Renalase: A Novel Inflamatory Marker Post Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Background: Transient elevation of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and/or bilirubin are common findings post living donor liver transplantation, however, when enzymes showed marked or prolonged elevation, complications should be considered including acute rejection, hepatic artery thrombosis, infections or recurrence of the original disease. Aim of the Study: To demonstrate whether serum renalase can be used as a potential biomarker of hepatocellular inflammation following living donor liver transplantation especially when combined with the standard LFT, CRP & TLC. Patients and Methods: The study was performed on 50 patients with End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) undergone Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT). Measurement of CBC, CRP, LFT and KFT were done daily for seven days and three months following liver transplantation. Immunoassay of serum renalase, six hours, one week and three months after transplantation. Results: By comparing different laboratory data on day seven and third month to laboratory data on day one postliving donor liver transplantation, there was a statistically significant decline regarding AST, ALT, INR reflecting graft function, our study also revealed statistically significant positive correlation between serum Renalase levels and CRP and total leukocyte count three months after transplantation. Conclusion: Serum renalase in the blood may help in early detection and possible prevention of hepatocellular inflammation and injury. In the future serum renalase may help in diagnosing acute cellular rejection post-living donor liver transplantation to improve the clinical outcomes of such major procedure.