Abstract: AIM: To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of mycophenolate mofetil(MMF) with those of azathioprine on kidney graft recipients after renal transplantation.METHODS: 56 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:the grouPMMF and the grouPAza (n=28 in each group).In the grouPMMF,the patients were subjected to MMF,together with cyclosporin A (CsA) and prednisone(Pred).In the grouPAza,the patients received the triple drug treatment protocol:Aza,CsA and Pred.The whole blood concentration of CsA,function of the liver and the kidney as well as routine urine test were monitored at each monthly interval.RESULTS: The required administration of CsA and its blood concentration were remarkably lower in the groupMMF than those in the grouPAza(P<0.05).Compared with the grouPAza,the serum level of creatinine in the grouPMMF was also significantly lower (P<0.05).MMF had better therapeutic effects to resist acute rejections.The incidence of drug induced liver injury in the grouPMMF was lower as well.CONCLUSION: compared with Aza,MMF causes less adverse effects and induces less impairment on the liver and kidney.So MMF has better clinical therapeutic effects and can improve the survival rate of kidney grafts significantly.

Key words: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, immunosuppressive agents, graft rejection, renal transplantation