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Günay N, Dursun İ, Gökçe İ, Akbalık Kara M, Tekcan D, Çiçek N, Torun Bayram M, Koyun M, Dinçel N, Dursun H, Saygılı S, Yürük Yıldırım ZN, Yüksel S, Dönmez O, Yel S, Demircioğlu Kılıç B, Aydoğ Ö, Atmış B, Çaltık Yılmaz A, Bakkaloğlu SA, Aytaç MB, Taşdemir M, Kasap Demir B, Soylu A, Çomak E, Kantar Özşahin A, Kaçar A, Canpolat N, Yılmaz A, Girişgen İ, Akkoyunlu KB, Alpay H, Poyrazoğlu HM. Complement gene mutations in children with C3 glomerulopathy: do they affect the response to mycophenolate mofetil? Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:1435-1446. [PMID: 38041748 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a complement-mediated disease. Although genetic studies are not required for diagnosis, they are valuable for treatment planning and prognosis prediction. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical phenotypes, kidney survival, and response to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment in pediatric C3G patients with and without mutations in complement-related genes. METHODS Sixty pediatric C3G patients were included, divided into two groups based on complement-related gene mutations. Demographic and clinical-pathological findings, treatment modalities, and outcome data were compared, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for kidney survival. RESULTS Out of the 60 patients, 17 had mutations. The most common mutation was in the CFH gene (47%). The mean age at diagnosis was higher in the group with mutation (12.9 ± 3.6 vs. 11.2 ± 4.1 years, p = 0.039). While the patients without mutation most frequently presented with nephritic syndrome (44.2%), the mutation group was most likely to have asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (47.1%, p = 0.043). Serum parameters and histopathological characteristics were similar, but hypoalbuminemia was more common in patients without mutation. During 45-month follow-up,10 patients progressed to chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5), with 4 having genetic mutation. The time to develop CKD5 was longer in the mutation group but not significant. MMF treatment had no effect on progression in either group. CONCLUSIONS This study is the largest pediatric C3G study examining the relationship between genotype and phenotype. We showed that the mutation group often presented with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities, was diagnosed relatively late but was not different from the without mutation group in terms of MMF treatment response and kidney survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Günay
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - İsmail Dursun
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - İbrahim Gökçe
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Akbalık Kara
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Demet Tekcan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Çiçek
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Torun Bayram
- Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Koyun
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nida Dinçel
- Behçet Uz Pediatric Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hasan Dursun
- Prof. Dr. Cemil, Taşcıoğlu City Hospital Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seha Saygılı
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Selçuk Yüksel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Osman Dönmez
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sibel Yel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Özlem Aydoğ
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Bahriye Atmış
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Çukurova University Medical Faculty, Adana, Turkey
| | - Aysun Çaltık Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Ankara Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevcan A Bakkaloğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Baha Aytaç
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Taşdemir
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İstinye University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Belde Kasap Demir
- Medical Faculty Division of Pediatric Nephrology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alper Soylu
- Dokuz Eylül University Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Elif Çomak
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Akdeniz University Medical Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aslı Kantar Özşahin
- Behçet Uz Pediatric Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alper Kaçar
- Prof. Dr. Cemil, Taşcıoğlu City Hospital Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Canpolat
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Yılmaz
- İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, İstanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Girişgen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey
| | | | - Harika Alpay
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan M Poyrazoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
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Andeen NK, Hou J. Diagnostic Challenges and Emerging Pathogeneses of Selected Glomerulopathies. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024:10935266241237656. [PMID: 38576387 DOI: 10.1177/10935266241237656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent progress in glomerular immune complex and complement-mediated diseases have refined diagnostic categories and informed mechanistic understanding of disease development in pediatric patients. Herein, we discuss selected advances in 3 categories. First, membranous nephropathy antigens are increasingly utilized to characterize disease in pediatric patients and include phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), Semaphorin 3B (Sema3B), neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1), and protocadherin FAT1, as well as the lupus membranous-associated antigens exostosin 1/2 (EXT1/2), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), and transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3). Second, we examine advances in techniques for paraffin and light chain immunofluorescence (IF), including the former's function as a salvage technique and their necessity for diagnosis in adolescent cases of membranous-like glomerulopathy with masked IgG kappa deposits (MGMID) and proliferative glomerulonephritis with monotypic Ig deposits (PGNMID), respectively. Finally, progress in understanding the roles of complement in pediatric glomerular disease is reviewed, with specific attention to overlapping clinical, histologic, and genetic or functional alternative complement pathway (AP) abnormalities among C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), infection-related and post-infectious GN, "atypical" post-infectious GN, immune complex mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Andeen
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jean Hou
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Noris M, Remuzzi G. C3G and Ig-MPGN-treatment standard. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024; 39:202-214. [PMID: 37604793 PMCID: PMC10828209 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad182] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the broad spectrum of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), immunofluorescence distinguishes C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), with predominant C3 deposits, and immunoglobulin-associated MPGN (Ig-MPGN), with combined C3 and Ig. However, there are several intersections between C3G and Ig-MPGN. Primary C3G and Ig-MPGN share the same prevalence of low serum C3 levels and of abnormalities of the alternative pathway of complement, and patients who present a bioptic pattern of Ig-MPGN at onset may show a C3G pattern in a subsequent biopsy. There is no specific therapy for primary C3G and Ig-MPGN and prognosis is unfavourable. The only recommended indications are inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, lipid-lowering agents and other renoprotective agents. The other drugs used currently, such as corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, are often ineffective. The anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab has been tested in several patients, with mixed results. One reason for the uncertainty is the extremely variable clinical course, most likely reflecting a heterogeneous pathogenesis. An unsupervised clustering analysis that included histologic, biochemical, genetic and clinical data available at onset in patients with primary C3G and Ig-MPGN identified four clusters characterized by specific pathogenic mechanisms. This approach may facilitate accurate diagnosis and development of targeted therapies. Several trials are ongoing with drugs targeting different molecules of the complement cascade, however it is important to consider which component of the cascade may be the most appropriate for each patient. We review the current standards of treatment and discuss novel developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, outcome prediction and management of C3G and Ig-MPGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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Balestra E, Barbi E, Ceconi V, Di Maso V, Conversano E, Pennesi M. Pioglitazone, a PPAR-y agonist, as one of the new therapeutic candidates for C3 glomerulopathy. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:309-314. [PMID: 37493956 PMCID: PMC10673980 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3-glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare pediatric kidney disease characterised by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway, with glomerular deposition of C3. C3G may often present as a steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), and there is no established effective therapy: the usual treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist with a protective action on podocytes, was reported in a few cases as helpful in reducing proteinuria when combined with steroids. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT We report the case of a 13-year-old girl with silent past medical history who presented with SRNS. A kidney biopsy showed findings indicative of C3G. A low sodium diet and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were started; immunosuppressive treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was administered due to the cortico-resistance. Because of poor response to the immunosuppressant, a trial with eculizumab was attempted without significant response and persistence of proteinuria in the nephrotic range. A further therapeutic trial was performed with tacrolimus with no disease remission. Due to a severe deterioration in her condition, the girl was hospitalized and treated with high-dose steroid bolus. A daily dose of oral prednisone and MMF were re-started without benefit with persistent levels of nephrotic range proteinuria. The administration of pioglitazone consistently lowered proteinuria levels for the first time since the onset of the disease, with a maintenance of the effect and normalization (< 0.15 g/24 h) at the 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this patient affected by C3G, pioglitazone proved effective in reducing proteinuria levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Balestra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Paediatric Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Viola Ceconi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Di Maso
- Department of Nephrology, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Ester Conversano
- Paediatric Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Pennesi
- Paediatric Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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B N, Cj NA, Mk AM, I MI. A typical clinical manifestation of atypical underlying diagnosis: Answers. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:3615-3617. [PMID: 37160459 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-05967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuzaimah B
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Asyilla Cj
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Anis Munirah Mk
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Ikram I
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Windpessl M, Odler B, Bajema IM, Geetha D, Säemann M, Lee JM, Vaglio A, Kronbichler A. Glomerular Diseases Across Lifespan: Key Differences in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Semin Nephrol 2023; 43:151435. [PMID: 37945450 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2023.151435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Glomerular diseases are common causes of chronic kidney disease in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The epidemiology of glomerular diseases differs between different age groups, with minimal change disease being the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in childhood, while membranous nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are more common in adulthood. IgA vasculitis is also more common in childhood. Moreover, there is a difference in disease severity with more children presenting with a relapsing form of nephrotic syndrome and a more acute presentation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and concomitant glomerulonephritis, as highlighted by the higher percentage of cellular crescents on kidney biopsy specimens in comparison with older patients. There is also a female preponderance in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and more children present with tracheobroncholaryngeal disease. This article aims to summarize differences in the presentation of different glomerular diseases that are encountered commonly by pediatric and adult nephrologists and potential differences in the management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Windpessl
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria; Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Balazs Odler
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ingeborg M Bajema
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Duvuru Geetha
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Marcus Säemann
- 6th Medical Department, Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinic Ottakring, Vienna, Austria; Sigmund Freud University, Medical School, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiwon M Lee
- Division of Rare Disease Management, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Augusto Vaglio
- Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze, Nephrology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Noris M, Daina E, Remuzzi G. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: no longer the same disease and may need very different treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:283-290. [PMID: 34596686 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a pattern of glomerular injury that may be primary or secondary to infections, autoimmune diseases and haematological disorders. Primary C3G and IC-MPGN are rare and the prognosis is unfavourable. Based on immunofluorescence findings, MPGN has been classified into complement-mediated C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex-mediated MPGN (IC-MPGN). However, this classification leaves a number of issues unresolved. The finding of genetic and acquired complement abnormalities in both C3G and IC-MPGN indicates that they represent a heterogeneous spectrum rather than distinct diseases. An unsupervised hierarchical clustering in a cohort of patients with primary C3G and IC-MPGN identified four distinct pathogenetic patterns, characterized by specific histologic and clinical features, and genetic and acquired complement abnormalities. These results provide the groundwork for a more accurate diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies. The drugs that are currently used, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, are frequently ineffective in primary C3G and IC-MPGN. Eculizumab, an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody, has been used occasionally in single cases or small series. However, only a few patients have achieved remission. This heterogeneous response could be related to the extent of terminal complement activation, which may vary substantially from patient to patient. Several drugs that target the complement system at different levels are under investigation for C3G and IC-MPGN. However, clinical trials to test new therapeutics will be challenging and heavily influenced by the heterogeneity of these diseases. This creates the need to characterize each patient to match the specific complement abnormality with the type of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Erica Daina
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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8
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Abstract
Dysregulation and accelerated activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement is known to cause or accentuate several pathologic conditions in which kidney injury leads to the appearance of hematuria and proteinuria and ultimately to the development of chronic renal failure. Multiple genetic and acquired defects involving plasma- and membrane-associated proteins are probably necessary to impair the protection of host tissues and to confer a significant predisposition to AP-mediated kidney diseases. This review aims to explore how our current understanding will make it possible to identify the mechanisms that underlie AP-mediated kidney diseases and to discuss the available clinical evidence that supports complement-directed therapies. Although the value of limiting uncontrolled complement activation has long been recognized, incorporating complement-targeted treatments into clinical use has proved challenging. Availability of anti-complement therapy has dramatically transformed the outcome of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, one of the most severe kidney diseases. Innovative drugs that directly counteract AP dysregulation have also opened new perspectives for the management of other kidney diseases in which complement activation is involved. However, gained experience indicates that the choice of drug should be tailored to each patient's characteristics, including clinical, histologic, genetic, and biochemical parameters. Successfully treating patients requires further research in the field and close collaboration between clinicians and researchers who have special expertise in the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Daina
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Cortinovis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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