The Effect of Kidney Transplantation and Immunosuppressive Therapy on Adipose Tissue Content and Adipocytokine Plasma Concentration-Preliminary Study

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for chronic kidney disease, significantly improving patient survival and quality of life. After the procedure, there is a gradual tendency to normalize most of the physiological and metabolic processes, but the need for immunosuppression may lead to new disorders related to the drugs' side effects and changes in proportions of body composition. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of adipocytokines such as leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin, and to assess the body composition in patients with stabilized kidney graft function treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticosteroids. A total of 47 participants were enrolled, including 25 kidney transplant recipients on uniform immunosuppressive therapy and 22 healthy controls. The concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and IL-6 in kidney transplant recipients was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.014, p = 0.031, p = 0.000, respectively), while the other adipocytokines, such as visfatin and resistin, do not obtain statistically significant differences. The bioelectrical impedance analysis showed statistically significant differences for fat-free mass index (p = 0.027), visceral fat area (p = 0.023), waist circumference (p = 0.006), fat mass (p = 0.028), and fat mass index (p = 0.034), all of which had higher mean values in the study group. Preliminary findings suggest that kidney transplantation leads to significant alterations in adipocytokines levels, with potential implications for metabolic health.

Keywords: adipocytokines; adipose tissue; chronic kidney disease; immunosuppressive therapy; kidney transplantation.

Figure 1

The role of adipose tissue. Endocrine functions of adipose tissue—mechanism of action. Adipose tissue serves as a key endocrine organ, actively regulating the body’s metabolic and hormonal homeostasis. The presented scheme illustrates the diverse functions of adipocytes, including the secretion of bioactive substances that influence metabolism, immunity, insulin regulation, and the cardiovascular system.