Abstract
Obesity and hyperlipidaemia are found very frequently after kidney transplantation (Tx) and may represent independent risk factors for development of atherosclerosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In a prospective metabolic study, we monitored, a total of 68 obese transplant patients [body mass index (BMI> 30 kg/m2] with dyslipidaemia over a period of 24 months.
We compared the findings of a new therapeutic regimen 1 year (start of the study) and 2 years after renal transplantation. Based on a Subjective Global Assessment Scoring Sheet, we started at the end of the first year with an individualized hypoenergic-hypolipidaemic diet (IHHD).
Subsequently, after corticoid withdrawal, IHHD was supplemented regularly with statins (atorvastatin 10-20 mg/day)) and followed-up for 2 years. All patients were on a regimen of cyclosporin A or tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil.
During the study period, there was a significant decrease in BMI (p<0.025) and an increase of the adiponectin level (p<0.01). Long-term therapy was associated with a significant decrease in serum leptin (p<0.01) and lipid metabolism parameters (p<0.01).
Inulin clearance, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, lipoprotein(a) and apo-lipoprotein E isoforms did not differ significantly. Based on our results, we assume that obesity and hyperlipidaemia after renal transplantation can be treated effectively by modified immunosuppression (corticosteroid withdrawal), statins and long-term diet (IHHD).
The increased level of adiponectin may be a marker of reducing atherosclerotic and chronic allograft nephropathy processes.