Cyclosporine A versus tacrolimus monotherapy. Comparison on bile lipids in the first 3 months after liver transplant in humans

Abstract

Biliary lipids output is reduced after liver transplantation and tends to normalize thereafter. Cyclosporine A (CyA) is reported to interfere with the normal bile-restoring process after liver grafting, but data are inconclusive, in particular regarding the comparison with the other widely used calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TCR). Furthermore, previous researches were conducted in patients taking multiple immunosuppressive therapies and with a short follow up. In this study we readdressed this issue by comparing biliary lipids in the first 3 months after liver transplant, in 20 patients randomized to receive immunosuppression with CyA or TCR monotherapy. Bile samples, harvested through a T-tube at days 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 were assessed for cholesterol, phospholipids, and total and individual concentrations of bile acids (BA). Liver and kidney function tests were evaluated as well. We found no differences between CyA and TCR in biochemical findings or in total biliary BAs, cholesterol, and phospholipids. However, CyA-treated patients showed lower levels of glycochenodeoxycholic acid at day 15, compared to those treated with TCR (P < 0.04). This difference normalized thereafter, without any biochemical or clinical effect at 3-month follow up.