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Sanmartin D, Tamayo C, Orozco LE, Ordóñez A, Huertas J, Ávila D, Echeverry J, Caicedo M, García P. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pharmacological Treatment for Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients in Colombia. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 42:100983. [PMID: 38663057 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.02.001] [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] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate cost-effective pharmacological treatment in adult kidney transplant recipients from the perspective of the Colombian health system. METHODS A decision tree model for the induction phase and a Markov model for the maintenance phase were built. A review of the clinical literature was conducted to extract probabilities, and the life-years were used as the outcome. Costs were calculated using the administrative databases. The evaluating treatment schemes are organized by groups of evidence with direct comparisons. RESULTS In the induction phase, anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin+ methylprednisolone is dominant, more effective, and less expensive, compared with basiliximab+methylprednisolone. In the maintenance phase, azathioprine (AZA) is dominant in contrast to mycophenolate mofetil (MFM) both with cyclosporine (CIC)+ corticosteroids (CE); CIC is dominant relative to sirolimus (SIR) and tacrolimus (TAC) (both with MFM+CE or AZA+CE), and TAC is dominant compared with SIR (in addition with MFM+CE or mycophenolate sodium [MFS]+CE); MFM is dominant in relation to MFS and everolimus, and SIR is more effective MFM but it does not exceed the threshold (in sum with TAC+CE); MFS and MFM are dominant relative to everolimus, and SIR is more effective than MFM, but it does not exceed the threshold (in addiction with CIC+CE); MFM is dominant in relation to TAC (in sum with SIR+CE), and CIC+AZA+CE is dominant in relation to TAC+MFM+CE. CONCLUSIONS The base-case results for all evidence groups are consistent with the different sensitivity analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilo Tamayo
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Luis Esteban Orozco
- Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia.
| | - Angélica Ordóñez
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Juliana Huertas
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Diego Ávila
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá DC, Colombia; Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Johanna Echeverry
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Mónica Caicedo
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Paola García
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá DC, Colombia; Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá DC, Colombia
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Gamboa O, Bonilla CE, Quitian D, Torres GF, Buitrago G, Cardona AF. Cost-Effectiveness of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for the Colombian Health System. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 39:115-125. [PMID: 38101152 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2023.08.006] [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] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and target therapies is associated with substantial improvements in clinical outcomes among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the costs of CGP may increase the financial pressures of NSCLC on health systems worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CGP compared with current genomic tests in patients with NSCLC from the perspective of the Colombian Health System. METHODS To estimate the costs and benefits of CGP and its comparators, we developed a 2-stage cohort model with a lifetime horizon. In the first stage, we made up a decision tree that calculated the probability of receiving each therapy as result of identifying a specific, actionable target. In the second stage, we developed a partitioned survival model that estimated the time spent at each health state. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for life-years (LYs) and quality-adjusted LYs gained. All costs were expressed in 2019 international dollars (INT$). RESULTS CGP is associated with gains of 0.06 LYs and 0.04 quality-adjusted LYs compared with current genomic tests. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for CGP ranged from INT$861 to INT$7848, depending on the outcome and the comparator. Sensitivity analyses show that the cost-effectiveness decision was sensitive to prices of CGP above INT$7170 per test. These results are robust to most deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS CGP may be cost-effective in patients with NSCLC from the perspective of the Colombian Health System (societal willingness-to-pay threshold of INT$15 630 to INT$46 890).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Gamboa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia, Bogotá DC, Bogotá.
| | | | | | - Gabriel Fernando Torres
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia, Bogotá DC, Bogotá
| | - Giancarlo Buitrago
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia, Bogotá DC, Bogotá
| | - Andrés F Cardona
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research (FICMAC), Colombia, Bogotá DC, Bogotá
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Jones-Hughes T, Snowsill T, Haasova M, Coelho H, Crathorne L, Cooper C, Mujica-Mota R, Peters J, Varley-Campbell J, Huxley N, Moore J, Allwood M, Lowe J, Hyde C, Hoyle M, Bond M, Anderson R. Immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation in adults: a systematic review and economic model. Health Technol Assess 2018; 20:1-594. [PMID: 27578428 DOI: 10.3310/hta20620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease is a long-term irreversible decline in kidney function requiring renal replacement therapy: kidney transplantation, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The preferred option is kidney transplantation, followed by immunosuppressive therapy (induction and maintenance therapy) to reduce the risk of kidney rejection and prolong graft survival. OBJECTIVES To review and update the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab (BAS) (Simulect(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd) and rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG) (Thymoglobulin(®), Sanofi) as induction therapy, and immediate-release tacrolimus (TAC) (Adoport(®), Sandoz; Capexion(®), Mylan; Modigraf(®), Astellas Pharma; Perixis(®), Accord Healthcare; Prograf(®), Astellas Pharma; Tacni(®), Teva; Vivadex(®), Dexcel Pharma), prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf(®) Astellas Pharma), belatacept (BEL) (Nulojix(®), Bristol-Myers Squibb), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (Arzip(®), Zentiva; CellCept(®), Roche Products; Myfenax(®), Teva), mycophenolate sodium (MPS) (Myfortic(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd), sirolimus (SRL) (Rapamune(®), Pfizer) and everolimus (EVL) (Certican(®), Novartis) as maintenance therapy in adult renal transplantation. METHODS Clinical effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Online Library) and Web of Science (via ISI), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment (The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library) and Health Management Information Consortium (via Ovid). Cost-effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 using a costs or economic literature search filter in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (via Wiley Online Library), Web of Science (via ISI), Health Economic Evaluations Database (via Wiley Online Library) and the American Economic Association's electronic bibliography (via EconLit, EBSCOhost). Included studies were selected according to predefined methods and criteria. A random-effects model was used to analyse clinical effectiveness data (odds ratios for binary data and mean differences for continuous data). Network meta-analyses were undertaken within a Bayesian framework. A new discrete time-state transition economic model (semi-Markov) was developed, with acute rejection, graft function (GRF) and new-onset diabetes mellitus used to extrapolate graft survival. Recipients were assumed to be in one of three health states: functioning graft, graft loss or death. RESULTS Eighty-nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs), of variable quality, were included. For induction therapy, no treatment appeared more effective than another in reducing graft loss or mortality. Compared with placebo/no induction, rATG and BAS appeared more effective in reducing biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) and BAS appeared more effective at improving GRF. For maintenance therapy, no treatment was better for all outcomes and no treatment appeared most effective at reducing graft loss. BEL + MMF appeared more effective than TAC + MMF and SRL + MMF at reducing mortality. MMF + CSA (ciclosporin), TAC + MMF, SRL + TAC, TAC + AZA (azathioprine) and EVL + CSA appeared more effective than CSA + AZA and EVL + MPS at reducing BPAR. SRL + AZA, TAC + AZA, TAC + MMF and BEL + MMF appeared to improve GRF compared with CSA + AZA and MMF + CSA. In the base-case deterministic and probabilistic analyses, BAS, MMF and TAC were predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). When comparing all regimens, only BAS + TAC + MMF was cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY. LIMITATIONS For included trials, there was substantial methodological heterogeneity, few trials reported follow-up beyond 1 year, and there were insufficient data to perform subgroup analysis. Treatment discontinuation and switching were not modelled. FUTURE WORK High-quality, better-reported, longer-term RCTs are needed. Ideally, these would be sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis and include health-related quality of life as an outcome. CONCLUSION Only a regimen of BAS induction followed by maintenance with TAC and MMF is likely to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013189. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Jones-Hughes
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tristan Snowsill
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Marcela Haasova
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Helen Coelho
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise Crathorne
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Chris Cooper
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ruben Mujica-Mota
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jaime Peters
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jo Varley-Campbell
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicola Huxley
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jason Moore
- Exeter Kidney Unit, Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Matt Allwood
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jenny Lowe
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Chris Hyde
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Martin Hoyle
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mary Bond
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rob Anderson
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Haasova M, Snowsill T, Jones-Hughes T, Crathorne L, Cooper C, Varley-Campbell J, Mujica-Mota R, Coelho H, Huxley N, Lowe J, Dudley J, Marks S, Hyde C, Bond M, Anderson R. Immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation in children and adolescents: systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2018; 20:1-324. [PMID: 27557331 DOI: 10.3310/hta20610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease is a long-term irreversible decline in kidney function requiring kidney transplantation, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The preferred option is kidney transplantation followed by induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the risk of kidney rejection and prolong graft survival. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and update the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab (BAS) (Simulect,(®) Novartis Pharmaceuticals) and rabbit antihuman thymocyte immunoglobulin (Thymoglobuline,(®) Sanofi) as induction therapy and immediate-release tacrolimus [Adoport(®) (Sandoz); Capexion(®) (Mylan); Modigraf(®) (Astellas Pharma); Perixis(®) (Accord Healthcare); Prograf(®) (Astellas Pharma); Tacni(®) (Teva); Vivadex(®) (Dexcel Pharma)], prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf,(®) Astellas Pharma); belatacept (BEL) (Nulojix,(®) Bristol-Myers Squibb), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) [Arzip(®) (Zentiva), CellCept(®) (Roche Products), Myfenax(®) (Teva), generic MMF is manufactured by Accord Healthcare, Actavis, Arrow Pharmaceuticals, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Mylan, Sandoz and Wockhardt], mycophenolate sodium, sirolimus (Rapamune,(®) Pfizer) and everolimus (Certican,(®) Novartis Pharmaceuticals) as maintenance therapy in children and adolescents undergoing renal transplantation. DATA SOURCES Clinical effectiveness searches were conducted to 7 January 2015 in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Online Library) and Web of Science [via Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)], Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) (The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library) and Health Management Information Consortium (via Ovid). Cost-effectiveness searches were conducted to 15 January 2015 using a costs or economic literature search filter in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), NHS Economic Evaluation Databases (via Wiley Online Library), Web of Science (via ISI), Health Economic Evaluations Database (via Wiley Online Library) and EconLit (via EBSCOhost). REVIEW METHODS Titles and abstracts were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, as were full texts of identified studies. Included studies were extracted and quality appraised. Data were meta-analysed when appropriate. A new discrete time state transition economic model (semi-Markov) was developed; graft function, and incidences of acute rejection and new-onset diabetes mellitus were used to extrapolate graft survival. Recipients were assumed to be in one of three health states: functioning graft, graft loss or death. RESULTS Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCTs were included. The RCTs only evaluated BAS and tacrolimus (TAC). No statistically significant differences in key outcomes were found between BAS and placebo/no induction. Statistically significantly higher graft function (p < 0.01) and less biopsy-proven acute rejection (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.57) was found between TAC and ciclosporin (CSA). Only one cost-effectiveness study was identified, which informed NICE guidance TA99. BAS [with TAC and azathioprine (AZA)] was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) versus no induction (BAS was dominant). BAS (with CSA and MMF) was not predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY versus no induction (BAS was dominated). TAC (with AZA) was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY versus CSA (TAC was dominant). A model based on adult evidence suggests that at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000-30,000 per QALY, BAS and TAC are cost-effective in all considered combinations; MMF was also cost-effective with CSA but not TAC. LIMITATIONS The RCT evidence is very limited; analyses comparing all interventions need to rely on adult evidence. CONCLUSIONS TAC is likely to be cost-effective (vs. CSA, in combination with AZA) at £20,000-30,000 per QALY. Analysis based on one RCT found BAS to be dominant, but analysis based on another RCT found BAS to be dominated. BAS plus TAC and AZA was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY when all regimens were compared using extrapolated adult evidence. High-quality primary effectiveness research is needed. The UK Renal Registry could form the basis for a prospective primary study. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013544. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research HTA programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Haasova
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tristan Snowsill
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tracey Jones-Hughes
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise Crathorne
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Chris Cooper
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jo Varley-Campbell
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ruben Mujica-Mota
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Helen Coelho
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicola Huxley
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jenny Lowe
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jan Dudley
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust), Bristol, UK
| | - Stephen Marks
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Hyde
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mary Bond
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rob Anderson
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Evidence Synthesis & Modelling for Health Improvement, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Muduma G, Shaw J, Hart WM, Odeyemi A, Odeyemi I. Cost utility analysis of immunosuppressive regimens in adult renal transplant recipients in England and Wales. Patient Prefer Adherence 2014; 8:1537-46. [PMID: 25395839 PMCID: PMC4226454 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s69461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease is the irreversible final stage of chronic kidney disease and is fatal when not managed by either transplantation or dialysis. Transplantation is generally preferred over dialysis. However, to prevent graft rejection or loss, lifelong immunosuppression is required. Tacrolimus is currently the cornerstone of post-transplantation immunosuppression. The study aim was to carry out an economic evaluation of immunosuppression, including more recent agents such as a once-daily prolonged-release formulation of tacrolimus (Advagraf™) and belatacept, relative to a twice-daily immediate-release formulation of tacrolimus (Prograf™). METHODS A MODEL WAS CONSTRUCTED COMPRISING SIX STATES: onset of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection, functioning graft with or without a biopsy-confirmed acute rejection, non-functioning graft (dialysis), re-transplantation, and death. Data on clinical effectiveness were derived from a systematic literature review and the model captured the effects of patient adherence to immunosuppressant therapy on graft survival using relative risk of graft survival and published data on adherence in patients using Advagraf and Prograf. In the base case, the time horizon was 25 years and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS The analysis demonstrated that Prograf was cost-effective when compared with cyclosporin and belatacept and was more effective than sirolimus, but would not be considered cost-effective against sirolimus. The modeled improvement in the adherence profile of patients using Advagraf relative to Prograf resulted in both improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs. CONCLUSION Prograf was more clinically effective than cyclosporin, belatacept, and sirolimus, supporting its current positioning as the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients. Based on improved patient adherence with Advagraf, the model projected that Advagraf would be both more effective and less costly than Prograf. Replacing Prograf with Advagraf as the standard of care for post-transplant immunosuppression could likely result in both cost savings and improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Shaw
- Astellas Pharma Limited, Chertsey, UK
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Combined Treatment of Tacrolimus and Everolimus Increases Oxidative Stress by Pharmacological Interactions. Transplantation 2014; 98:22-8. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Anil Kumar P, Welsh GI, Saleem MA, Menon RK. Molecular and cellular events mediating glomerular podocyte dysfunction and depletion in diabetes mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:151. [PMID: 25309512 PMCID: PMC4174857 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential function of the kidney is to ensure formation of a relatively protein-free ultra-filtrate, urine. The rate of filtration and composition of the primary renal filtrate is determined by the transport of fluid and solutes across the glomerular filtration barrier consisting of endothelial cells, the glomerular basement membrane, and podocyte foot processes. In diabetes mellitus (DM), components of the kidney that enable renal filtration get structurally altered and functionally compromised resulting in proteinuria that often progresses to end-stage renal disease. Histological alterations in DM include early hypertrophy of glomerular and tubular components, subsequent thickening of basement membrane in glomeruli and tubules, progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the glomerular mesangium and loss of podocytes, together constituting a clinical condition referred to as diabetic nephropathy (DN). The glomerulus has become the focus of research investigating the mechanism of proteinuria. In particular, the progressive dysfunction and/or loss of podocytes that is contemporaneous with proteinuria in DN have attracted intense scientific attention. The absolute number of podocytes predicts glomerular function and podocyte injury is a hallmark of various glomerular diseases. This review discusses the importance of podocytes in normal renal filtration and details the molecular and cellular events that lead to podocyte dysfunction and decreased podocyte count in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Anil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Gavin I. Welsh
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Moin A. Saleem
- Academic Renal Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ram K. Menon
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- *Correspondence: Ram K. Menon, University of Michigan Medical School, D1205 MPB/SPC 5718, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718, USA e-mail:
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