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Silvaroli JA, Bisunke B, Kim JY, Stayton A, Jayne LA, Martinez SA, Nguyen C, Patel PS, Vanichapol T, Verma V, Akhter J, Bolisetty S, Madhavan SM, Kuscu C, Coss CC, Zepeda-Orozco D, Parikh SV, Satoskar AA, Davidson AJ, Eason JD, Szeto HH, Pabla NS, Bajwa A. Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen Identifies Phospholipid Scramblase 3 as the Biological Target of Mitoprotective Drug SS-31. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:681-695. [PMID: 38530359 PMCID: PMC11164119 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Points Szeto–Schiller-31–mediated mitoprotection is phospholipid scramblase 3–dependent. Phospholipid scramblase 3 is required for recovery after AKI. Background The synthetic tetrapeptide Szeto–Schiller (SS)-31 shows promise in alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction associated with common diseases. However, the precise pharmacological basis of its mitoprotective effects remains unknown. Methods To uncover the biological targets of SS-31, we performed a genome-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats screen in human kidney-2, a cell culture model where SS-31 mitigates cisplatin-associated cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction. The identified hit candidate gene was functionally validated using knockout cell lines, small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation, and tubular epithelial–specific conditional knockout mice. Biochemical interaction studies were also performed to examine the interaction of SS-31 with the identified target protein. Results Our primary screen and validation studies in hexokinase 2 and primary murine tubular epithelial cells showed that phospholipid scramblase 3 (PLSCR3), an understudied inner mitochondrial membrane protein, was essential for the protective effects of SS-31. For in vivo validation, we generated tubular epithelial–specific knockout mice and found that Plscr3 gene ablation did not influence kidney function under normal conditions or affect the severity of cisplatin and rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI. However, Plscr3 gene deletion completely abrogated the protective effects of SS-31 during cisplatin and rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI. Biochemical studies showed that SS-31 directly binds to a previously uncharacterized N -terminal domain and stimulates PLSCR3 scramblase activity. Finally, PLSCR3 protein expression was found to be increased in the kidneys of patients with AKI. Conclusions PLSCR3 was identified as the essential biological target that facilitated the mitoprotective effects of SS-31 in vitro and in vivo .
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Veličković D, Shapiro JP, Parikh SV, Rovin B, Toto RD, Vazquez MA, Poggio ED, O'Toole JF, Sedor JR, Alexandrov T, Jain S, Bitzer M, Hodgin J, Veličković M, Sharma K, Anderton CR. Protein N-glycans in Healthy and Sclerotic Glomeruli in Diabetic Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024:00001751-990000000-00327. [PMID: 38771634 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is expected to directly impact renal glycosylation, yet to date, there has not been a comprehensive evaluation of alterations in N-glycan composition in the glomeruli of patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). METHODS We used untargeted mass spectrometry imaging to identify N-glycan structures in healthy and sclerotic glomeruli in FFPE sections from needle biopsies of five patients with DKD and three healthy kidney samples. Regional proteomics was performed on glomeruli from additional biopsies from the same patients to compare the abundances of enzymes involved in glycosylation. Secondary analysis of single nuclei transcriptomics (snRNAseq) data was used to inform on transcript levels of glycosylation machinery in different cell types and states. RESULTS We detected 120 N-glycans, and among them identified twelve of these protein post-translated modifications that were significantly increased in glomeruli. All glomeruli-specific N-glycans contained an N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) epitope. Five N-glycan structures were highly discriminant between sclerotic and healthy glomeruli. Sclerotic glomeruli had an additional set of glycans lacking fucose linked to their core, and they did not show tetra-antennary structures that are common in healthy glomeruli. Orthogonal omics analyses revealed lower protein abundance and lower gene expression involved in synthesizing fucosylated and branched N-glycans in sclerotic podocytes. In snRNAseq and regional proteomics analyses, we observed that genes and/or proteins involved in sialylation and LacNAc synthesis were also downregulated in DKD glomeruli, but this alteration remained undetectable by our spatial N-glycomics assay. CONCLUSIONS Integrative spatial glycomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics revealed protein N-glycosylation characteristic of sclerotic glomeruli in DKD.
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Leisring J, Brodsky SV, Parikh SV. Clinical Evaluation and Management of Thrombotic Microangiopathy. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:153-165. [PMID: 37610060 DOI: 10.1002/art.42681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) refers to a diverse group of diseases that share clinical and histopathologic features. TMA is clinically characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, consumptive thrombocytopenia, and organ injury that stems from endothelial damage and vascular occlusion. There are several disease states with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms that manifest as TMA. These conditions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require urgent recognition and treatment. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome are traditionally considered to be primary forms of TMA, but TMA more commonly occurs in association with a coexisting condition such as infection, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, or malignant hypertension, among others. Determining the cause of TMA is a diagnostic challenge because of limited availability of disease-specific testing. However, identifying the underlying etiology is imperative as treatment strategies differ. Our understanding of the conditions that cause TMA is evolving. Recent advances have led to improved comprehension of the varying pathogenic mechanisms that drive TMA. Development of targeted therapeutics has resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and clinical features of the different TMA-causing conditions. We outline a practical approach to diagnosis and management and discuss empiric and disease-specific treatment strategies.
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Kitamura M, Dasgupta A, Henricks J, Parikh SV, Nadasdy T, Clark E, Bazan JA, Satoskar AA. Clinicopathological differences between Bartonella and other bacterial endocarditis-related glomerulonephritis - our experience and a pooled analysis. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2024; 3:1322741. [PMID: 38288381 PMCID: PMC10823370 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1322741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Background Although Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of acute infective endocarditis (IE) in adults, Bartonella spp. has concomitantly emerged as the leading cause of "blood culture-negative IE" (BCNE). Pre-disposing factors, clinical presentation and kidney biopsy findings in Bartonella IE-associated glomerulonephritis (GN) show subtle differences and some unique features relative to other bacterial infection-related GNs. We highlight these features along with key diagnostic clues and management approach in Bartonella IE-associated GN. Methods We conducted a pooled analysis of 89 cases of Bartonella IE-associated GN (54 published case reports and case series; 18 published conference abstracts identified using an English literature search of several commonly used literature search modalities); and four unpublished cases from our institution. Results Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana are the most commonly implicated species causing IE in humans. Subacute presentation, affecting damaged native and/or prosthetic heart valves, high titer anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), mainly proteinase-3 (PR-3) specificity, fastidious nature and lack of positive blood cultures of these Gram-negative bacilli, a higher frequency of focal glomerular crescents compared to other bacterial infection-related GNs are some of the salient features of Bartonella IE-associated GN. C3-dominant, but frequent C1q and IgM immunofluorescence staining is seen on biopsy. A "full-house" immunofluorescence staining pattern is also described but can be seen in IE -associated GN due to other bacteria as well. Non-specific generalized symptoms, cytopenia, heart failure and other organ damage due to embolic phenomena are the highlights on clinical presentation needing a multi-disciplinary approach for management. Awareness of the updated modified Duke criteria for IE, a high index of suspicion for underlying infection despite negative microbiologic cultures, history of exposure to animals, particularly infected cats, and use of send-out serologic tests for Bartonella spp. early in the course of management can help in early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. Conclusion Diagnosis of IE-associated GN can be challenging particularly with BCNE. The number of Bartonella IE-associated GN cases in a single institution tends to be less than IE due to gram positive cocci, however Bartonella is currently the leading cause of BCNE. We provide a much-needed discussion on this topic.
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Gisch DL, Brennan M, Lake BB, Basta J, Keller MS, Melo Ferreira R, Akilesh S, Ghag R, Lu C, Cheng YH, Collins KS, Parikh SV, Rovin BH, Robbins L, Stout L, Conklin KY, Diep D, Zhang B, Knoten A, Barwinska D, Asghari M, Sabo AR, Ferkowicz MJ, Sutton TA, Kelly KJ, De Boer IH, Rosas SE, Kiryluk K, Hodgin JB, Alakwaa F, Winfree S, Jefferson N, Türkmen A, Gaut JP, Gehlenborg N, Phillips CL, El-Achkar TM, Dagher PC, Hato T, Zhang K, Himmelfarb J, Kretzler M, Mollah S, Jain S, Rauchman M, Eadon MT. The chromatin landscape of healthy and injured cell types in the human kidney. Nat Commun 2024; 15:433. [PMID: 38199997 PMCID: PMC10781985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44467-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a need to define regions of gene activation or repression that control human kidney cells in states of health, injury, and repair to understand the molecular pathogenesis of kidney disease and design therapeutic strategies. Comprehensive integration of gene expression with epigenetic features that define regulatory elements remains a significant challenge. We measure dual single nucleus RNA expression and chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and H3K27ac, H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3 histone modifications to decipher the chromatin landscape and gene regulation of the kidney in reference and adaptive injury states. We establish a spatially-anchored epigenomic atlas to define the kidney's active, silent, and regulatory accessible chromatin regions across the genome. Using this atlas, we note distinct control of adaptive injury in different epithelial cell types. A proximal tubule cell transcription factor network of ELF3, KLF6, and KLF10 regulates the transition between health and injury, while in thick ascending limb cells this transition is regulated by NR2F1. Further, combined perturbation of ELF3, KLF6, and KLF10 distinguishes two adaptive proximal tubular cell subtypes, one of which manifested a repair trajectory after knockout. This atlas will serve as a foundation to facilitate targeted cell-specific therapeutics by reprogramming gene regulatory networks.
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Saxena A, Ginzler EM, Gibson K, Satirapoj B, Santillán AEZ, Levchenko O, Navarra S, Atsumi T, Yasuda S, Chavez-Perez NN, Arriens C, Parikh SV, Caster DJ, Birardi V, Randhawa S, Lisk L, Huizinga RB, Teng YKO. Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Voclosporin Treatment for Lupus Nephritis in the Phase 3 AURORA 2 Clinical Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:59-67. [PMID: 37466424 DOI: 10.1002/art.42657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AURORA 2 evaluated the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of voclosporin compared to placebo in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) receiving an additional two years of treatment following completion of the one-year AURORA 1 study. METHODS Enrolled patients continued their double-blinded treatment of voclosporin or placebo randomly assigned in AURORA 1, in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose glucocorticoids. The primary objective was safety assessed with adverse events (AEs) and biochemical and hematological assessments. Efficacy was measured by renal response. RESULTS A total of 216 patients enrolled in AURORA 2. Treatment was well tolerated with 86.1% completing the study and no unexpected safety signals. AEs occurred in 86% and 80% of patients in the voclosporin and control groups, respectively, with an AE profile similar to that seen in AURORA 1, albeit with reduced frequency. Investigator reported AEs of both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease and hypertension occurred more frequently in the voclosporin than the control group (10.3% vs 5.0%, and 8.6% vs 7.0%, respectively). Mean corrected estimated GFR (eGFR) was within the normal range and stable in both treatment groups. eGFR slope over the two-year period was -0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] -3.0 to 2.7) in the voclosporin group and -5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI -8.4 to -2.3) in the control group. Improved proteinuria persisted across three years of treatment, leading to more frequent complete renal responses in patients treated with voclosporin (50.9% vs 39.0%; odds ratio 1.74; 95% CI 1.00-3.03). CONCLUSION Data demonstrate the safety and efficacy of long-term voclosporin treatment over three years of follow-up in patients with LN.
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Gisch DL, Brennan M, Lake BB, Basta J, Keller M, Ferreira RM, Akilesh S, Ghag R, Lu C, Cheng YH, Collins KS, Parikh SV, Rovin BH, Robbins L, Conklin KY, Diep D, Zhang B, Knoten A, Barwinska D, Asghari M, Sabo AR, Ferkowicz MJ, Sutton TA, Kelly KJ, Boer IHD, Rosas SE, Kiryluk K, Hodgin JB, Alakwaa F, Jefferson N, Gaut JP, Gehlenborg N, Phillips CL, El-Achkar TM, Dagher PC, Hato T, Zhang K, Himmelfarb J, Kretzler M, Mollah S, Jain S, Rauchman M, Eadon MT. The chromatin landscape of healthy and injured cell types in the human kidney. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.543965. [PMID: 37333123 PMCID: PMC10274789 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.543965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to define regions of gene activation or repression that control human kidney cells in states of health, injury, and repair to understand the molecular pathogenesis of kidney disease and design therapeutic strategies. However, comprehensive integration of gene expression with epigenetic features that define regulatory elements remains a significant challenge. We measured dual single nucleus RNA expression and chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and H3K27ac, H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3 histone modifications to decipher the chromatin landscape and gene regulation of the kidney in reference and adaptive injury states. We established a comprehensive and spatially-anchored epigenomic atlas to define the kidney's active, silent, and regulatory accessible chromatin regions across the genome. Using this atlas, we noted distinct control of adaptive injury in different epithelial cell types. A proximal tubule cell transcription factor network of ELF3 , KLF6 , and KLF10 regulated the transition between health and injury, while in thick ascending limb cells this transition was regulated by NR2F1 . Further, combined perturbation of ELF3 , KLF6 , and KLF10 distinguished two adaptive proximal tubular cell subtypes, one of which manifested a repair trajectory after knockout. This atlas will serve as a foundation to facilitate targeted cell-specific therapeutics by reprogramming gene regulatory networks.
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Kitamura M, Almaani S, Challa B, Doraiswamy M, Ayoub I, Biederman L, Parikh SV, Molovic-Kokovic A, Benedict J, Mhaskar N, Khitan ZJ, Brodsky SV, Nadasdy T, Satoskar AA. The Diagnostic Conundrum of Glomerular Crescents With IgA Deposits. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:507-518. [PMID: 36938067 PMCID: PMC10014387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glomerulonephritis (GN) with crescents and IgA deposits in kidney biopsy poses a frequent diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma because of multiple possibilities. Methods Native kidney biopsies showing glomerular IgA deposition and crescents (excluding lupus nephritis) were identified from our biopsy archives between 2010 and 2021. Detailed clinicopathologic features were assessed. One-year clinical follow-up on a subset of cases was obtained. Results A total of 285 cases were identified, and these clustered into IgA nephropathy (IgAN, n = 108), Staphylococcus or other infection-associated GN/infection-related GN (SAGN/IRGN, n = 43), and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated GN (ANCA-GN, n = 26) based on a constellation of clinicopathologic features, but 101 cases (group X) could not be definitively differentiated. The reasons have been elucidated, most important being atypical combination of clinicopathologic features and lack of definitive evidence of active infection. Follow-up (on 72/101 cases) revealed that clinicians' working diagnosis was IgAN in 43%, SAGN/IRGN in 22%, ANCA-GN in 28%, and others in 7% of the cases, but treatment approach varied from supportive or antibiotics to immunosuppression in each subgroup. Comparing these cases as "received immunosuppression" versus "non-immunosuppression," only 2 features differed, namely C3-dominant staining, and possibility of recent infection (both higher in the no-immunosuppression group) (P < 0.05). Renal loss was higher in the non-immunosuppression subgroup, but not statistically significant (P = 0.11). Conclusion Diagnostic overlap may remain unresolved in a substantial number of kidney biopsies with glomerular crescents and IgA deposits. A case-by-case approach, appropriate antibiotics if infection is ongoing, and consideration for cautious immunosuppressive treatment for progressive renal dysfunction may be needed for best chance of renal recovery.
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Parikh SV, Madhavan S, Shapiro J, Knight R, Rosenberg AZ, Parikh CR, Rovin B, Menez S. Characterization of Glomerular and Tubulointerstitial Proteomes in a Case of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Attributed Acute Kidney Injury: A Clinical Pathologic Molecular Correlation. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:402-410. [PMID: 36344211 PMCID: PMC10103356 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.09260822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The major goals of the Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMPP) are to establish a molecular atlas of the kidney in health and disease and improve our understanding of the molecular drivers of CKD and AKI. In this clinical-pathologic-molecular correlation, we describe the case of a 38-year-old woman without any history of CKD who underwent a research kidney biopsy in the setting of AKI suspected to be due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use after cesarean section delivery. The participant's histopathology was consistent with mild acute tubular injury, without significant interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy. This diagnosis was supported by analysis of the glomerular and tubulointerstitial proteomes. The proteomic interrogation revealed a molecular landscape that demonstrated differences in kidney prostaglandin synthesis that may be in response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and signs of intrarenal inflammation and fibrosis that were not evident by histopathology alone.
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Doraiswamy M, Parikh SV, Brodsky S. A Rare Case of Recurrent Immunotactoid Glomerulonephritis. Cureus 2023; 15:e35136. [PMID: 36949975 PMCID: PMC10026602 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotactoid glomerulopathy is an uncommon cause of glomerular disease that results from deposits derived from immunoglobulins. This rare disease can occur in native kidneys and in transplant patients. They are present only in 0.5% to 1.4% of native kidney biopsies. Treatment of this disease is directed at the underlying monoclonal gammopathy, infection, and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Prognosis is very guarded with 50% of people developing ESRD within five years of diagnosis. We present an interesting, rare case of recurrent immunotactoid glomerulonephritis which responded appropriately to rituximab therapy.
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Abdelghani E, Waller AP, Wolfgang KJ, Stanek JR, Parikh SV, Rovin BH, Smoyer WE, Kerlin BA. Exploring the Role of Antithrombin in Nephrotic Syndrome-Associated Hypercoagulopathy: A Multi-Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:234-244. [PMID: 36754010 PMCID: PMC10103265 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephrotic syndrome is associated with an acquired hypercoagulopathy that is thought to drive its predisposition for venous thromboembolism. Previous studies have suggested that urinary antithrombin (AT) loss leading to acquired AT deficiency is the primary mechanism underlying this hypercoagulopathy, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. The objectives of this study were to test the influence of AT levels on hypercoagulopathy in nephrotic syndrome patient samples and perform meta-analyses to evaluate the likelihood of AT deficiency in patients with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS Samples from three independent nephrotic syndrome cohorts were analyzed. AT antigen and activity assays were performed using ELISA and amidolytic assays, respectively. Plasma thrombin generation, albumin, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratios were determined using established methods. Meta-analyses were performed by combining these new data with previously published data. RESULTS AT levels were not consistently related to either plasma albumin or proteinuria. AT was quantitatively related to hypercoagulopathy in adult nephrotic syndrome, whereas AT activity was inconsistently associated with hypercoagulopathy in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Notably, hypercoagulopathy did not differ between patients with normal AT levels and those with levels below the threshold used to define clinical AT deficiency (<70%). Moreover, ex vivo AT supplementation did not significantly alter hypercoagulopathy in AT-deficient plasma samples. The meta-analyses demonstrated that AT deficiency was not a uniform feature of nephrotic syndrome and was more common in children than adults. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that AT deficiency plays only a limited role in the mechanisms underlying the acquired hypercoagulopathy of nephrotic syndrome. Moreover, AT deficiency was not present in all patients with nephrotic syndrome and was more likely in children than adults despite the higher risk for venous thromboembolism in adults than children.
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Podos SD, Trachtman H, Appel GB, Bomback AS, Dixon BP, Wetzels JFM, Cook HT, Parikh SV, Pickering MC, Tumlin J, Langman CB, Lightstone L, Sperati CJ, Daina E, Bouman KP, Rice K, Thanassi JA, Huang M, Nester C, Remuzzi G. Baseline Clinical Characteristics and Complement Biomarkers of Patients with C3 Glomerulopathy Enrolled in Two Phase 2 Studies Investigating the Factor D Inhibitor Danicopan. Am J Nephrol 2022; 53:675-686. [PMID: 36404708 DOI: 10.1159/000527166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, progressive kidney disease resulting from dysregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement. Biomarkers at baseline were investigated in patients with C3G who participated in two phase 2 studies with the factor D (FD) inhibitor, danicopan. METHODS Patients with biopsy-confirmed C3G, proteinuria ≥500 mg/day, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were enrolled into two studies (NCT03369236 and NCT03459443). Biomarker analysis was performed for patients with C3G confirmed by central pathology laboratory re-evaluation. Complement and clinical biomarkers, biopsy composite score, and activity and chronicity indices were assessed at baseline and analyzed by pairwise Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients were included in the analysis (median [interquartile range] age: 24.0 [10.0] years). Systemic complement AP activation was evident by reduced median concentrations of C3 and C5, elevated sC5b-9, and normal C4, relative to reference ranges. C3 showed strong pairwise correlations with C5 and sC5b-9 (r = 0.80 and -0.73, respectively; p < 0.0001). Baseline Ba and FD concentrations were inversely correlated with eGFR (r = -0.83 and -0.87, respectively; p < 0.0001). Urinary concentrations of sC5b-9 were correlated with both plasma sC5b-9 and proteinuria (r = 0.69 and r = 0.83, respectively; p < 0.0001). Biopsy activity indices correlated strongly with biomarkers of systemic AP activation, including C3 (r = -0.76, p < 0.0001), whereas chronicity indices aligned more closely with eGFR (r = -0.57, p = 0.0021). CONCLUSION Associations among complement biomarkers, kidney function, and kidney histology may add to the current understanding of C3G and assist with the characterization of patients with this heterogenous disease.
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Bumma N, Kahwash R, Parikh SV, Isfort M, Freimer M, Vallakati A, Redder E, Campbell CM, Sharma N, Efebera Y, Stino A. Multidisciplinary amyloidosis care in the era of personalized medicine. Front Neurol 2022; 13:935936. [PMID: 36341129 PMCID: PMC9630033 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.935936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis refers to a group of conditions where abnormal protein-or amyloid-deposits in tissues or organs, often leading to organ malfunction. Amyloidosis affects nearly any organ system, but especially the heart, kidneys, liver, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Neuromuscular deficits comprise some of its ubiquitous manifestations. Amyloidosis can be quite challenging to diagnose given its clinical heterogeneity and multi-system nature. Early diagnosis with accurate genetic and serologic subtyping is key for effective management and prevention of organ decline. In this review, we highlight the value of a multidisciplinary comprehensive amyloidosis clinic. While such a model exists at numerous clinical and research centers across the globe, the lack of more widespread adoption of such a model remains a major hindrance to the timely diagnosis of amyloidosis. Such a multidisciplinary care model allows for the timely and effective diagnosis of amyloidosis, be it acquired amyloid light amyloidosis (AL), hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR), or wild type amyloidosis (TTR-wt), especially in the current era of personalized genomic medicine. A multidisciplinary clinic optimizes the delivery of singular or combinatorial drug therapies, depending on amyloid type, fibril deposition location, and disease progression. Such an arrangement also helps advance research in the field. We present our experience at The Ohio State University, as one example out of many, to highlight the centrality of a multi-disciplinary clinic in amyloidosis care.
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Parikh SV, Malvar A, Song H, Shapiro J, Mejia-Vilet JM, Ayoub I, Almaani S, Madhavan S, Alberton V, Besso C, Lococo B, Satoskar A, Zhang J, Yu L, Fadda P, Eadon M, Birmingham D, Ganesan LP, Jarjour W, Rovin BH. Molecular profiling of kidney compartments from serial biopsies differentiate treatment responders from non-responders in lupus nephritis. Kidney Int 2022; 102:845-865. [PMID: 35788359 PMCID: PMC9613357 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The immune pathways that define treatment response and non-response in lupus nephritis (LN) are unknown. To characterize these intra-kidney pathways, transcriptomic analysis was done on protocol kidney biopsies obtained at flare (initial biopsy (Bx1)) and after treatment (second biopsy (Bx2)) in 58 patients with LN. Glomeruli and tubulointerstitial compartments were isolated using laser microdissection. RNA was extracted and analyzed by nanostring technology with transcript expression from clinically complete responders, partial responders and non-responders compared at Bx1 and Bx2 and to the healthy controls. Top transcripts that differentiate clinically complete responders from non-responders were validated at the protein level by confocal microscopy and urine ELISA. At Bx1, cluster analysis determined that glomerular integrin, neutrophil, chemokines/cytokines and tubulointerstitial chemokines, T cell and leukocyte adhesion genes were able to differentiate non-responders from clinically complete responders. At Bx2, glomerular monocyte, extracellular matrix, and interferon, and tubulointerstitial interferon, complement, and T cell transcripts differentiated non-responders from clinically complete responders. Protein analysis identified several protein products of overexpressed glomerular and tubulointerstitial transcripts at LN flare, recapitulating top transcript findings. Urine complement component 5a and fibronectin-1 protein levels reflected complement and fibronectin expression at flare and after treatment. Thus, transcript analysis of serial LN kidney biopsies demonstrated how gene expression in the kidney changes with clinically successful and unsuccessful therapy. Hence, these insights into the molecular landscape of response and non-response may help align LN management with the pathogenesis of kidney injury.
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Arriens C, Teng YKO, Ginzler EM, Parikh SV, Askanase AD, Saxena A, Gibson K, Caster DJ, Atsumi T, Lisk L, Randhawa S, Gluck R, Solomons N, Huizinga RB. Update on the Efficacy and Safety Profile of Voclosporin: An Integrated Analysis of Clinical Trials in Lupus Nephritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022. [PMID: 36039949 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This integrated analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor, at 23.7 mg twice daily in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and oral glucocorticoids in lupus nephritis (LN) using pooled data from two large phase II and phase III clinical trials. The purpose was to expand the pool of patients for safety analyses and to increase power for efficacy analyses in patient subpopulations. METHODS Aurinia Urinary Protein Reduction in Active Lupus with Voclosporin (AURA-LV) (phase II) and Aurinia Renal Response in Active Lupus With Voclosporin (AURORA 1) (phase III) were randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials with similar designs and end points comparing voclosporin to control in combination with MMF and oral glucocorticoids for the treatment of LN. The primary efficacy outcome of the integrated analysis was complete renal response (CRR) at approximately one year (Week 48 data from AURA-LV and Week 52 from AURORA 1). Safety was assessed throughout the trials. RESULTS Overall, 534 patients (268 voclosporin; 266 control) were included in the integrated analysis. Significantly more patients achieved a CRR at one year in the voclosporin group than in the control group (43.7% vs. 23.3%; OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.88, 4.05 P < 0.0001). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar (91.4% voclosporin; 87.2% control). Most AEs were mild to moderate in severity; the most commonly reported AEs were classified as infections and infestations (62.2% voclosporin; 54.9% control) and gastrointestinal disorders (45.3% voclosporin; 35.3% placebo). No new or unexpected safety signals were detected. CONCLUSIONS This integrated analysis demonstrates the efficacy and safety of voclosporin in the treatment of LN across the diverse racial and ethnic groups studied.
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Brewington BY, Kondapalli S, Kothari SS, Parikh SV, Cebulla CM. Choroidal Effusion Mimicking Uveal Melanoma: A Novel Presentation of Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2022; 7:390-395. [PMID: 35087815 DOI: 10.1159/000512765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS, also known as Clarkson's disease) is a rare medical condition characterized by episodes of capillary endothelial cell dysfunction with leakage of fluid into the interstitial space resulting in severe hypotension, hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema. Each episode can result in multiorgan failure due to systemic hypoperfusion. Case Presentation We report a case of uveal effusion, mimicking uveal melanoma, associated with ISCLS following viral infection. A 74-year-old white male was evaluated in our ocular tumor clinic for a large intraocular mass in the right eye concerning for choroidal melanoma. We completed a review of the literature and list clinical recommendations for these cases. ISCLS, although rare, was a significant diagnostic consideration in this patient. Due to the high mortality rate of this condition, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment was critical. We hypothesize that the mechanism of choroidal effusion development was due to reduced oncotic pressure from rapid decrease in serum albumin. Increased permeability of choroidal capillaries may be an additional mechanism leading to uveal effusion. Conclusion With treatment, the patient had complete resolution of his choroidal effusion with no recurrence of his ISCLS. Further research should be considered on the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of ISCLS.
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Nester C, Appel GB, Bomback AS, Bouman KP, Cook HT, Daina E, Dixon BP, Rice K, Najafian N, Hui J, Podos SD, Langman CB, Lightstone L, Parikh SV, Pickering MC, Sperati CJ, Trachtman H, Tumlin J, de Vries AP, Wetzels JFM, Remuzzi G. Clinical Outcomes of Patients with C3G or IC-MPGN Treated with the Factor D Inhibitor Danicopan: Final Results from Two Phase 2 Studies. Am J Nephrol 2022; 53:687-700. [PMID: 36423588 DOI: 10.1159/000527167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is an ultrarare, chronic and progressive nephropathy mediated by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement (AP), with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Targeted inhibition of proximal AP through factor D (FD) blockade represents a rational treatment approach. We present two phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical studies of the orally active FD inhibitor danicopan in patients with C3G and immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) (NCT03369236 and NCT03459443). METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with C3G and a single-arm, open-label study in patients with C3G or IC-MPGN treated with danicopan are reported. The studies evaluated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), efficacy, and safety outcomes. The co-primary endpoints were change from baseline in composite biopsy score and the proportion of patients with a 30% reduction in proteinuria relative to baseline at 6 or 12 months. RESULTS Optimal systemic concentrations of danicopan were not achieved for complete and sustained inhibition of AP, although there was evidence that blockade of FD reduced AP activity shortly after drug administration. Consequently, limited clinical response was observed in key efficacy endpoints. While stable disease or improvement from baseline was seen in some patients, response was not consistent. The data confirmed the favorable safety profile of danicopan. CONCLUSION While demonstrating a favorable safety profile, danicopan resulted in incomplete and inadequately sustained inhibition of AP, probably due to limitations in its PK/PD profile in C3G, leading to lack of efficacy. Complete and sustained AP inhibition is required for a clinical response in patients with C3G.
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Bomback AS, Appel GB, Gipson DS, Hladunewich MA, Lafayette R, Nester CM, Parikh SV, Smith RJH, Trachtman H, Heeger PS, Ram S, Rovin BH, Ali S, Arceneaux N, Ashoor I, Bailey-Wickins L, Barratt J, Beck L, Cattran DC, Cravedi P, Erkan E, Fervenza F, Frazer-Abel AA, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Fuller L, Gbadegesin R, Hogan JJ, Kiryluk K, le Quintrec-Donnette M, Licht C, Mahan JD, Pickering MC, Quigg R, Rheault M, Ronco P, Sarwal MM, Sethna C, Spino C, Stegall M, Vivarelli M, Feldman DL, Thurman JM. Improving Clinical Trials for Anticomplement Therapies in Complement-Mediated Glomerulopathies: Report of a Scientific Workshop Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. Am J Kidney Dis 2021; 79:570-581. [PMID: 34571062 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the complement system as a therapeutic strategy has been proposed for numerous glomerular diseases but presents myriad questions and challenges, not the least of which is demonstrating efficacy and safety. In light of these potential issues and because there are an increasing number of anticomplement therapy trials either planned or under way, the National Kidney Foundation facilitated an all-virtual scientific workshop entitled "Improving Clinical Trials for Anti-Complement Therapies in Complement-Mediated Glomerulopathies." Attended by patient representatives and experts in glomerular diseases, complement physiology, and clinical trial design, the aim of this workshop was to develop standards applicable for designing and conducting clinical trials for anticomplement therapies across a wide spectrum of complement-mediated glomerulopathies. Discussions focused on study design, participant risk assessment and mitigation, laboratory measurements and biomarkers to support these studies, and identification of optimal outcome measures to detect benefit, specifically for trials in complement-mediated diseases. This report summarizes the discussions from this workshop and outlines consensus recommendations.
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Rovin BH, Teng YKO, Ginzler EM, Arriens C, Caster DJ, Romero-Diaz J, Gibson K, Kaplan J, Lisk L, Navarra S, Parikh SV, Randhawa S, Solomons N, Huizinga RB. Efficacy and safety of voclosporin versus placebo for lupus nephritis (AURORA 1): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet 2021; 397:2070-2080. [PMID: 33971155 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor approved for the treatment of adults with lupus nephritis, improved complete renal response rates in patients with lupus nephritis in a phase 2 trial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis. METHODS This multicentre, double-blind, randomised phase 3 trial was done in 142 hospitals and clinics across 27 countries. Patients with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, and a kidney biopsy within 2 years that showed class III, IV, or V (alone or in combination with class III or IV) were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to oral voclosporin (23·7 mg twice daily) or placebo, on a background of mycophenolate mofetil (1 g twice daily) and rapidly tapered low-dose oral steroids, by use of an interactive web response system. The primary endpoint was complete renal response at 52 weeks defined as a composite of urine protein creatinine ratio of 0·5 mg/mg or less, stable renal function (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥60 mL/min/1·73 m2 or no confirmed decrease from baseline in eGFR of >20%), no administration of rescue medication, and no more than 10 mg prednisone equivalent per day for 3 or more consecutive days or for 7 or more days during weeks 44 through 52, just before the primary endpoint assessment. Safety was also assessed. Efficacy analysis was by intention-to-treat and safety analysis by randomised patients receiving at least one dose of study treatment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03021499. FINDINGS Between April 13, 2017, and Oct 10, 2019, 179 patients were assigned to the voclosporin group and 178 to the placebo group. The primary endpoint of complete renal response at week 52 was achieved in significantly more patients in the voclosporin group than in the placebo group (73 [41%] of 179 patients vs 40 [23%] of 178 patients; odds ratio 2·65; 95% CI 1·64-4·27; p<0·0001). The adverse event profile was balanced between the two groups; serious adverse events occurred in 37 (21%) of 178 in the voclosporin group and 38 (21%) of 178 patients in the placebo group. The most frequent serious adverse event involving infection was pneumonia, occurring in 7 (4%) patients in the voclosporin group and in 8 (4%) patients in the placebo group. A total of six patients died during the study or study follow-up period (one [<1%] patient in the voclosporin group and five [3%] patients in the placebo group). None of the events leading to death were considered by the investigators to be related to the study treatments. INTERPRETATION Voclosporin in combination with MMF and low-dose steroids led to a clinically and statistically superior complete renal response rate versus MMF and low-dose steroids alone, with a comparable safety profile. This finding is an important advancement in the treatment of patients with active lupus nephritis. FUNDING Aurinia Pharmaceuticals.
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Almaani S, Parikh SV, Satoskar AA, Bumma N, Rovin BH, Sharma N, Efebera Y, Ayoub I. Daratumumab in Patients With Bortezomib-Refractory Proliferative Glomerulonephritis With Monoclonal Immunoglobulin Deposits. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:2203-2206. [PMID: 34386669 PMCID: PMC8343787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Parikh SV, Malvar A, Shapiro J, Turman JM, Song H, Alberton V, Lococo B, Mejia-Vilet JM, Madhavan S, Zhang J, Yu L, Satoskar AA, Birmingham D, Jarjour WN, Rovin BH, Ganesan LP. A Novel Inflammatory Dendritic Cell That Is Abundant and Contiguous to T Cells in the Kidneys of Patients With Lupus Nephritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621039. [PMID: 33659005 PMCID: PMC7919935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that promote local inflammatory injury during lupus nephritis (LN) flare are largely unknown. Understanding the key immune cells that drive intrarenal inflammation will advance our knowledge of disease pathogenesis and inform the development of new therapeutics for LN management. In this study, we analyzed kidney biopsies from patients with proliferative LN and identified a novel inflammatory dendritic cell (infDC) population that is highly expressed in the LN kidney, but minimally present in healthy human kidneys. During an agnostic evaluation of immune transcript expression in the kidneys of patients with proliferative LN, the most abundantly overexpressed transcript from isolated glomeruli was FCER1G, which encodes the Fc receptor gamma chain (FcRγ). To identify the cell types expressing FcRγ that infiltrate the kidney in LN, studies were done on kidney biopsies from patients with active LN using confocal immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. This showed that FcRγ is abundantly present in the periglomerular (PG) region of the kidney and to a lesser extent in the tubulointerstitium (TI). Further investigation of the surface markers of these cells showed that they were FcRγ+, MHC II+, CD11c+, CD163+, CD5-, DC-SIGN+, CD64+, CD14+, CD16+, SIRPα+, CD206-, CD68-, CD123-, CD3-, and CD11b-, suggesting the cells were infDCs. Quantification of the infDCs showed an average 10-fold higher level of infDCs in the LN kidney compared to the healthy kidneys. Importantly, IF identified CD3+ T cells to be adjacent to these infDCs in the PG space of the LN kidney, whereas both cell types are minimally present in the healthy kidney. Thus, we have identified a previously undescribed DC in lupus kidneys that may interact with intrarenal T cells and play a role in the pathogenesis of kidney injury during LN flare.
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Waller AP, Troost JP, Parikh SV, Wolfgang KJ, Rovin BH, Nieman MT, Smoyer WE, Kretzler M, Kerlin BA. Nephrotic syndrome disease activity is proportional to its associated hypercoagulopathy. Thromb Res 2021; 201:50-59. [PMID: 33636573 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with an acquired hypercoagulopathy that drives its strong predilection for life-threatening thrombosis. We previously demonstrated that hypercoagulopathy is proportional to NS disease severity in animal models. Therefore, hypercoagulopathy and disease severity may inform thrombosis risk and better guide therapeutic decision making. The objective of this study was thus to establish the relationship between disease severity and hypercoagulopathy in human NS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thrombin generation assays (TGA) were performed on biorepository plasma samples from a prospective longitudinal NS cohort study. TGA was also determined on a separate cohort of incident NS patients. Multivariable regression was used to build NS-hypercoagulopathy relationship models. RESULTS Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was the TGA parameter most strongly correlated with NS severity and was proportional to conventional measures of NS disease activity including proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and hypoalbuminemia. The overall disease activity model was well correlated with ETP (R2 = 0.38). The relationship with disease activity was confirmed in the second cohort. These models further revealed that ETP is related to disease activity in a manner dependent on remission status. CONCLUSION Consistent with our previously reported animal model observations, we found that the combination of proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and hypoalbuminemia correlated with ETP-defined hypercoagulopathy. Hypercoagulopathy improved significantly with partial or complete NS remission. These data are expected to inform studies designed to stratify thrombotic risk for patients with NS.
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Barwinska D, El-Achkar TM, Melo Ferreira R, Syed F, Cheng YH, Winfree S, Ferkowicz MJ, Hato T, Collins KS, Dunn KW, Kelly KJ, Sutton TA, Rovin BH, Parikh SV, Phillips CL, Dagher PC, Eadon MT. Molecular characterization of the human kidney interstitium in health and disease. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/7/eabd3359. [PMID: 33568476 PMCID: PMC7875540 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd3359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The gene expression signature of the human kidney interstitium is incompletely understood. The cortical interstitium (excluding tubules, glomeruli, and vessels) in reference nephrectomies (N = 9) and diabetic kidney biopsy specimens (N = 6) was laser microdissected (LMD) and sequenced. Samples underwent RNA sequencing. Gene signatures were deconvolved using single nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) data derived from overlapping specimens. Interstitial LMD transcriptomics uncovered previously unidentified markers including KISS1, validated with in situ hybridization. LMD transcriptomics and snRNAseq revealed strong correlation of gene expression within corresponding kidney regions. Relevant enriched interstitial pathways included G-protein coupled receptor. binding and collagen biosynthesis. The diabetic interstitium was enriched for extracellular matrix organization and small-molecule catabolism. Cell type markers with unchanged expression (NOTCH3, EGFR, and HEG1) and those down-regulated in diabetic nephropathy (MYH11, LUM, and CCDC3) were identified. LMD transcriptomics complements snRNAseq; together, they facilitate mapping of interstitial marker genes to aid interpretation of pathophysiology in precision medicine studies.
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Mejia-Vilet JM, Shapiro JP, Zhang XL, Cruz C, Zimmerman G, Méndez-Pérez RA, Cano-Verduzco ML, Parikh SV, Nagaraja HN, Morales-Buenrostro LE, Rovin BH. Association Between Urinary Epidermal Growth Factor and Renal Prognosis in Lupus Nephritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:244-254. [PMID: 32892508 DOI: 10.1002/art.41507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) as a biomarker of chronic kidney damage in lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS A proteomics approach was used to identify urinary EGF as a biomarker of interest in a discovery cohort of patients with LN. The expression of urinary EGF was characterized in 2 large multiethnic LN cohorts, and the association between urinary EGF levels at the time of flare and kidney outcomes was evaluated in a subset of 120 patients with long-term follow-up data. For longitudinal studies, the expression of urinary EGF over time was determined in 2 longitudinal cohorts of patients with LN from whom serial urine samples were collected. RESULTS Discovery analysis showed the urinary EGF levels as being low in patients with active LN (median peptide count 8.4, interquartile range [IQR] 2.8-12.3 in patients with active LN versus median 48.0, IQR 45.3-64.6 in healthy controls). The peptide sequence was consistent with that of proEGF, and this was confirmed by immunoblotting. The discovery findings were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with active LN had a significantly lower level of urinary EGF compared to that in patients with active nonrenal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), patients with inactive SLE, and healthy kidney donors (each P < 0.05). The urinary EGF level was inversely correlated with the chronicity index of histologic features assessed in kidney biopsy tissue (Spearman's r = -0.67, P < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis showed that the urinary EGF level was associated with time to doubling of the serum creatinine level (DSCr), a marker of future end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (hazard ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.99, P = 0.045). Patients whose LN symptoms progressed to DSCr and those who experienced progression to ESKD had a lower urinary EGF level at the time of flare, and urinary EGF levels decreased over the 12 months following flare. All patients who experienced progression to ESKD were identified based on a urinary EGF cutoff level of <5.3 ng/mg. CONCLUSION Urinary EGF levels are correlated with histologic kidney damage in patients with LN. Low urinary EGF levels at the time of flare and decreasing urinary EGF levels over time are associated with adverse long-term kidney outcomes.
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