Translational lessons from a case of combined heart and liver transplantation for familial hypercholesterolemia 20 years post-operatively. 2012

Michael Ibrahim, and Ismail El-Hamamsy, and Mahmoud Barbir, and Magdi H Yacoub
Magdi Yacoub Institute, Heart Science Centre, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Uxbridge, UK.

We review the lessons from a case of combined heart and liver transplantation (CHLT) 20 years post-operatively from the molecular to clinical levels. CHLT replaces cardiac function and provides a new source of Low density lipoprotein-receptors (LDL-R) known to be deficient in Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Little is known of the long-term outcomes of this strategy. We review the lessons from a case of CHLT 20 years post-operatively, which illustrate the successful transition from the molecular understanding of the pathophysiology to the clinical therapy. Most importantly, there is evidence that transplantation of multiple organs from a single donor promotes operational tolerance, especially in the case of the liver. This lady presented in severe heart failure with advanced atherosclerotic disease resulting in coronary artery and aortic valve stenosis. The serum LDL-C concentration of 13 mmol/L was refractory to conventional therapy. Genetic analysis showed a large deletion on one allele of the LDL-R, and a mutant allele that produced a receptor which was delayed in its transport to the cell membrane and had 10% of normal receptor activity. The patient had a normalised lipid-profile directly after CHLT (2.1 mmol/L), and this has remained stable since the time of operation. Apart from a minor episode of cardiac rejection at 3 weeks post-CHLT, the patient has had excellent heart and liver function throughout. This patient has not experienced any signs of rejection, despite only low-dose immunosuppression. We review what we have learnt from this case at the molecular and clinical levels.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007166 Immunosuppressive Agents Agents that suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of T-CELLS or by inhibiting the activation of HELPER CELLS. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of INTERLEUKINS and other CYTOKINES are emerging. Immunosuppressant,Immunosuppressive Agent,Immunosuppressants,Agent, Immunosuppressive,Agents, Immunosuppressive
D008078 Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol which is contained in or bound to low density lipoproteins (LDL), including CHOLESTEROL ESTERS and free cholesterol. LDL Cholesterol,Cholesteryl Linoleate, LDL,LDL Cholesteryl Linoleate,Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol,beta-Lipoprotein Cholesterol,Cholesterol, beta-Lipoprotein,beta Lipoprotein Cholesterol
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009154 Mutation Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations. Mutations
D011973 Receptors, LDL Receptors on the plasma membrane of nonhepatic cells that specifically bind LDL. The receptors are localized in specialized regions called coated pits. Hypercholesteremia is caused by an allelic genetic defect of three types: 1, receptors do not bind to LDL; 2, there is reduced binding of LDL; and 3, there is normal binding but no internalization of LDL. In consequence, entry of cholesterol esters into the cell is impaired and the intracellular feedback by cholesterol on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase is lacking. LDL Receptors,Lipoprotein LDL Receptors,Receptors, Low Density Lipoprotein,LDL Receptor,LDL Receptors, Lipoprotein,Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor,Low Density Lipoprotein Receptors,Receptors, Lipoprotein, LDL,Receptor, LDL,Receptors, Lipoprotein LDL
D005260 Female Females
D006084 Graft Rejection An immune response with both cellular and humoral components, directed against an allogeneic transplant, whose tissue antigens are not compatible with those of the recipient. Transplant Rejection,Rejection, Transplant,Transplantation Rejection,Graft Rejections,Rejection, Graft,Rejection, Transplantation,Rejections, Graft,Rejections, Transplant,Rejections, Transplantation,Transplant Rejections,Transplantation Rejections
D006085 Graft Survival The survival of a graft in a host, the factors responsible for the survival and the changes occurring within the graft during growth in the host. Graft Survivals,Survival, Graft,Survivals, Graft
D006333 Heart Failure A heterogeneous condition in which the heart is unable to pump out sufficient blood to meet the metabolic need of the body. Heart failure can be caused by structural defects, functional abnormalities (VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION), or a sudden overload beyond its capacity. Chronic heart failure is more common than acute heart failure which results from sudden insult to cardiac function, such as MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. Cardiac Failure,Heart Decompensation,Congestive Heart Failure,Heart Failure, Congestive,Heart Failure, Left-Sided,Heart Failure, Right-Sided,Left-Sided Heart Failure,Myocardial Failure,Right-Sided Heart Failure,Decompensation, Heart,Heart Failure, Left Sided,Heart Failure, Right Sided,Left Sided Heart Failure,Right Sided Heart Failure
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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