Impact of differentially expressed genes and proteins in donor arterial plaque on renal function recovery following allogeneic kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Donor kidney arteriosclerotic plaque is a risk factor for renal allograft functional injury. The aim of this study was to screen, identify, and verify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins in arteriosclerotic plaques and analyze their correlation with renal transplant function recovery.

METHODS

This study included 82 deceased donor allogeneic kidney transplant recipients and analyzed 20 eligible donor arterial plaque specimens. Patients were divided into "no or mild" and "moderate or severe" donor arteriosclerotic plaque groups. The latter group was further divided into impaired and normal kidney function groups. Correlations between target DEGs and proteins and transplanted kidney function recovery were determined using immunofluorescence assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and western blotting.

RESULTS

We identified 40 intersecting DEGs. Matrix metallopeptidase 12 () and aquaporin 9 () were identified as target DEGs, with their expression found to be higher in the "moderate or severe" group compared with that in the "no or mild" group. Additionally, and expression was higher in the impaired group than it was in the normal kidney function group. and are associated with transplanted kidney function recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study contributes valuable information to the development of clinical strategies for kidney transplant maintenance.