EXPRESSION OF HSP-70 AS A POTENTIAL PROGNOSTIC MARKER FOR ACUTE REJECTION IN HUMAN LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

In experimental models, the synthesis of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70 ) has been recognized as an intracellular response to ischemia and rep erfusion, insults inherent to transplantation. In this study, the HSP response in early stages of human liver transplantation was investigat ed. HSP 70 mRNA expression was detected by means of reverse transcript ase (RT)-PCR in liver biopsies (n = 28) and in cells obtained from the organ perfusate (n = 14) following cold preservation. The expression of HSP 70 differed substantially between individuals. Retrospective an alysis revealed a close correlation of the amount of HSP 70 mRNA in pe rfusate cells and biopsies with the onset of organ dysfunction due to early graft rejection. Patients with early graft rejection had a signi ficantly lower amount of HSP 70 mRNA than patients without rejection. These results suggest a protective role of HSP 70 expression. Low leve ls of HSP 70 may, therefore, represent a prognostic marker for early g raft rejection.