Is it possible to predict the early post-transplant allograft function using 20-HETE measurements? A preliminary report

20-HydroxyEicosaTetraEnoic (20-HETE) acid is an arachidonic acid metabolite that is generated via cytochrome P450 enzymes, and according to the findings from recent studies, may be involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to: examine the dynamics of 20-HETE changes during the first 5 min of allograft reperfusion, and analyze whether the observed changes are associated with post-transplant graft function. Sixty-nine renal transplant recipients were divided, according to their outcome, into early, slow and delayed graft function (EGF, SGF, DGF) group. Blood samples were collected directly before and during the first 5 min of allograft reperfusion. 20-HETE concentrations were measured using ELISA. The results demonstrated significant differences in the concentrations and in the dynamics of 20-HETE changes between patients with immediate graft function, and individuals with allograft activation problems. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 20-HETE Delta(5-0) parameter in discriminating EGF and SGF from DGF were 69%, 54%, 74% and 48% respectively. Therefore, our results demonstrated that the dynamics of 20-HETE changes, which occurs during early phase of allograft reperfusion, is associated with early post-transplant graft function and also highlighted 20-HETE as a novel clinical marker of post-transplant allograft function.