A new index for acute rejection after renal transplant: Notch receptor-1.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at investigating the relation between expression of Notch receptor-1 (Notch 1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and acute rejection after renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven patients receiving a renal transplant were randomly selected. Peripheral blood samples before transplant and days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 after transplant were retrospectively observed. Expression of Notch 1 was detected by flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Expression of Notch 1 was correlated with acute rejection and long-term renal function after transplant (as detected by the level of serum creatinine 6 months after transplant). Expression of Notch 1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased before serum creatinine increased. Expression of Notch 1 can reveal the immune state of recipients after transplant, and Notch 1 expression at early time points after transplant can predict long-term renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Notch 1 can serve as an important index for acute rejection and long-term renal function after transplant.