Microbiome and Immunosuppression: The Mission Study

Immunosuppression drugs, like antibiotics and certain foods, can change the microbiome (the natural micro-organisms inside the body) of the individual taking the drug. The study team wants to study what impact these changes to the microbiome have on the individual. The study team is specifically interested in how these changes to the microbiome may change the metabolism (breakdown) and action of medications. It is already known that individual genetics impact the metabolism, absorption, and toxicities of some medications. It is suspected that the microbiome will have similar impacts on medications. With a better understanding of how individual microbiome impacts immunosuppressant medications used to help transplant recipients from rejecting their new organs, providers can more accurately prescribe and dose these medications to better treat and care for transplant patients and their organs.

It is expected that participants will be in this research study for up to 12 years. There will be periods of time that requires active participation (visits) and periods of time that will be more passive participation (allowing study staff to follow-up with medical records for outcomes).

Inclusion criteria

• Participants undergoing kidney transplant
• Male or female at least 18 years of age at time of enrollment
• Will or have received a living or deceased donor kidney transplant
• Planned post-transplant immunosuppression regimen of mycophenolate mofetil dosed every 12 hours (Cellcept or generic) and immediate release tacrolimus dosed twice daily with trough concentration monitoring (generic or brand formulation).
• Able and willing to complete study-related procedures and visits
• Signs written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Recipient of a previous non-kidney transplant
• Subject is a multi-organ transplant recipient
• Presence of active gastroparesis, and documented in the medical record
• Liver dysfunction (total bilirubin >2x upper limit of normal) within 2 months of enrollment
• Patients who take medications that significantly inhibit uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes.
• Patients who take medications that significantly inhibit or induce the biliary transporters
• Patient is known to be HIV positive
• Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women
• Non-English speaking
• Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery