Biomarkers of Organ Rejection
March 13, 2018 | Terry Sharrer
Possibly the best Christmas present ever was when Ronald Herrick donated a kidney to his brother, Richard, on Dec. 23, 1954. Because they were identical twins, no immunosuppression was required, and Richard lived for eight more years. Kidney transplantation is now possible between unmatched donors and recipients but some cases require life-long immune suppression. When rejection happens it can be sudden (acute) or slower (chronic) and the earlier the condition is known, the better the chances for a good outcome. This piece describes how messenger RNA, microRNA and exosomes biomarkers in urine could be an improved way to monitor rejection and allow better timing for medication adjustment. MORE
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