Assessment of oxygen radicals during kidney transplantation — effect of radical scavenger

In the present study, levels of free oxygen radicals, generated in the very early period of re‐perfusion during human kidney transplantation, were assessed by determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels using a high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Renal blood samples were obtained during reperfusion by in‐traoperative cannulation of the renal vein. Simultaneously, systemic MDA levels were determined. Furthermore, local and systemic levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, p55 and p75, and vitamin E were measured. In a second group of patients, 500 mg of ascorbic acid were given prior to reperfusion. Renal MDA levels in the control group were always higher compared to systemic levels. IL‐6 showed a marked increase shortly after reperfusion in the renal blood. In the scavenger group there was a diminution of these effects. TNF receptor levels and vitamin E remained largely unchanged. The results of this pilot study demonstrated clinically the moderate production of reactive oxygen species and the liberation of IL‐6 shortly after reperfusion of human transplanted kidneys. Furthermore, the modulating effect of a radical scavenger on these effects was shown.