Influence of Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Ornithine Concentrations on Complications After Renal Transplant

Abstract

Objectives: The present study, registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the unique registration number NCT00560014, sought to evaluate the relations between fatty acid concentrations in red blood cells or plasma and amino acid concentrations in plasma on rejection, calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, and new-onset diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: Lipid profiles on plasma or red blood cell samples were performed pre­operatively and postoperatively in 54 patients. Plasma amino acid profiles were obtained in 49 of these patients.

Results: High concentrations of total ω-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in red blood cells, and ornithine in plasma, all were associated with a significantly lower incidence of rejection, whereas high total ω-6 fatty acids were associated with a high rejection rate. Calcineurin inhibitor toxicity was associated with low levels of docosahexaenoic acid, ornithine, and the ω-3 index, and high total ω-6 and ω-3/ω-6 ratios. Inhibition of new-onset diabetes mellitus was seen only with high levels of ornithine. Peak concentrations of fatty acids in red blood cells were not obtained until after 30 days. High levels of arginine were not associated with reduced complications.

Conclusions: The levels of selected nutrients in plasma and red blood cell membranes appear to have a profound effect on complications after renal transplant. These preliminary results need confirmation in prospective randomized clinical trials.