Glutathione-S-transferase subtypes α and π as a tool to predict and monitor graft failure or regeneration in a pilot study of living donor liver transplantation

• Main Authors: Jochum C, Beste M, Sowa J-P, Farahani MS, Penndorf V, Nadalin S, Saner F, Canbay A, Gerken G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-01-01
• Series: European Journal of Medical Research
• Subjects: living donor liver transplantation; liver regeneration; glutathione-S-transferase α and π; chole stasis
• Online Access: http://www.eurjmedres.com/content/16/1/34

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) subtype α and π are differentially expressed in adult liver tissue. Objective of the study was if GST α and p may serve as predictive markers for liver surgery, especially transplantations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>13 patients receiving living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and their corresponding donors were analyzed for standard serum parameters (ALT, AST, gGT, bilirubin) as well as GST-α and -π before LDLT and daily for 10 days after LDLT. Patients (R) and donors (D) were grouped according to graft loss (R1/D1) or positive outcome (R2/D2) and above named serum parameters were compared between the groups.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>R1 showed significantly increased GST-α and significantly lower GST-π levels than R2 patients or the donors. There was a positive correlation between GST-α and ALT, AST as well as bilirubin and a negative correlation to γGT. However, γGT correlated positively with GST-π. Graft failure was associated with combined low GST-π levels in donors and their recipients before living donor liver transplantation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data suggest that high GST-α serum levels reflect ongoing liver damage while GST-P indicates the capacity and process of liver regeneration. Additionally, GST-π may be useful as marker for optimizing donor and recipient pairs in living donor liver transplantation.</p>