Protection of vascular blood vesssels by heparin conjugate in organ transplantation and vascular surgery

Important results from the project

Study long-term effects on transplanted (Tx) kidneys treated with CHC and study in detail the effects on damaged vessels and investigate the possibilities for expanded usage of CHC in lung transplantation. Due to the COVID pandemic, we did not complete the long-term study in kidney Tx, but a 1-month pilot was done. The vessel studies in vivo offered too great technical difficulties, while the in vitro trials showed expected effects. The potential lung indication was not feasible as the risk of CHC interaction with the preservation solutions specifically suitable for lungs is too great.

Expected long term effects

CHC treated kidney needed 70% of the time as untreated to achieve the corresponding urine flow (mL/day) and <50% ldh levels compared to control 14 days after tx. chc (0.5mg ml) did not affect functional parameters in tx lungs that underwent ex vivo lung perfusion after cold storage (8°c, 3 hrs). nor was there any effect of chc on blood gases (po2) systemically or in the pulmonary vein after warm or cold ischemic injury. tx kidneys treated with chc showed, compared to heparin, significantly shorter time to enable restored blood flow and lower icam-1 expression after 40 min of warm ischemia.>

Approach and implementation

The project has had three parties, who contributed significantly to the outcome. Consultants have been engaged for the lung indication, complementing with knowledge and equipment to the three parties. Monthly meetings were held with the parties, and ad hoc meetings with the consultants. Trips were made for inspection and trial execution. The COVID pandemic has revised the schedule several times, and it also affected the execution of trials due to facility closures. The project has therefore made certain reprioritizations within the framework of the proposal with a good outcome.