Can monitoring of serum 8-OHdG level for 2 hours after renal transplantation predict prognosis of the graft?

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is an oxidant of deoxyguanosine, a base in the construction of DNA. We examined the extent of DNA damage to the graft through oxidative stress after renal transplantation. Seven renal transplant patients were enrolled in this study. Before reperfusion of the grafts, the level of serum 8-OHdG was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No relationship was found between the level of serum 8-OHdG just before reperfusion and the postoperative course. In all cases, the level of serum 8-OHdG increased after reperfusion and decreased within 2 hours. In six cases, it remained almost the same as the preoperative level. A faster rate of decrease from the first peak of serum 8-OHdG was associated with a lower nadir serum creatinine and reduced occurrence of acute rejection. This study suggested that immediate calming of the oxidative stress following reperfusion may potentially have a positive influence on graft prognosis. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress may predict graft prognosis.