Urinary mRNA biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis of calcineurin inhibitor toxicity in kidney transplant recipients with graft dysfunction: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity is a significant cause of graft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients, yet distinguishing it from acute rejection (AR) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) remains challenging. This study investigated the use of urinary mRNA biomarkers as a noninvasive tool for identifying CNI toxicity.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 110 kidney transplant recipients and classified them into four groups based on pathological findings: stable graft function (n=35), CNI toxicity (n=25), AR (n=30), and ATN (n=20). Candidate biomarkers were selected using the GEO database. Urinary mRNA was extracted from cell pellets, reverse-transcribed, and quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Estimated glomerular filtration rat

SUBMITTER: Baek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12782997 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature