Abstract

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that acts through regenerating glutathione stores and scavenging oxygen-free radicals. This study assesses the short-term effects of NAC in cadaveric kidney transplant (KT) recipients. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial was designed and patients were randomly assigned to receive either NAC or placebo. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in erythrocytes and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) determined in the early phase after transplantation, were also compared between two study groups. Thirty-seven males and 20 females, with mean +/- SD age of 44.6 +/- 12.4 years completed the study. Significant difference (P = 0.02) was seen between GPX activity reduction in the placebo group, and that of the NAC group and on the levels of MDA there was no significant difference between two study groups (P = 0.53). Significant improvement in immediate graft function (IGF), (68 versus 40, P = 0.05) and the first week eGFR were observed in the NAC group compared to the placebo group (52.46 +/- 2.77 versus 38.75 +/- 19.67 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = 0.02). It seems that the protective mechanisms of NAC, other than its antioxidant properties, can be favorable in KT patients.