Which drug used to prevent allograft rejection is known to cause hyperlipidemia?

The drug known to cause hyperlipidemia in the context of preventing allograft rejection is sirolimus. Sirolimus, also referred to as rapamycin, is an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor that is commonly used in transplant medicine to prevent organ rejection. One of the notable side effects of sirolimus is hyperlipidemia, which can manifest as elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The mechanism behind this side effect is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be related to the drug's effects on lipid metabolism and its influence on the production of lipoproteins.

In transplant recipients, while managing the risk of rejection is crucial, monitoring and managing lipid levels become important due to the potential long-term cardiovascular risks associated with hyperlipidemia caused by sirolimus. This property of sirolimus highlights the need for comprehensive care that addresses not only immunosuppression but also the metabolic effects of the medications used in transplant patients.