N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used to treat Tylenol toxicity. NAC is a rich source of the
sulfhydryl group (SH) which is important for replenishing the body's glutathione stores.
Glutathione acts as a free radical scavenger, to decrease the damage that would be caused by
those toxic radicals. Patients who undergo orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) have a high
incidence of post-operative renal dysfunction. The most common etiology of post-operative
renal dysfunction is related to high levels of toxic free radicals. Free radicals may
contribute to primary liver graft failure or delayed liver graft function.
Specific Aims & Objectives:
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in improving liver
graft performance and lowering the incidence of post-operative renal dysfunction. The
secondary objectives are to investigate the effect of NAC on endogenous glutathione body
stores and its effect on FK506 induced toxicity.