The release of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix parameters during and after reperfusion in human liver transplantation.

Poor initial graft function may increase postoperative morbidity including the risk of early allograft rejection. Various mediators, including immunostimulatory cytokines, may be released during reperfusion in relation to the extent of preservation and reperfusion injury. For this purpose, 81 patients with 85 liver transplants were monitored for cytokines, adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix (ECM) parameters, and neopterin at predefined time-points during and after transplantation. To estimate the origin of cytokine release, blood was obtained central and hepatic venously for the first 48 hr after reperfusion and subsequently from a peripheral vein. One-year patient survival was 88.9%; no relation to initial graft function was observed. Poor initial graft function failed to increase the risk for subsequent infectious complications but was associated with an increased risk of early allograft rejection. The incidence of steroid-resistant rejection was significantly increased in patients with poor initial graft function (35.7% versus 12.7% in patients with good and moderate initial graft function; P < or = 0.05). Various cytokines, adhesion molecules, and ECM parameters including sTNF-RII, sIL-2R, IL-8, IL-10, sVCAM-1, E-selectin, hyaluronic acid, sialic acid, and laminin correlated significantly with the extent of preservation and reperfusion injury. Although none of these parameters was more appropriate in determining the extent of preservation and reperfusion injury than currently established parameters (AST, ALT, and color and amount of bile production), the combined increase in these parameters may not only promote tissue repair but may also perpetuate liver allograft injury and thereby cause significant morbidity. Besides cytokines and adhesion molecules, the ECM may play a pivotal role in determining repair or ongoing tissue injury. Ongoing changes at the microvasculature and basement membrane may result in an increase of local and circulating cytokines and adhesion molecules, which increase the risk of subsequent early allograft rejection. Furthermore, the increase in sTNF-RII, E-selectin, and laminin during reperfusion was predictive of subsequent development of acute allograft rejection. These observations may be of value for further strategies to decrease reperfusion injury and prevent early allograft rejection.