Association of silicone breast implants and acute renal allograft rejection

Abstract

Silicone may, like any other adjuvant, induce an inflammatory reaction and diseases. There is no data about its use in renal transplant recipients. Increased immunogenicity of silicon may manifest by activation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system cells what promotes a chronic pro-inflammatory response. Dendritic cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and T-cells have all been found at the capsule/silicone implant contact zone. Additionally, silicon may induce mononuclear cells to secrete proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Herein, we present two patients who developed acute rejection after breast augmentation and reconstruction with silicone-gel implants. By influencing the immunological and inflammatory response, silicone-gel may be involved in promotion of acute allograft rejection in renal transplant recipients. Further studies are needed to prove our hypothesis.

Keywords: Acute rejection; Breast implants; Renal transplantation; Silicone.