachtner, Nina Khanna, Stefan Schaub
Summary: This study investigated the clinical impact of different urinary tract infection (UTI) phenotypes occurring within the first year after renal transplantation. The results showed that colonization and occasional UTI had no impact on pertinent outcomes, but recurrent UTI were associated with lower one-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lower long-term death-censored allograft survival. Better strategies to prevent and treat recurrent UTI are needed.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela Toma, Sebastian Bertram, Diana Racovitan, Maximilian Seidel, Adrian Doevelaar, Felix S. Seibert, Benjamin Rohn, Nina Babel, Dominic Muehlberger, Nikolaus Buechner, Simon Wang, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: Treatment with dopaminergic medication for restless legs syndrome with periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) improves sleep quality and decreases systolic blood pressure.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Felix S. Seibert, Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Bodo Hoelzer, Adrian A. N. Doevelaar, Christian Nusshag, Uta Merle, Christian Morath, Panagiota Zgoura, Rita Dittmer, Sonja Schneppenheim, Jochen Wilhelm, Nina Babel, Ulrich Budde, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: Ubiquitous microthromboses in the pulmonary vasculature play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy can restore the balance between vWf and ADAMTS13, reduce inflammation, and improve ventilation parameters.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederic Bauer, Janine Lindtke, Felix Seibert, Benjamin Rohn, Adrian Doevelaar, Nina Babel, Peter Schlattmann, Sebastian Bertram, Panagiota Zgoura, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: The study found that high temperatures are associated with fewer hospital admissions for hypertensive episodes. However, acutely changing weather conditions are not associated with a higher risk of hypertensive emergencies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lena Peter, Desiree Jacqueline Wendering, Stephan Schlickeiser, Henrike Hoffmann, Rebecca Noster, Dimitrios Laurin Wagner, Ghazaleh Zarrinrad, Sandra Muench, Samira Picht, Sarah Schulenberg, Hanieh Moradian, Mir-Farzin Mashreghi, Oliver Klein, Manfred Gossen, Toralf Roch, Nina Babel, Petra Reinke, Hans-Dieter Volk, Leila Amini, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
Summary: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with compromised immune response are at high risk of severe COVID-19. This research proposes the adoptive transfer of tacrolimus-resistant SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells to enhance immune response in immunosuppressed patients. Promising results from laboratory analysis support the potential clinical validation of this approach in transplantation. The combinatory use of tacrolimus and tacrolimus-resistant T cells is suggested to prevent immunopathology and facilitate viral clearance in severe COVID-19 cases.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nick Lasse Beetz, Dominik Geisel, Seyd Shnayien, Timo Alexander Auer, Brigitta Globke, Robert Oellinger, Tobias Daniel Trippel, Thomas Schachtner, Uli Fehrenbach
Summary: This retrospective study investigated the use of AI-based tissue segmentation in CT body composition to predict patient and kidney transplant survival. The analysis of 42 kidney transplant recipients revealed that certain body composition indicators were associated with different time periods of kidney transplant survival. These findings suggest that AI-based body composition analysis may aid in predicting short- and long-term kidney transplant survival.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Katharina Kusejko, Frederique Chammartin, Daniel Smith, Marc Odermatt, Julian Schuhmacher, Michael Koller, Huldrych F. Guenthard, Matthias Briel, Heiner C. Bucher, Benjamin Speich
Summary: This study developed a trial platform based on two established national cohort studies, allowing for fast implementation of clinical trials for new treatments and preventive interventions for COVID-19.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Chris Bauer, Nicole Wittenbrink, Kerstin Wolk, Robert Sabat, Chantip Dang-Heine, Sindy Neumann, Toralf Roch, Patrizia Wehler, Rodrigo Blazquez-Navarro, Sven Olek, Oliver Thomusch, Harald Seitz, Petra Reinke, Christian Hugo, Birgit Sawitzki, Nina Babel, Michal Or-Guil
Summary: The purpose of this study was to establish an early predictor for long-term outcomes after renal transplantation. By analyzing a large cohort with multi-level bio-marker panels, machine learning-assisted prediction achieved significant correlation coefficients with measured eGFR-1y. These findings contribute to the prediction of transplant outcomes and improvement of post-transplant renal function.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Constantin J. Thieme, Malissa Schulz, Patrizia Wehler, Moritz Anft, Leila Amini, Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Ulrik Stervbo, Jochen Hecht, Mikalai Nienen, Anna -Barbara Stittrich, Mira Choi, Panagiota Zgoura, Richard Viebahn, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse, Petra Reinke, Timm H. Westhoff, Toralf Roch, Nina Babel
Summary: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a severe complication of immunosuppression following transplantation. This study investigated the impact of different immunosuppressants on EBV-antigen-specific T cells and lymphoblastoid cell lines. The results showed that rapamycin and mycophenolic acid inhibited lymphoblastoid cell-line proliferation, prednisolone and rapamycin-treated T cells exhibited normal cytokine production, and tacrolimus and cyclosporin A suppressed T-cell function.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Larissa Henze, Julian Braun, Lil Meyer-Arndt, Karsten Juerchott, Maike Schlotz, Janine Michel, Marica Grossegesse, Maike Mangold, Manuela Dingeldey, Beate Kruse, Pavlo Holenya, Norbert Mages, Ulf Reimer, Maren Eckey, Karsten Schnatbaum, Holger Wenschuh, Bernd Timmermann, Florian Klein, Andreas Nitsche, Claudia Giesecke-Thiel, Lucie Loyal, Andreas Thiel
Summary: Currently available COVID-19 vaccines include inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, mRNA-based, viral vectored and adjuvanted protein-subunit-based vaccines. All of them contain the spike glycoprotein as the main immunogen and result in reduced disease severity upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the effect of vector vaccines in reactivating pre-existing, cross-reactive immunity is still uncertain.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Urology & Nephrology
Arturo Blazquez-Navarro, Lisa Mittmann, Constantin Joachim Thieme, Moritz Anft, Krystallenia Paniskaki, Adrian Doevelaar, Felix Sebastian Seibert, Bodo Hoelzer, Margarete Justine Konik, Marc Moritz Berger, Thorsten Brenner, Clemens Tempfer, Carsten Watzl, Toni Luise Meister, Stephanie Pfaender, Eike Steinmann, Sebastian Dolff, Ulf Dittmer, Oliver Witzke, Ulrik Stervbo, Toralf Roch, Michal Or-Guil, Timm Henning Westhoff, Nina Babel
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Panagiota Zgoura, Adrian Doevelaar, Benjamin Rohn, Felix S. Seibert, Maximilian Seidel, Falko Markus Heinemann, Nina Pillokeit, Richard Viebahn, Nina Babel, Timm H. Westhoff
Summary: Keeping a kidney graft in situ after returning to dialysis does not lead to an increase in microinflammation. Although more than 50% of patients develop DSA after an allograft nephrectomy, the outcome of a renal re-transplantation seems to be unaffected.
ANNALS OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Sonja Rieckmann, Felix S. Seibert, Maximilian Hogeweg, Sebastian Bertram, Adrian A. N. Doevelaar, Kerstin Amann, Nina Babel, Timm H. Westhoff
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)