Investigation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory gene expressions in liver transplantation patients before and after the operation

Aim: Biomarkers that may be useful in the follow-up of conditions such as inflammation, rejection, regeneration and immunosuppression therapy are still sought after liver transplantation. The aim of our project is to better understand the immune system response before and after transplantation and to reveal the value of candidate biomarkers. Material and Method: Expression levels of some cytokine genes and genes thought to be biomarkers in various infectious diseases were investigated in peripheral blood samples of liver transplantation patients before, 1 month and 6 after the operation, and biochemical analyzes were made from their serums. Results: ALT, PLT and CRP levels increased in measurements performed 1 month after liver transplantation; AFP, Bilirubin D and Bilirubin T levels were found to be decreased. In the measurements performed 6 months after the operation, the PLT level increased; It was determined that AST, AFP Bilirubin D and Bilirubin T levels were decreased. Comparing the measurements 1 month after the operation with the measurements 6 months later, it was determined that ALT, PLT, CRP and Bilirubin D levels decreased at 6 months. In the measurements performed 1 month after the operation, it was determined that IL-2 and IFN-γ gene expression levels decreased. In the measurements performed 6 months after the operation, an increase in TNF-α gene expressions was observed. Comparing the measurements performed 1 month after the operation and 6 months after the operation, it was determined that IL-2, HLA-G5 and IFN-γ gene expressions increased at the 6th month. It was determined that the TNF-α gene expressions of the patients who were observed to be rejected in the 2 years after the operation were decreased compared to the patients who did not experience rejection. Expression changes of IL-2 and IFN-γ genes in all time periods show positive correlation. Conclusion: In addition to traditional biochemical parameters after liver transplantation, measurement of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and HLA-G5 gene expressions, whose expression levels change in the first 6 months, may be useful in the follow-up of patients.