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Nachiappa Ganesh R, Graviss EA, Nguyen D, El-Zaatari Z, Gaber L, Barrios R, Truong L, Farris AB. Reproducibility and prognostic ability of chronicity parameters in kidney biopsy - Comprehensive evaluation comparing microscopy and artificial intelligence in digital pathology. Hum Pathol 2024; 146:75-85. [PMID: 38640986 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.04.006] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Semi-quantitative scoring of various parameters in renal biopsy is accepted as an important tool to assess disease activity and prognostication. There are concerns on the impact of interobserver variability in its prognostic utility, generating a need for computerized quantification. METHODS We studied 94 patients with renal biopsies, 45 with native diseases and 49 transplant patients with index biopsies for Polyomavirus nephropathy. Chronicity scores were evaluated using two methods. A standard definition diagram was agreed after international consultation and four renal pathologists scored each parameter in a double-blinded manner. Interstitial fibrosis (IF) score was assessed with five different computerized and AI-based algorithms on trichrome and PAS stains. RESULTS There was strong prognostic correlation with renal function and graft outcome at a median follow-up ranging from 24 to 42 months respectively, independent of moderate concordance for pathologists scores. IF scores with two of the computerized algorithms showed significant correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at biopsy but not at the end of follow-up. There was poor concordance for AI based platforms. CONCLUSION Chronicity scores are robust prognostic tools despite interobserver reproducibility. AI-algorithms have absolute precision but are limited by significant variation when different hardware and software algorithms are used for quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Nachiappa Ganesh
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Edward A Graviss
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Duc Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USA.
| | - Ziad El-Zaatari
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lillian Gaber
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Barrios
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luan Truong
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, The Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Liang PI, Lin WC, Wen MC, Huang SC, Fang PW, Chuang HW, Lin YJ, Chien HP, Chen HD, Chen TD. Learning more from the inter-rater reliability of interstitial fibrosis assessment beyond just a statistic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13260. [PMID: 37582967 PMCID: PMC10427633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40221-6] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Interstitial fibrosis assessment by renal pathologists lacks good agreement, and we aimed to investigate its hidden properties and infer possible clinical impact. Fifty kidney biopsies were assessed by 9 renal pathologists and evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. Probabilities of pathologists' assessments that would deviate far from true values were derived from quadratic regression and multilayer perceptron nonlinear regression. Likely causes of variation in interstitial fibrosis assessment were investigated. Possible misclassification rates were inferred on reported large cohorts. We found inter-rater reliabilities ranged from poor to good (ICCs 0.48 to 0.90), and pathologists' assessments had the worst agreements when the extent of interstitial fibrosis was moderate. 33.5% of pathologists' assessments were expected to deviate far from the true values. Variation in interstitial fibrosis assessment was found to be correlated with variation in interstitial inflammation assessment (r2 = 32.1%). Taking IgA nephropathy as an example, the Oxford T scores for interstitial fibrosis were expected to be misclassified in 21.9% of patients. This study demonstrated the complexity of the inter-rater reliability of interstitial fibrosis assessment, and our proposed approaches discovered previously unknown properties in pathologists' practice and inferred a possible clinical impact on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peir-In Liang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chou Lin
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chin Wen
- Department of Pathology, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Chen Huang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Kaohsiung Branch, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wei Fang
- Department of Pathology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Wen Chuang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tri-service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Chien
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Da Chen
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Di Chen
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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3
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Heilman RL, Fleming JN, Mai M, Smith B, Park WD, Holman J, Stegall MD. Multiple abnormal peripheral blood gene expression assay results are correlated with subsequent graft loss after kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e14987. [PMID: 37026820 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14987] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to correlate peripheral blood gene expression profile (GEP) results during the first post-transplant year with outcomes after kidney transplantation. METHODS We conducted a prospective, multicenter observational study of obtaining peripheral blood at five timepoints during the first post-transplant year to perform a GEP assay. The cohort was stratified based on the pattern of the peripheral blood GEP results: Tx-all GEP results normal, 1 Not-TX had one GEP result abnormal and >1 Not-TX two or more abnormal GEP results. We correlated the GEP results with outcomes after transplantation. RESULTS We enrolled 240 kidney transplant recipients. The cohort was stratified into the three groups: TX n = 117 (47%), 1 Not-TX n = 59 (25%) and >1 Not-TX n = 64 (27%). Compared to the TX group, the >1 Not-TX group had lower eGFR (p < .001) and more chronic changes on 1-year surveillance biopsy (p = .007). Death censored graft survival showed inferior graft survival in the >1 Not-TX group (p < .001) but not in the 1 Not-TX group. All graft losses in the >1 Not-TX group occurred after 1-year post-transplant. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a pattern of persistently Not-TX GEP assay correlates with inferior graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James N Fleming
- Medical Affairs, Transplant Genomics, Inc, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Mai
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Byron Smith
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Walter D Park
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John Holman
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mark D Stegall
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Keijbeck A, Raaijmaakers A, Hillen L, Gelens M, van Kuijk S, Cleutjens JPM, Peutz-Kootstra C, Christiaans M. Visual interstitial fibrosis assessment as continuous variable in protocol renal transplant biopsies. Histopathology 2023; 82:713-721. [PMID: 36579371 DOI: 10.1111/his.14857] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In current renal transplant pathology practice, interstitial fibrosis is visually assessed in categories according to the Banff classification. As this has a moderate reproducibility, which is little ameliorated by morphometric analysis, we investigated whether visual renal fibrosis assessment is feasible on a continuous scale, i.e. as a percentage of affected area of the cortex. METHODS AND RESULTS Protocol renal biopsies taken at transplantation (n = 125), three (n = 73) and 12 months (n = 88) after transplantation were visually scored in categories (Banff) and percentages for interstitial fibrosis (ci). Interobserver variation (ICC and weighted κ) was assessed, and morphometric analysis on Sirius red-stained sections was performed. Correlations between the different methods and their association with donor age and eGFR 1 and 5 years post-transplant were analysed using Pearson's or Spearman's rho. Interobserver agreement was equivalent for Banff and %ci (κ = 0.713 versus ICC = 0.792), and for Banff IF/TA and %IF/TA (κ = 0.615 versus ICC = 0.743). Both Banff and %ci were associated with Sirius red morphometry in 3 and 12 months. With all three methods, a significant correlation was found between donor age and fibrosis in the implantation biopsy and between fibrosis in the 12 months' biopsy and eGFR at 1 and 5 years (eGFR at 1 year: Sirius red ρ = 0.487, %ci ρ = 0.393, Banff ρ = 0.413, all P < 0.01, eGFR at 5 years: Sirius red ρ = 0.392, %ci ρ = 0.333, Banff ρ = 0.435, all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Interstitial fibrosis assessment on a continuous scale can be used next to scoring in categories according to the Banff classification in protocol renal transplant biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Keijbeck
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anniek Raaijmaakers
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Hillen
- Department of Pathology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marielle Gelens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism University Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jack P M Cleutjens
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Carine Peutz-Kootstra
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Christiaans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism University Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Kikić Ž, Adam BA, Porras AB, Lefaucheur C, Loupy A, Regele H, Cejka D, Haas M, Colvin RB, Mengel M. Quantitative scoring of progression in transplant glomerulopathy using digital pathology may be superior to Banff cg scoring. Kidney Int 2023; 103:365-377. [PMID: 36436680 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.10.024] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is a major cause of kidney allograft failure. Biopsy-based surrogate endpoints reflecting ABMR progression on sequential biopsies that predict long-term outcome offer the potential to make treatment trials for ABMR feasible. However, the Banff transplant glomerulopathy (TG) scoring system (chronic glomerular injury score [cg]) relies on relatively crude and arbitrary ordinal grades and has low inter-observer concordance that currently limits its usefulness as a surrogate endpoint for ABMR progression in clinical drug trials. Here, we describe and validate a novel quantitative method for quantifying progression of TG in ABMR. Using digital pathology in sequential biopsies from 75 patients at various stages of ABMR, we scored all capillaries in the most affected glomeruli for basement membrane duplication that were correlated with allograft function, outcome, Banff lesion scores, and gene expression. Our digital scoring reflected TG progression better than the categorical Banff cg score and correlated with Banff ABMR and chronicity lesions, but not transcript changes. In multivariate analysis, the delta change between biopsies with serum creatinine and mean percent duplicated glomerular basement membranes was significantly associated with graft loss. Neither the delta in any Banff lesion scores (including cg) nor in gene expression was associated with outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the digital pathology approach was superior to the conventional score for predicting graft failure. Thus, our digital pathology-based approach for scoring TG accurately assessed progression in TG. However, further validation as a potential surrogate endpoint in clinical trials for the treatment of ABMR is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Kikić
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin A Adam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Buxeda Porras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Heinz Regele
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Cejka
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Ordensklinikum Linz-Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Mark Haas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert B Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Computer-assisted evaluation enhances the quantification of interstitial fibrosis in renal implantation biopsies, measures differences between frozen and paraffin sections, and predicts delayed graft function. J Nephrol 2022; 35:1819-1829. [PMID: 35438423 PMCID: PMC9458593 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-022-01315-y] [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: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background (Pre-)Implantation biopsies provide important data on the quality of donor kidneys. Interstitial fibrosis, as a known predictor for kidney disease progression, is an essential feature of this evaluation. However, the assessment of frozen sections of implantation biopsies is challenging and can result in the disposal of candidate organs. We sought to apply digital image analysis (DIA) to quantify the differences between frozen and paraffin sections when evaluating interstitial fibrosis, identify factors that influence these variations and test the predictive value of the computerised measures. Methods We quantified the differences between frozen and paraffin sections in the same biopsy samples by measuring Sirius red-stained interstitial areas (SRIA) in DIA. We compared them to the original reports, and retrospectively correlated our findings to clinical data, graft function and outcome in 73 patients. Results Frozen sections display a broader interstitial area than paraffin sections, in some cases up to one-third more (mean difference + 7.8%, range − 7 to 29%). No donor-related factors (age or gender, cold ischemia time, or non-heart-beating donor) influenced significantly this difference. Compared to the original assessment of frozen vs paraffin sections in optical microscopy, the DIA of interstitial fibrosis shows a higher consistency (ICC 0.69). Our approach further allows to distinguish SRIA in paraffin sections as an independent predictor for delayed graft function (OR = 1.1; p = 0.028). Conclusions DIA is superior to and more consistent than routine optic microscopy for interstitial fibrosis evaluation. This method could improve implantation biopsy diagnostics and help to reduce disposal of organs. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40620-022-01315-y.
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OUP accepted manuscript. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 37:2093-2101. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ricaurte Archila L, Denic A, Mullan AF, Narasimhan R, Bogojevic M, Thompson RH, Leibovich BC, Sangaralingham SJ, Smith ML, Alexander MP, Rule AD. A Higher Foci Density of Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy Predicts Progressive CKD after a Radical Nephrectomy for Tumor. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:2623-2633. [PMID: 34531177 PMCID: PMC8722813 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic tubulointerstitial injury on kidney biopsy is usually quantified by the percentage of cortex with interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA). Whether other patterns of IF/TA or inflammation in the tubulointerstitium have prognostic importance beyond percentage IF/TA is unclear. METHODS We obtained, stained, and digitally scanned full cortical thickness wedge sections of renal parenchyma from patients who underwent a radical nephrectomy for a tumor over 2000-2015, and morphometrically analyzed the tubulointerstitium of the cortex for percentage IF/TA, IF/TA density (foci per mm2 cortex), percentage subcapsular IF/TA, striped IF/TA, percentage inflammation (both within and outside IF/TA regions), and percentage subcapsular inflammation. Patients were followed with visits every 6-12 months. Progressive CKD was defined as dialysis, kidney transplantation, or 40% decline from the postnephrectomy eGFR. Cox models assessed the risk of CKD or noncancer mortality with morphometric measures of tubulointerstitial injury after adjustment for the percentage IF/TA and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Among 936 patients (mean age, 64 years; postnephrectomy baseline eGFR, 48 ml/min per 1.73m2), 117 progressive CKD events and 183 noncancer deaths occurred over a median 6.4 years. Higher IF/TA density predicted both progressive CKD and noncancer mortality after adjustment for percentage IF/TA and predicted progressive CKD after further adjustment for clinical characteristics. Independent of percentage IF/TA, age, and sex, higher IF/TA density correlated with lower eGFR, smaller nonsclerosed glomeruli, more global glomerulosclerosis, and smaller total cortical volume. CONCLUSIONS Higher density of IF/TA foci (a more scattered pattern with more and smaller foci) predicts higher risk of progressive CKD after radical nephrectomy compared with the same percentage of IF/TA but with fewer and larger foci.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandar Denic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Aidan F. Mullan
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ramya Narasimhan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Marija Bogojevic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | - Maxwell L. Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mariam P. Alexander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Andrew D. Rule
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,Division of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Schwantes IR, Axelrod DA. Technology-Enabled Care and Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Transplantation. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2021; 8:235-240. [PMID: 34341714 PMCID: PMC8317681 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-021-00336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and technology-enabled remote patient care have evolved rapidly and have now been incorporated into many aspects of medical care. Transplantation is fortunate to have large data sets upon which machine learning algorithms can be constructed. AI are now available to improve pretransplant management, donor selection, and post-operative management of transplant patients. Recent Findings Changes in patient and donor characteristics warrant new approaches to listing and organ acceptance practices. Machine learning has been employed to optimize donor selection to identify patients likely to benefit from transplantation of higher risk organs, increasing organ discard and reducing waitlist mortality. These models have greater precisions and predictive ability than currently employed metrics including the Kidney Donor Profile Index and the expected posttransplant survival models. After transplant, AI tools have been developed to optimize immunosuppression management, track patients adherence, and assess graft survival. Summary AI and technology-enabled management tools are now available throughout the transplant journey. Unfortunately, those are frequently not available at the point of decision (patient listing, organ acceptance, posttransplant clinic), limiting utilization. Incorporation of these tools into the EMR, the Donor Net® organ offer system, and mobile devices is vital to ensure widespread adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issac R Schwantes
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - David A Axelrod
- Organ Transplant Center, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, LA 52240 USA
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Farris AB, Vizcarra J, Amgad M, Donald Cooper LA, Gutman D, Hogan J. Image Analysis Pipeline for Renal Allograft Evaluation and Fibrosis Quantification. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:1878-1887. [PMID: 34307982 PMCID: PMC8258455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital pathology improves the standardization and reproducibility of kidney biopsy specimen assessment. We developed a pipeline allowing the analysis of many images without requiring human preprocessing and illustrate its use with a simple algorithm for quantification of interstitial fibrosis on a large dataset of kidney allograft biopsy specimens. METHODS Masson trichrome-stained images from kidney allograft biopsy specimens were used to train and validate a glomeruli detection algorithm using a VGG19 convolutional neural network and an automatic cortical region of interest (ROI) selection algorithm including cortical regions containing all predicted glomeruli. A positive-pixel count algorithm was used to quantify interstitial fibrosis on the ROIs and the association between automatic fibrosis and pathologist evaluation, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and allograft survival was assessed. RESULTS The glomeruli detection (F1 score of 0.87) and ROIs selection (F1 score 0.83 [SD 0.13]) algorithms displayed high accuracy. The correlation between the automatic fibrosis quantification on manually and automatically selected ROIs was high (r = 1.00 [0.99-1.00]). Automatic fibrosis quantification was only moderately correlated with pathologists' assessment and was not significantly associated with eGFR or allograft survival. CONCLUSION This pipeline can automatically and accurately detect glomeruli and select cortical ROIs that can easily be used to develop, validate, and apply image analysis algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alton Brad Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Juan Vizcarra
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamed Amgad
- Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lee Alex Donald Cooper
- Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Gutman
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julien Hogan
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Bajema IM. Machine learning in medicine: Medical droids, tricorders, and a computer named Hal 9000. Nephrol Ther 2021; 17S:S51-S53. [PMID: 33910698 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The usage of artificial intelligence to evaluate histological images was recently explored in many different areas of pathology. Studies focusing on nephropathology demonstrated that algorithms could be trained to identify various structures of the kidney, like glomeruli and interstitium, as well as performing a classification task just as good as highly experienced pathologists. It is conceivable that further development of digitalized pathology in combination with all opportunities that artificial intelligence and machine learning have to offer, will rapidly change the work of the clinical pathologist in a substantial way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg M Bajema
- Department of Pathology, L1Q, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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12
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Ginley B, Jen KY, Han SS, Rodrigues L, Jain S, Fogo AB, Zuckerman J, Walavalkar V, Miecznikowski JC, Wen Y, Yen F, Yun D, Moon KC, Rosenberg A, Parikh C, Sarder P. Automated Computational Detection of Interstitial Fibrosis, Tubular Atrophy, and Glomerulosclerosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:837-850. [PMID: 33622976 PMCID: PMC8017538 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020050652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy (IFTA), and glomerulosclerosis are indicators of irrecoverable kidney injury. Modern machine learning (ML) tools have enabled robust, automated identification of image structures that can be comparable with analysis by human experts. ML algorithms were developed and tested for the ability to replicate the detection and quantification of IFTA and glomerulosclerosis that renal pathologists perform. METHODS A renal pathologist annotated renal biopsy specimens from 116 whole-slide images (WSIs) for IFTA and glomerulosclerosis. A total of 79 WSIs were used for training different configurations of a convolutional neural network (CNN), and 17 and 20 WSIs were used as internal and external testing cases, respectively. The best model was compared against the input of four renal pathologists on 20 new testing slides. Further, for 87 testing biopsy specimens, IFTA and glomerulosclerosis measurements made by pathologists and the CNN were correlated to patient outcome using classic statistical tools. RESULTS The best average performance across all image classes came from a DeepLab version 2 network trained at 40× magnification. IFTA and glomerulosclerosis percentages derived from this CNN achieved high levels of agreement with four renal pathologists. The pathologist- and CNN-based analyses of IFTA and glomerulosclerosis showed statistically significant and equivalent correlation with all patient-outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS ML algorithms can be trained to replicate the IFTA and glomerulosclerosis assessment performed by renal pathologists. This suggests computational methods may be able to provide a standardized approach to evaluate the extent of chronic kidney injury in situations in which renal-pathologist time is restricted or unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Ginley
- Departments of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kuang-Yu Jen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Seung Seok Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Luís Rodrigues
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Nephrology Unit, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Agnes B Fogo
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, and Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Zuckerman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vighnesh Walavalkar
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jeffrey C Miecznikowski
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yumeng Wen
- Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Felicia Yen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Donghwan Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Moon
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Avi Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chirag Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pinaki Sarder
- Departments of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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13
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Girolami I, Marletta S, Eccher A. Commentary: The Digital Fate of Glomeruli in Renal Biopsy. J Pathol Inform 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 34012718 PMCID: PMC8112342 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_102_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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14
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Farris AB, Vizcarra J, Amgad M, Cooper LAD, Gutman D, Hogan J. Artificial intelligence and algorithmic computational pathology: an introduction with renal allograft examples. Histopathology 2021; 78:791-804. [PMID: 33211332 DOI: 10.1111/his.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Whole slide imaging, which is an important technique in the field of digital pathology, has recently been the subject of increased interest and avenues for utilisation, and with more widespread whole slide image (WSI) utilisation, there will also be increased interest in and implementation of image analysis (IA) techniques. IA includes artificial intelligence (AI) and targeted or hypothesis-driven algorithms. In the overall pathology field, the number of citations related to these topics has increased in recent years. Renal pathology is one anatomical pathology subspecialty that has utilised WSIs and IA algorithms; it can be argued that renal transplant pathology could be particularly suited for whole slide imaging and IA, as renal transplant pathology is frequently classified by use of the semiquantitative Banff classification of renal allograft pathology. Hypothesis-driven/targeted algorithms have been used in the past for the assessment of a variety of features in the kidney (e.g. interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, inflammation); in recent years, the amount of research has particularly increased in the area of AI/machine learning for the identification of glomeruli, for histological segmentation, and for other applications. Deep learning is the form of machine learning that is most often used for such AI approaches to the 'big data' of pathology WSIs, and deep learning methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs)/convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are utilised. Unsupervised and supervised AI algorithms can be employed to accomplish image or semantic classification. In this review, AI and other IA algorithms applied to WSIs are discussed, and examples from renal pathology are covered, with an emphasis on renal transplant pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Juan Vizcarra
- Department of Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohamed Amgad
- Department of Pathology and Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lee A D Cooper
- Department of Pathology and Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Gutman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julien Hogan
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Gawish RIAR, El Aggan HAM, Mahmoud SAH, Mortada SAM. A novel biomarker of chronic allograft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients (serum calreticulin and CD47). THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43162-020-00018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) is considered the leading cause of late allograft loss. The cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) and calreticulin (CRT) are involved in many and diverse cellular processes. The present study was designed to study the role of the pro-phagocytic CRT and anti-phagocytic CD47 signals in patients with renal transplantation in relation to graft function.
Thirty renal transplantation recipients (RTR) for more than 6 months [15 with stable renal function and 15 with chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD)] and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Quantification of CRT, CD47, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in serum was done using standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Measurement of renal function and urinary alkaline phosphatase (U.ALP) was done. Renal interstitial fibrosis (IF) was graded in renal biopsies of CAD.
Results
Serum CRT and urinary ALP levels were statistically significant higher (P < 0.001) while serum CD47 level was statistically significant lower (P < 0.001) in patients with CAD than patients with stable graft function and controls. There was statistically insignificant difference between controls and patients with stable graft function. Serum CRT and serum CD47 levels were positively correlated with each other and with worsening renal and tubular function, serum hsCRP in RTR and with degree of renal IF in patients with CAD (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The activation and dysregulation of CRT and CD47 could play a role in the development of CAD and could be a potential biomarker for renal allograft dysfunction.
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16
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El Aggan H, Mahmoud S, El Shair H, Elabd H. Increased macrophage activation marker soluble CD163 is associated with graft dysfunction and metabolic derangements in renal transplant recipients. Biomed J 2020; 44:S179-S189. [PMID: 35300946 PMCID: PMC9068521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hayam El Aggan
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology and Transplantation Unit), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Sabah Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba El Shair
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology and Transplantation Unit), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elabd
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology and Transplantation Unit), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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17
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Ellingsen AR, Jørgensen KA, Østerby R, Petersen SE, Juul S, Marcussen N, Nyengaard JR. Human kidney graft survival correlates with structural parameters in baseline biopsies: a quantitative observational cohort study with more than 14 years' follow-up. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:659-668. [PMID: 32986179 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02924-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This prospective cohort study evaluates associations between structural and ultrastructural parameters in baseline biopsies from human kidney transplants and long-term graft survival after more than 14 years' follow-up. Baseline kidney graft biopsies were obtained prospectively from 54 consecutive patients receiving a kidney transplant at a single institution. Quantitative measurements were performed on the baseline biopsies by computer-assisted light microscopy and electron microscopy. Stereology-based techniques estimated the fraction of interstitial tissue, the volume of glomeruli, mesangial fraction, and basement membrane thickness of glomerular capillaries. The fraction of occluded glomeruli and scores according to the Banff classification were achieved. Kidney graft survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression. Association to long-term kidney function was also analyzed. The long-term surviving kidney transplants were characterized at implantation by less arteriolar hyaline thickening (P < 0.001) and less interstitial fibrosis (P = 0.001), as well as a lower fraction of occluded glomeruli (P = 0.004) and lower glomerular volume (P = 0.03). At the latest follow-up, eGFR was decreased by 12 ml/min/1.73 m2 per unit increase in the score for arteriolar hyalinosis at implantation (P = 0.02), and eGFR was decreased by 19 ml/min/1.73 m2 per 106 μm3 increase in glomerular volume at baseline (P = 0.03). The unbiased Cavalieri estimate of glomerular volume and the ultrastructural parameters are the first to be evaluated in a cohort study with prospective follow-up for more than 14 years. The study shows that baseline biopsies from human kidney grafts contain extraordinary long-term prognostic information, and it highlights the importance of these intrinsic graft factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R Ellingsen
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark. .,Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Kaj A Jørgensen
- Department of Nephrology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Ruth Østerby
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Steffen E Petersen
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Svend Juul
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Niels Marcussen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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18
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Farris AB, Moghe I, Wu S, Hogan J, Cornell LD, Alexander MP, Kers J, Demetris AJ, Levenson RM, Tomaszewski J, Barisoni L, Yagi Y, Solez K. Banff Digital Pathology Working Group: Going digital in transplant pathology. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2392-2399. [PMID: 32185875 PMCID: PMC7496838 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Banff Digital Pathology Working Group (DPWG) was formed in the time leading up to and during the joint American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics/Banff Meeting, September 23-27, 2019, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the meeting, the 14th Banff Conference, presentations directly and peripherally related to the topic of "digital pathology" were presented; and discussions before, during, and after the meeting have resulted in a list of issues to address for the DPWG. Included are practice standardization, integrative approaches for study classification, scoring of histologic parameters (eg, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and inflammation), algorithm classification, and precision diagnosis (eg, molecular pathways and therapeutics). Since the meeting, a survey with international participation of mostly pathologists (81%) was conducted, showing that whole slide imaging is available at the majority of centers (71%) but that artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning was only used in ≈12% of centers, with a wide variety of programs/algorithms employed. Digitalization is not just an end in itself. It also is a necessary precondition for AI and other approaches. Discussions at the meeting and the survey highlight the unmet need for a Banff DPWG and point the way toward future contributions that can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Wu
- University of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | | | | | | | - Jesper Kers
- Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands,Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | | | | | - John Tomaszewski
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNew York
| | | | - Yukako Yagi
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York
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19
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Interstitial Fibrosis in Kidney Allografts. Transplant Direct 2020; 6:e577. [PMID: 33134501 PMCID: PMC7581173 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Interstitial fibrosis (IF) is the common pathway of chronic kidney injury in various conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a promising tool for the noninvasive assessment of IF in renal allografts.
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20
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Enhancing the Value of Histopathological Assessment of Allograft Biopsy Monitoring. Transplantation 2020; 103:1306-1322. [PMID: 30768568 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional histopathological allograft biopsy evaluation provides, within hours, diagnoses, prognostic information, and mechanistic insights into disease processes. However, proponents of an array of alternative monitoring platforms, broadly classified as "invasive" or "noninvasive" depending on whether allograft tissue is needed, question the value proposition of tissue histopathology. The authors explore the pros and cons of current analytical methods relative to the value of traditional and illustrate advancements of next-generation histopathological evaluation of tissue biopsies. We describe the continuing value of traditional histopathological tissue assessment and "next-generation pathology (NGP)," broadly defined as staining/labeling techniques coupled with digital imaging and automated image analysis. Noninvasive imaging and fluid (blood and urine) analyses promote low-risk, global organ assessment, and "molecular" data output, respectively; invasive alternatives promote objective, "mechanistic" insights by creating gene lists with variably increased/decreased expression compared with steady state/baseline. Proponents of alternative approaches contrast their preferred methods with traditional histopathology and: (1) fail to cite the main value of traditional and NGP-retention of spatial and inferred temporal context available for innumerable objective analyses and (2) belie an unfamiliarity with the impact of advances in imaging and software-guided analytics on emerging histopathology practices. Illustrative NGP examples demonstrate the value of multidimensional data that preserve tissue-based spatial and temporal contexts. We outline a path forward for clinical NGP implementation where "software-assisted sign-out" will enable pathologists to conduct objective analyses that can be incorporated into their final reports and improve patient care.
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21
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Jeong HJ. Diagnosis of renal transplant rejection: Banff classification and beyond. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2020; 39:17-31. [PMID: 32164120 PMCID: PMC7105630 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.20.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of renal transplant rejection is dependent on interpretation of renal allograft biopsies. The Banff Classification of Allograft Pathology, which was developed as a standardized working classification system in 1991, has contributed to the standardization of definitions for histologic injuries resulting from renal allograft rejections and provided a universal grading system for assessing these injuries. It has also helped to provide insight into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to transplant rejection. In addition to histological and immunologic parameters, molecular tools are now being used to facilitate the diagnosis of rejection. In this review, I will discuss morphologic features of renal transplant rejections as well as major revisions and pitfalls of the Banff classification system, and provide future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Joo Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Khan AM, Khan AU, Ali H, Islam SU, Seo EK, Khan S. Continentalic acid exhibited nephroprotective activity against the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury through inhibition of the oxidative stress and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 80:106209. [PMID: 32004924 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of the continentalic acid (CNT) isolated from the Aralia Continentalis against the LPS and E. coli-induced nephrotoxicity. The LPS and E. coli administration markedly altered the behavioral parameters including spontaneous pain, tail suspension and survival rate. However, the treatment with CNT dose dependently improved the behavioral parameters. The CNT treatment significantly improved the renal functions test (RFTs) and hematological parameters following LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly compromised the anti-oxidant enzymes and enhanced the oxidative stress markers. However, the CNT treatment markedly enhanced the anti-oxidants enzymes such as GSH, GST, Catalase and SOD, while attenuated the oxidative stress markers such as MDA and POD. The MPO enzyme is widely used marker for the neutrophilic infiltration, the LPS and E. coli administration markedly increased the MPO activity. However, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the MPO activity in both LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, the CNT treatment markedly attenuated the NO production compared to the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney injury group. Additionally, the CNT treatment improved the histological parameters markedly (H and E, PAS and Masson's trichome staining) and protect the kidney from the inflammatory insult of the LPS and E. coli evidently. The comet assay revealed marked DNA damage, however, the CNT treatment markedly prevented the LPS and E. coli-induced kidney damage. The CNT treatment markedly enhanced the expression of Nrf2, while attenuated the iNOS expression in both models of kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Muhammad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ashraf Ullah Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Hussain Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Salman Ul Islam
- School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Salman Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
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23
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Bane O, Hectors SJ, Gordic S, Kennedy P, Wagner M, Weiss A, Khaim R, Yi Z, Zhang W, Delaney V, Salem F, He C, Menon MC, Lewis S, Taouli B. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging shows promising results to assess renal transplant dysfunction with fibrosis. Kidney Int 2019; 97:414-420. [PMID: 31874802 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here we assessed the diagnostic value of a quantitative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) protocol for evaluation of renal allograft dysfunction with fibrosis. Twenty-seven renal transplant patients, including 15 with stable functional allografts (eGFR mean 71.5 ml/min/1.73m2), and 12 with chronic dysfunction/established fibrosis (eGFR mean 30.1 ml/min/1.73m2), were enrolled in this prospective single-center study. Sixteen of the patients had renal biopsy (mean 150 days) before the MRI. All patients underwent mpMRI at 1.5T including intravoxel-incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD R2*) and T1 quantification. True diffusion D, pseudodiffusion D*, perfusion fraction PF, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), R2* and T1 were calculated for cortex and medulla. ΔT1 was calculated as (100x(T1 Cortex-T1 Medulla)/T1 Cortex). Test-retest repeatability and inter-observer reproducibility were assessed in four and ten patients, respectively. mpMRI parameters had substantial test-retest and interobserver repeatability (coefficient of variation under 15%), except for medullary PF and D* (coefficient of variation over 25%). Cortical ADC, D, medullary ADC and ΔT1 were all significantly decreased, while cortical T1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic allografts. Cortical T1 showed positive correlation to the Banff fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores. The combination of ΔT1 and cortical ADC had excellent cross-validated diagnostic performance for detection of chronic dysfunction with fibrosis. Cortical ADC and T1 had good performance for predicting eGFR decline at 18 months (4 or more ml/min/1.73m2/year). Thus, the combination of cortical ADC and T1 measurements shows promising results for the non-invasive assessment of renal allograft histology and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavia Bane
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stefanie J Hectors
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sonja Gordic
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paul Kennedy
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mathilde Wagner
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Weiss
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rafael Khaim
- Division of Nephrology and Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhengzi Yi
- Division of Nephrology and Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Weijia Zhang
- Division of Nephrology and Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Veronica Delaney
- Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fadi Salem
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cijiang He
- Division of Nephrology and Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Madhav C Menon
- Division of Nephrology and Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sara Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bachir Taouli
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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24
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Denic A, Morales MC, Park WD, Smith BH, Kremers WK, Alexander MP, Cosio FG, Rule AD, Stegall MD. Using computer-assisted morphometrics of 5-year biopsies to identify biomarkers of late renal allograft loss. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:2846-2854. [PMID: 30947386 PMCID: PMC8214914 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The current Banff scoring system was not developed to predict graft loss and may not be ideal for use in clinical trials aimed at improving allograft survival. We hypothesized that scoring histologic features of digitized renal allograft biopsies using a continuous, more objective, computer-assisted morphometric (CAM) system might be more predictive of graft loss. We performed a nested case-control study in kidney transplant recipients with a surveillance biopsy obtained 5 years after transplantation. Patients that developed death-censored graft loss (n = 67) were 2:1 matched on age, gender, and follow-up time to controls with surviving grafts (n = 134). The risk of graft loss was compared between CAM-based models vs a model based on Banff scores. Both Banff and CAM identified chronic lesions associated with graft loss (chronic glomerulopathy, arteriolar hyalinosis, and mesangial expansion). However, the CAM-based models predicted graft loss better than the Banff-based model, both overall (c-statistic 0.754 vs 0.705, P < .001), and in biopsies without chronic glomerulopathy (c-statistic 0.738 vs 0.661, P < .001) where it identified more features predictive of graft loss (% luminal stenosis and % mesangial expansion). Using 5-year renal allograft surveillance biopsies, CAM-based models predict graft loss better than Banff models and might be developed into biomarkers for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Denic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Martha C. Morales
- Department of Surgery and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Walter D. Park
- Department of Surgery and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Byron H. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Walter K. Kremers
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mariam P. Alexander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Fernando G. Cosio
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew D. Rule
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mark D. Stegall
- Department of Surgery and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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25
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Poggio ED. Imaging as a Noninvasive Tool for Evaluating Interstitial Fibrosis in Kidney Allografts. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 14:1286-1287. [PMID: 31416891 PMCID: PMC6730524 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.08520719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio D Poggio
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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26
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Girolami I, Parwani A, Barresi V, Marletta S, Ammendola S, Stefanizzi L, Novelli L, Capitanio A, Brunelli M, Pantanowitz L, Eccher A. The Landscape of Digital Pathology in Transplantation: From the Beginning to the Virtual E-Slide. J Pathol Inform 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 31367473 PMCID: PMC6639852 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_27_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital pathology has progressed over the last two decades, with many clinical and nonclinical applications. Transplantation pathology is a highly specialized field in which the majority of practicing pathologists do not have sufficient expertise to handle critical needs. In this context, digital pathology has proven to be useful as it allows for timely access to expert second-opinion teleconsultation. The aim of this study was to review the experience of the application of digital pathology to the field of transplantation. Methods Papers on this topic were retrieved using PubMed as a search engine. Inclusion criteria were the presence of transplantation setting and the use of any type of digital image with or without the use of image analysis tools; the search was restricted to English language papers published in the 25 years until December 31, 2018. Results Literature regarding digital transplant pathology is mostly about the digital interpretation of posttransplant biopsies (75 vs. 19), with 15/75 (20%) articles focusing on agreement/reproducibility. Several papers concentrated on the correlation between biopsy features assessed by digital image analysis (DIA) and clinical outcome (45/75, 60%). Whole-slide imaging (WSI) only appeared in recent publications, starting from 2011 (13/75, 17.3%). Papers dealing with preimplantation biopsy are less numerous, the majority (13/19, 68.4%) of which focus on diagnostic agreement between digital microscopy and light microscopy (LM), with WSI technology being used in only a small quota of papers (4/19, 21.1%). Conclusions Overall, published studies show good concordance between digital microscopy and LM modalities for diagnosis. DIA has the potential to increase diagnostic reproducibility and facilitate the identification and quantification of histological parameters. Thus, with advancing technology such as faster scanning times, better image resolution, and novel image algorithms, it is likely that WSI will eventually replace LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Valeria Barresi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Ammendola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lavinia Stefanizzi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Novelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Histopathology and Molecular Diagnosis, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Arrigo Capitanio
- Department of Clinical Pathology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, UPMC Shadyside Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Bagnasco SM, Rosenberg AZ. Biomarkers of Chronic Renal Tubulointerstitial Injury. J Histochem Cytochem 2019; 67:633-641. [PMID: 31242044 DOI: 10.1369/0022155419861092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression of renal parenchyma injury is characterized by increasing interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, irrespective of the cause. Histopathologic assessment of renal tissue obtained by biopsy remains the gold standard for determining the presence and extent of tubulointerstitial scarring. Discovery of robust non-invasive means for capturing a snapshot and for longitudinal monitoring of parenchymal deterioration has been the focus of intense multimodal effort by investigators within the renal community and beyond. Research in this field has included the use of in vitro and in vivo experimental models and has fostered the development and evaluation of tissue and biofluid assays for novel analytes with potential translation to the diagnosis and prognosis of kidney disease. Here, we examine recent advances in the search of "biomarkers" for detection of renal tubulointerstitial scarring and prediction of renal outcome in human renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena M Bagnasco
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Avi Z Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Ellis RJ, Kalma B, Del Vecchio SJ, Aliano DN, Ng KL, Dimeski G, Ma L, Guard D, Bertram JF, Morais C, Oliver K, Wood ST, Gobe GC, Francis RS. Chronic kidney cortical damage is associated with baseline kidney function and albuminuria in patients managed with radical nephrectomy for kidney tumours. Pathology 2018; 51:32-38. [PMID: 30477884 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the relationship between histological markers of chronic kidney damage in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for kidney tumours and preoperative kidney function, degree of albuminuria, and changes in glomerular volume. A schema to grade chronic kidney damage could be used to identify patients at risk of developing CKD following nephrectomy. Non-neoplastic cortical tissue was sourced from 150 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for suspected kidney cancer. This tissue was evaluated for indicators of chronic damage, specifically: glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. Glomerular volume was determined using the Weibel and Gomez method. Associations between these parameters and both estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were determined using either a Mann-Whitney U-test or a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Associations between both eGFR and ACR and glomerular volume were assessed using linear regression. eGFR was inversely associated with the degree of glomerulosclerosis (p < 0.001), vascular narrowing (p = 0.002), tubular atrophy (p < 0.001), and interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.001). ACR was associated only with the degree of interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.02) and tubular atrophy (p = 0.02). Glomerular volume was greater for males, diabetics, hypertensive patients, and patients with a greater degree of interstitial fibrosis. Glomerular volume was positively associated with ACR. A schema to grade chronic damage was developed. The proposed schema is associated with baseline clinical indices of kidney function and damage. Longitudinal validation is necessary to determine the prognostic utility of this schema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ellis
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
| | - Benjamin Kalma
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Sharon J Del Vecchio
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Danielle N Aliano
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Keng Lim Ng
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Goce Dimeski
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Li Ma
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - David Guard
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - John F Bertram
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Christudas Morais
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Simon T Wood
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Glenda C Gobe
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; NHMRC Chronic Kidney Disease Centre for Research Excellence, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Ross S Francis
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Abstract
The Banff Classification of Allograft Pathology is an international consensus classification for the reporting of biopsies from solid organ transplants. Since its initial conception in 1991 for renal transplants, it has undergone review every 2 years, with attendant updated publications. The rapid expansion of knowledge in the field has led to numerous revisions of the classification. The resultant dispersal of relevant content makes it difficult for novices and experienced pathologists to faithfully apply the classification in routine diagnostic work and in clinical trials. This review shall provide a complete and simple illustrated reference guide of the Banff Classification of Kidney Allograft Pathology based on all publications including the 2017 update. It is intended as a concise desktop reference for pathologists and clinicians, providing definitions, Banff Lesion Scores and Banff Diagnostic Categories. An online website reference guide hosted by the Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology (www.banfffoundation.org) is being developed, which will be updated with future refinement of the Banff Classification from 2019 onward.
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PEGylated pUR4/FUD peptide inhibitor of fibronectin fibrillogenesis decreases fibrosis in murine Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction model of kidney disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205360. [PMID: 30356276 PMCID: PMC6200241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibronectin is a blood and extracellular matrix glycoprotein that plays important roles in wound healing and fibrosis since it controls the deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix molecules and is a substrate for infiltrating lymphocytes. Using a high-affinity fibronectin-binding peptide (FUD/pUR4) that inhibits fibronectin deposition into extracellular matrix (ECM), we tested the ability of a PEGylated FUD/pUR4 (PEG-FUD) to inhibit fibrosis in the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) kidney disease model. Fibronectin fibrillogenesis assays, using human fibroblasts and human proximal tubular epithelial cultures, showed that PEG-FUD can inhibit fibronectin fibrillogenesis in vitro with an IC50 similar to unconjugated FUD, in the order of 20–35 nM. In contrast, a mutated FUD (mFUD) conjugated to PEG that lacked activity did not inhibit fibronectin assembly, even at 20 μM. The in vivo activity of PEG-FUD was tested in the murine UUO model by daily subcutaneous injection of 12.5 mg/kg for 7 days until harvest at day 10. Control treatments included saline, PEG, unconjugated FUD, and PEG-mFUD. Immunoblotting studies showed that fibronectin was enriched in the extracellular matrix fractions of extracted UUO kidneys, compared to contralateral untreated kidneys. In vivo, PEG-FUD significantly decreased fibronectin by ~70% in UUO kidneys as determined by both IHC and immunoblotting, respectively. In contrast, neither PEG-mFUD, PEG, nor saline had any significant effect. PEG-FUD also decreased collagens I and III and CD45-expressing cells (leukocytes) by ~60% and ~50%, as ascertained by picrosirius red staining and IHC, respectively. Immunoblotting studies also showed that the fibronectin remaining after PEG-FUD treatment was intact. Utilizing a custom-made polyclonal antibody generated against pUR4/FUD, intact PEG-FUD was detected by immunoblotting in both the ECM and lysate fractions of UUO kidneys. No adverse reaction or event was noted with any treatment. In summary, these studies suggest that PEG-FUD reached the kidneys without degradation, and decreased fibronectin incorporation into interstitial tissue. Decreased fibronectin was accompanied by a decrease in collagen and leukocyte infiltration. We propose that PEG-FUD, a specific inhibitor of fibronectin assembly, may be a candidate therapeutic for the treatment of fibrosis in kidney diseases.
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Smith B, Cornell LD, Smith M, Cortese C, Geiger X, Alexander MP, Ryan M, Park W, Morales Alvarez MC, Schinstock C, Kremers W, Stegall M. A method to reduce variability in scoring antibody-mediated rejection in renal allografts: implications for clinical trials - a retrospective study. Transpl Int 2018; 32:173-183. [PMID: 30179275 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Poor reproducibility in scoring antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) using the Banff criteria might limit the use of histology in clinical trials. We evaluated the reproducibility of Banff scoring of 67 biopsies by six renal pathologists at three institutions. Agreement by any two pathologists was poor: 44.8-65.7% for glomerulitis, 44.8-67.2% for peritubular capillaritis, and 53.7-80.6% for chronic glomerulopathy (cg). All pathologists agreed on cg0 (n = 20) and cg3 (n = 9) cases, however, many disagreed on scores of cg1 or cg2. The range for the incidence of composite diagnoses by individual pathologists was: 16.4-22.4% for no ABMR; 17.9-47.8% for active ABMR; and 35.8-59.7% for chronic, active antibody-mediated rejection (cABMR). A "majority rules" approach was then tested in which the scores of three pathologists were used to reach an agreement. This increased consensus both for individual scores (ex. 67.2-77.6% for cg) and for composite diagnoses (ex. 74.6-86.6% cABMR). Modeling using these results showed that differences in individual scoring could affect the outcome assessment in a mock study of cABMR. We conclude that the Banff schema has high variability and a majority rules approach could be used to adjudicate differences between pathologists and reduce variability in scoring in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Smith
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lynn D Cornell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maxwell Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Cherise Cortese
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Xochiquetzal Geiger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mariam P Alexander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Margaret Ryan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Walter Park
- The William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Carrie Schinstock
- The William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Walter Kremers
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,The William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mark Stegall
- The William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Transplantation Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Severova-Andreevska G, Grcevska L, Petrushevska G, Cakalaroski K, Sikole A, Stojceva–Taneva O, Danilovska I, Ivanovski N. The Spectrum of Histopathological Changes in the Renal Allograft - a 12 Months Protocol Biopsy Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:606-612. [PMID: 29731924 PMCID: PMC5927487 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.162] [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: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Renal transplantation became a routine and successful medical treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in the last 30 years all over the world. Introduction of Luminex based Single Antigen Beads (SAB) and recent BANFF consensus of histopathological phenotypes of different forms of rejection enables more precise diagnosis and changes the therapeutic approach. The graft biopsies, protocol or cause, indicated, remain a golden diagnostic tool for clinical follow up of kidney transplant recipients (KTR). AIM The study aimed to analyse the histopathological changes in renal grafts 12 months after the surgery in KTR with satisfactory kidney function. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 12-month protocol biopsy study was performed in a cohort of 50 Kidney transplant recipients (42 from living and 8 from deceased donors). Usual work-up for suitable donors and recipients, standard surgical procedure, basic principles of peri and postoperative care and follow up were done in all KTR. Sequential quadruple immunosuppression including induction with Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) or Interleukin-2R antagonist (IL-2R), and triple drug maintenance therapy with Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNI), Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) and Steroids were prescribed to all pts. Different forms of Glomerulonephritis (16), Hypertension (10), End Stage Renal Disease (13), Hereditary Nephropathies (6), Diabetes (3) and Vesicoureteral Reflux (2) were the underlying diseases. All biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance. The 16 gauge needles with automated "gun" were used to take 2 cores of tissue. The samples were stained with HE, PAS, Trichrome Masson and Silver and reviewed by the same pathologist. A revised and uploaded BANFF 2013 classification in 6 categories (Cat) was used. RESULTS Out of 48 biopsies, 15 (31%) were considered as normal, 4 (8%), Borderline (BL-Cat 3), 5 (10%) as Interstitial Fibrosis/Tubular Atrophy (IF/TA-Cat 5), 5 (10%) were classified as non-immunological (Cat 6), 2 as a pure antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR-Cat 2) and T-cell Mediated Rejection (TCMR-Cat 4). The remaining 17 samples were classified as a "mixed" rejection: 7 (41%) ABMR + IF/TA, 5 (29%) ABMR + BL + IF/TA, 2 (11%) BL + IF/TA, 1 (5%) ABMR + BL, 1 (5%) ABMR + TCMR and 1 (5%) TCMR + IF/TA. The mean serum creatinine at the time of the biopsy was 126.7 ± 23.4 µmol/L, while GFR-MDRD 63.4 ± 20.7 ml/min, which means that the majority of the findings were subclinical. Among the non-immunological histological findings (Cat 6), 3 cases belonged to CNI toxicity, 1 to BK nephropathy and 1 to recurrence of the primary disease. CONCLUSION Our 12-month protocol biopsy study revealed the presence of different forms of mixed subclinical rejection. Use of recent BANFF classification and scoring system enables more precise diagnosis and subsequently different approach to the further treatment of the KTR. More correlative long-term studies including Anti HLA antibodies and Endothelial Cell Activation- Associated Transcripts (ENDAT) are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Severova-Andreevska
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Ladislava Grcevska
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Gordana Petrushevska
- Institute for Pathology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Koco Cakalaroski
- Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Sikole
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Olivera Stojceva–Taneva
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Ilina Danilovska
- University Clinic of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Ninoslav Ivanovski
- Medical Faculty, University St Cyril and Methodius of Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
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Influence of CYP3A5 genetic differences in tacrolimus on quantitative interstitial fibrosis and long-term graft function in kidney transplant recipients. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 58:57-63. [PMID: 29550576 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The impact of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on clinical outcomes is controversial. The present study investigated the impact of CYP3A5 genetic differences on the development of interstitial fibrosis (IF) from 0 h to 1 year post-transplantation in biopsy sections from 96 living kidney recipients under the same target trough regimen of tacrolimus. The relationships between CYP3A5 polymorphisms and long-term graft function and death-censored graft survival were also examined. A quantitative analysis of IF was performed using computer-assisted imaging on virtual slides. Percent IF (%IF) in the cortical region at 0 h was defined as the baseline, and increases in the ratio of %IF 1 year post-transplantation were calculated. The relationships between CYP3A5 genetic differences and the development of IF, the incidence of clinical events, and the long-term function and death-censored survival of grafts were assessed. The mean increase in the ratio of %IF from 0 h to 1 year was 1.38 ± 0.74-fold. Despite therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), trough levels of tacrolimus were lower in carriers with the CYP3A5*1 allele (expressers) than in those with the CTP3A5*3/*3 genotype (non-expressers) throughout the 1-year post-transplantation period. However, CYP3A5 genetic differences were not associated with the development of IF, any clinical events, or the long-term function and survival of grafts. The clinical impact of CYP3A5 genetic differences may be small under the current immunosuppressive regimen consisting of mycophenolate mofetil, steroids, basiliximab, and lower target trough levels of tacrolimus with suitable TDM in a low immunological risk population.
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Tey WK, Kuang YC, Ooi MPL, Khoo JJ. Automated quantification of renal interstitial fibrosis for computer-aided diagnosis: A comprehensive tissue structure segmentation method. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2018; 155:109-120. [PMID: 29512490 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Interstitial fibrosis in renal biopsy samples is a scarring tissue structure that may be visually quantified by pathologists as an indicator to the presence and extent of chronic kidney disease. The standard method of quantification by visual evaluation presents reproducibility issues in the diagnoses. This study proposes an automated quantification system for measuring the amount of interstitial fibrosis in renal biopsy images as a consistent basis of comparison among pathologists. The system extracts and segments the renal tissue structures based on colour information and structural assumptions of the tissue structures. The regions in the biopsy representing the interstitial fibrosis are deduced through the elimination of non-interstitial fibrosis structures from the biopsy area and quantified as a percentage of the total area of the biopsy sample. A ground truth image dataset has been manually prepared by consulting an experienced pathologist for the validation of the segmentation algorithms. The results from experiments involving experienced pathologists have demonstrated a good correlation in quantification result between the automated system and the pathologists' visual evaluation. Experiments investigating the variability in pathologists also proved the automated quantification error rate to be on par with the average intra-observer variability in pathologists' quantification. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Interstitial fibrosis in renal biopsy samples is a scarring tissue structure that may be visually quantified by pathologists as an indicator to the presence and extent of chronic kidney disease. The standard method of quantification by visual evaluation presents reproducibility issues in the diagnoses due to the uncertainties in human judgement. METHODS An automated quantification system for accurately measuring the amount of interstitial fibrosis in renal biopsy images is presented as a consistent basis of comparison among pathologists. The system identifies the renal tissue structures through knowledge-based rules employing colour space transformations and structural features extraction from the images. In particular, the renal glomerulus identification is based on a multiscale textural feature analysis and a support vector machine. The regions in the biopsy representing interstitial fibrosis are deduced through the elimination of non-interstitial fibrosis structures from the biopsy area. The experiments conducted evaluate the system in terms of quantification accuracy, intra- and inter-observer variability in visual quantification by pathologists, and the effect introduced by the automated quantification system on the pathologists' diagnosis. RESULTS A 40-image ground truth dataset has been manually prepared by consulting an experienced pathologist for the validation of the segmentation algorithms. The results from experiments involving experienced pathologists have demonstrated an average error of 9 percentage points in quantification result between the automated system and the pathologists' visual evaluation. Experiments investigating the variability in pathologists involving samples from 70 kidney patients also proved the automated quantification error rate to be on par with the average intra-observer variability in pathologists' quantification. CONCLUSIONS The accuracy of the proposed quantification system has been validated with the ground truth dataset and compared against the pathologists' quantification results. It has been shown that the correlation between different pathologists' estimation of interstitial fibrosis area has significantly improved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the quantification system as a diagnostic aide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Keat Tey
- Advanced Engineering Platform and Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Ye Chow Kuang
- Advanced Engineering Platform and Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Melanie Po-Leen Ooi
- Unitec Institute of Technology, 139 Carrington Road, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
| | - Joon Joon Khoo
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
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Magalhães P, Pejchinovski M, Markoska K, Banasik M, Klinger M, Švec-Billá D, Rychlík I, Rroji M, Restivo A, Capasso G, Bob F, Schiller A, Ortiz A, Perez-Gomez MV, Cannata P, Sanchez-Niño MD, Naumovic R, Brkovic V, Polenakovic M, Mullen W, Vlahou A, Zürbig P, Pape L, Ferrario F, Denis C, Spasovski G, Mischak H, Schanstra JP. Association of kidney fibrosis with urinary peptides: a path towards non-invasive liquid biopsies? Sci Rep 2017; 7:16915. [PMID: 29208969 PMCID: PMC5717105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17083-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A hallmark of CKD progression is renal fibrosis characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation of the urinary proteome classifier CKD273 and individual urinary peptides with the degree of fibrosis. In total, 42 kidney biopsies and urine samples were examined. The percentage of fibrosis per total tissue area was assessed in Masson trichrome stained kidney tissues. The urinary proteome was analysed by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. CKD273 displayed a significant and positive correlation with the degree of fibrosis (Rho = 0.430, P = 0.0044), while the routinely used parameters (glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio) did not (Rho = -0.222; -0.137; -0.070 and P = 0.16; 0.39; 0.66, respectively). We identified seven fibrosis-associated peptides displaying a significant and negative correlation with the degree of fibrosis. All peptides were collagen fragments, suggesting that these may be causally related to the observed accumulation of ECM in the kidneys. CKD273 and specific peptides are significantly associated with kidney fibrosis; such an association could not be detected by other biomarkers for CKD. These non-invasive fibrosis-related biomarkers can potentially be implemented in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Magalhães
- Mosaiques Diagnostics GmbH, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Katerina Markoska
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University of Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Miroslaw Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marian Klinger
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Švec-Billá
- 1st Department of Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rychlík
- 1st Department of Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Merita Rroji
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa", Tirana, Albania
| | - Arianna Restivo
- Department of Nephrology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Flaviu Bob
- Department of Nephrology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adalbert Schiller
- Department of Nephrology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | - Radomir Naumovic
- Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Voin Brkovic
- Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - William Mullen
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonia Vlahou
- Biotechnology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Colette Denis
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Goce Spasovski
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University of Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Harald Mischak
- Mosaiques Diagnostics GmbH, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joost P Schanstra
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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Bontha SV, Maluf DG, Archer KJ, Dumur CI, Dozmorov M, King A, Akalin E, Mueller TF, Gallon L, Mas VR. Effects of DNA Methylation on Progression to Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy in Renal Allograft Biopsies: A Multi-Omics Approach. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:3060-3075. [PMID: 28556588 PMCID: PMC5734859 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Progressive fibrosis of the interstitium is the dominant final pathway in renal destruction in native and transplanted kidneys. Over time, the continuum of molecular events following immunological and nonimmunological insults lead to interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and culminate in kidney failure. We hypothesize that these insults trigger changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, which in turn could exacerbate injury and slow down the regeneration processes, leading to fibrosis development and graft dysfunction. Herein, we analyzed biopsy samples from kidney allografts collected 24 months posttransplantation and used an integrative multi-omics approach to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. The role of DNAm and microRNAs on the graft gene expression was evaluated. Enrichment analyses of differentially methylated CpG sites were performed using GenomeRunner. CpGs were strongly enriched in regions that were variably methylated among tissues, implying high tissue specificity in their regulatory impact. Corresponding to this methylation pattern, gene expression data were related to immune response (activated state) and nephrogenesis (inhibited state). Preimplantation biopsies showed similar DNAm patterns to normal allograft biopsies at 2 years posttransplantation. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a relationship among epigenetic modifications and development of interstitial fibrosis, graft function, and inter-individual variation on long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Vineela Bontha
- Translational Genomics Transplant Laboratory, Transplant Division, University of Virginia, Department of Surgery, PO Box 800625. 409 Lane Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22908- 0625, USA
| | - Daniel G. Maluf
- Translational Genomics Transplant Laboratory, Transplant Division, University of Virginia, Department of Surgery, PO Box 800625. 409 Lane Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22908- 0625, USA
| | - Kellie J. Archer
- Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, 240 Cunz Hall, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Catherine I. Dumur
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980662, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0662
| | - Mikhail Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capitol Square, room 730, 830 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Anne King
- Division of Nephrology, Internal Medicine. Virginia commonwealth University, VA, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0662
| | - Enver Akalin
- Departments of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center, 11 E 210th St, Bronx, NY 10467
| | - Thomas F. Mueller
- Division of Nephorology, Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, Zurich-8091
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Northwestern University676 N St Clair St # 100, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Valeria R. Mas
- Translational Genomics Transplant Laboratory, Transplant Division, University of Virginia, Department of Surgery, PO Box 800625. 409 Lane Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22908- 0625, USA
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Development of CD3 cell quantitation algorithms for renal allograft biopsy rejection assessment utilizing open source image analysis software. Virchows Arch 2017; 472:259-269. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-017-2260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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38
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Nara M, Komatsuda A, Numakura K, Saito M, Inoue T, Niioka T, Miura M, Mitobe Y, Okuyama S, Takahashi N, Habuchi T, Satoh S. Quantification of Interstitial Fibrosis in Renal Allografts and Clinical Correlates of Long-Term Graft Function. Am J Nephrol 2017; 46:187-194. [PMID: 28848141 DOI: 10.1159/000479983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigated interstitial fibrosis (IF) in 144 kidney recipients 0 h and 1 year post transplantation and assessed relationships with Banff code scores, clinical parameters, and long-term graft function. METHODS A quantitative analysis of IF was performed using the computer-assisted imaging of Sirius red-stained biopsy samples. Percent IF (%IF) in the cortical region was assessed at 0 h and 1 year, and an increase in the ratio of %IF from 0 h to 1 year was calculated. The relationship between %IF and Banff code scores was analyzed. Demographics and trough concentrations of tacrolimus were tested as risk factors in the top 20 patients with increases in %IF. The influence of increases in the ratio of %IF at 1 year on long-term graft function and survival was also assessed in these 20 patients. RESULTS Median %IF at 0 h and 1 year were 1.55 and 2.80%, respectively. No correlation was found between %IF and Banff code scores. The mean increase in the ratio of %IF from 0 h to 1 year was 4.31-fold. The increase in %IF in the top 20 patients correlated with diabetes mellitus. Graft function, but not graft survival, was lower in the top 20 patients for 10 years post transplantation. CONCLUSIONS A correlation was not found between %IF and Banff code scores. Greater increases in %IF within 1 year post transplantation may influence long-term graft survival. Computer-analyzed increases in %IF at 1 year may be a surrogate marker for long-term graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuho Nara
- Department of Hematology, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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39
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Sicard A, Meas-Yedid V, Rabeyrin M, Koenig A, Ducreux S, Dijoud F, Hervieu V, Badet L, Morelon E, Olivo-Marin JC, Dubois V, Thaunat O. Computer-assisted topological analysis of renal allograft inflammation adds to risk evaluation at diagnosis of humoral rejection. Kidney Int 2017; 92:214-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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40
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Abstract
Zero-time kidney biopsies, obtained at time of transplantation, are performed in many transplant centers worldwide. Decisions on kidney discard, kidney allocation, and choice of peritransplant and posttransplant treatment are sometimes based on the histological information obtained from these biopsies. This comprehensive review evaluates the practical considerations of performing zero-time biopsies, the predictive performance of zero-time histology and composite histological scores, and the clinical utility of these biopsies. The predictive performance of individual histological lesions and of composite scores for posttransplant outcome is at best moderate. No single histological lesion or composite score is sufficiently robust to be included in algorithms for kidney discard. Dual kidney transplantation has been based on histological assessment of zero-time biopsies and improves outcome in individual patients, but the waitlist effects of this strategy remain obscure. Zero-time biopsies are valuable for clinical and translational research purposes, providing insight in risk factors for posttransplant events, and as baseline for comparison with posttransplant histology. The molecular phenotype of zero-time biopsies yields novel therapeutic targets for improvement of donor selection, peritransplant management and kidney preservation. It remains however highly unclear whether the molecular expression variation in zero-time biopsies could become a better predictor for posttransplant outcome than donor/recipient baseline demographic factors.
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41
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Macrophage density in early surveillance biopsies predicts future renal transplant function. Kidney Int 2017; 92:479-489. [PMID: 28359537 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation impairs renal allograft survival but is difficult to quantify by eye at low densities. Here we measured leukocyte abundance in early surveillance biopsies by digital image analysis to test for a role of chemokine receptor genotypes and analyze the predictive value of leukocyte subsets to allograft function. In six-week surveillance biopsies, T-cell (CD3), B-cell (CD20), macrophage (CD68), and dendritic cell (CD209) densities were assessed in whole slide scans. Renal cortical CD3, CD20, and CD68 were significantly higher in histologic rejection. The CCR2 V64I genotype was associated with lower CD3 and CD209 densities. Above-median CD68 density was significantly associated with lower combined patient and graft survival with a hazard ratio of 3.5 (95% confidence interval 1.1-11.0). Both CD20 and CD68 densities inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) four years after transplantation. Additionally, CD68 correlated with eGFR loss. Among histological measurements including a complete Banff classification, only CD68 density was a significant predictor of an eGFR under 30ml/min after four years (odds ratio 7.4, 1.8-31.0) and part of the best eGFR prediction set in a multivariable linear regression analysis of multiple clinical and pathologic parameters. In a second independent cohort, the original CD68 median maintained its discriminative power for survival and eGFR. Thus, digital high-resolution assessment of CD68+ leukocyte infiltration significantly improves prognostic value of early renal transplant biopsies.
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42
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Current status of pediatric renal transplant pathology. Pediatr Nephrol 2017; 32:425-437. [PMID: 27221522 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-016-3381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Histopathology is still an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of kidney transplant dysfunction in adult and pediatric patients. This review presents consolidated knowledge, recent developments and future prospects on the biopsy procedure, the diagnostic work-up, classification schemes, the histopathology of rejection, including antibody-mediated forms, ABO-incompatible transplants, protocol biopsies, recurrent and de novo disease, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, infectious complications and drug-induced toxicity. It is acknowledged that frequently the correct diagnosis can only be reached in consensus with clinical, serological, immunogenetical, bacteriological and virological findings. This review shall enhance the understanding of the pediatric nephrologist for the thought processes of nephropathologists with the aim to facilitate teamwork between these specialist groups for the benefit of the patient.
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43
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Association of Renal Elasticity and Renal Function Progression in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Evaluated by Real-Time Ultrasound Elastography. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43303. [PMID: 28240304 PMCID: PMC5327389 DOI: 10.1038/srep43303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis are associated with lower renal parenchymal elasticity. This study was designed to evaluate the predictive ability of renal elasticity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 148 non-CKD patients and 227 patients with CKD were recruited. 145 (38.7%) were female, 166 (73.1%) had diabetes, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 33.9 ± 15.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 and the median urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) 502 (122–1491) mg/g. Patients with later stages of CKD had lower renal elasticity values, indicating stiffer kidneys (p < 0.001), and smaller kidney (p < 0.001). Renal elasticity correlated with log-transformed UPCR (β = −7.544, P < 0.001). Renal length correlated with age (β = −0.231, P < 0.001), sex (β = −3.730, P < 0.001), serum albumin level (β = −3.024, P = 0.001), body mass index (β = 0.390, P = 0.009) and eGFR (β = 0.146, P < 0.001). In fully-adjusted logistic regression model, the odds ratio (OR) per 10 unit change in renal elasticity for rapid renal deterioration was 0.928 (95% CI, 0.864–0.997; P = 0.042). The OR per 1 mm change in renal length for rapid renal deterioration was 1.022 (95% CI, 0.994–1.050; P = 0.125). Renal elasticity is associated with proteinuria and rapid renal deterioration in patients with CKD.
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44
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Farris AB, Cohen C, Rogers TE, Smith GH. Whole Slide Imaging for Analytical Anatomic Pathology and Telepathology: Practical Applications Today, Promises, and Perils. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2017; 141:542-550. [PMID: 28157404 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2016-0265-sa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Whole slide imaging (WSI) offers a convenient, tractable platform for measuring features of routine and special-stain histology or in immunohistochemistry staining by using digital image analysis (IA). We now routinely use IA for quantitative and qualitative analysis of theranostic markers such as human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2/neu), estrogen and progesterone receptors, and Ki-67. Quantitative IA requires extensive validation, however, and may not always be the best approach, with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors being one example in which a semiautomated approach may be preferable for patient care. We find that IA has great utility for objective assessment of gastrointestinal tract dysplasia, microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, renal fibrosis, and general quality analysis/quality control, although the applications of these to daily practice are still in development. Collaborations with bioinformatics specialists have explored novel applications to gliomas, including in silico approaches for mining histologic data and correlating with molecular and radiologic findings. We and many others are using WSI for rapid, remote-access slide reviews (telepathology), though technical factors currently limit its utility for routine, high-volume diagnostics. In our experience, the greatest current practical impact of WSI lies in facilitating long-term storage and retrieval of images while obviating the need to keep slides on site. Once the existing barriers of capital cost, validation, operator training, software design, and storage/back-up concerns are overcome, these technologies appear destined to be a cornerstone of precision medicine and personalized patient care, and to become a routine part of pathology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Geoffrey H Smith
- From the Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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45
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Loupy A, Haas M, Solez K, Racusen L, Glotz D, Seron D, Nankivell BJ, Colvin RB, Afrouzian M, Akalin E, Alachkar N, Bagnasco S, Becker JU, Cornell L, Drachenberg C, Dragun D, de Kort H, Gibson IW, Kraus ES, Lefaucheur C, Legendre C, Liapis H, Muthukumar T, Nickeleit V, Orandi B, Park W, Rabant M, Randhawa P, Reed EF, Roufosse C, Seshan SV, Sis B, Singh HK, Schinstock C, Tambur A, Zeevi A, Mengel M. The Banff 2015 Kidney Meeting Report: Current Challenges in Rejection Classification and Prospects for Adopting Molecular Pathology. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:28-41. [PMID: 27862883 PMCID: PMC5363228 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 486] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The XIII Banff meeting, held in conjunction the Canadian Society of Transplantation in Vancouver, Canada, reviewed the clinical impact of updates of C4d-negative antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) from the 2013 meeting, reports from active Banff Working Groups, the relationships of donor-specific antibody tests (anti-HLA and non-HLA) with transplant histopathology, and questions of molecular transplant diagnostics. The use of transcriptome gene sets, their resultant diagnostic classifiers, or common key genes to supplement the diagnosis and classification of rejection requires further consensus agreement and validation in biopsies. Newly introduced concepts include the i-IFTA score, comprising inflammation within areas of fibrosis and atrophy and acceptance of transplant arteriolopathy within the descriptions of chronic active T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) or chronic ABMR. The pattern of mixed TCMR and ABMR was increasingly recognized. This report also includes improved definitions of TCMR and ABMR in pancreas transplants with specification of vascular lesions and prospects for defining a vascularized composite allograft rejection classification. The goal of the Banff process is ongoing integration of advances in histologic, serologic, and molecular diagnostic techniques to produce a consensus-based reporting system that offers precise composite scores, accurate routine diagnostics, and applicability to next-generation clinical trials.
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Oberbauer
- Department of Nephrology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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47
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Renal Medullary and Cortical Correlates in Fibrosis, Epithelial Mass, Microvascularity, and Microanatomy Using Whole Slide Image Analysis Morphometry. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161019. [PMID: 27575381 PMCID: PMC5004931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial injury often leads to interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA). IF/TA is typically assessed in the renal cortex and can be objectively quantitated with computerized image analysis (IA). However, the human medulla accounts for a substantial proportion of the nephron; therefore, medullary scarring will have important cortical consequences and may parallel overall chronic renal injury. Trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and collagen III immunohistochemistry (IHC) were visually examined and quantitated on scanned whole slide images (WSIs) (N = 67 cases). When tuned to measure fibrosis, IA of trichrome and Trichrome-PAS (T-P) WSIs correlated for all anatomic compartments (among cortex, medulla, and entire tissue, r = 0.84 to 0.89, P all <0.0001); and collagen III deposition correlated between compartments (r = 0.69 to 0.89, P <0.0001 to 0.0002); however, trichrome and T-P measures did not correlate with collagen deposition, suggesting heterogeneous contributions to extracellular matrix deposition. Epithelial cell mass (EPCM) correlated between cortex and medulla when measured with cytokeratin IHC and with the trichrome red portion (r = 0.85 and 0.66, respectively, all P < 0.0001). Visual assessment also correlated between compartments for fibrosis and EPCM. Correlations were found between increasing medullary inner stripe (IS) width and fibrosis in all of the tissue and the medulla by trichrome morphometry (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001, and r = 0.48, P = 0.00008, respectively). Weak correlations were found between increasing IS width and decreasing visual assessment of all tissue EPCM. Microvessel density (MVD) and microvessel area (MVA) measured using a MVD algorithm applied to CD34 IHC correlated significantly between all compartments (r = 0.76 to 0.87 for MVD and 0.71 to 0.87 for MVA, P all < 0.0001). Overall, these findings demonstrate the interrelatedness of the cortex and medulla and the importance of considering the renal parenchyma as a whole.
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48
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Friedli I, Crowe LA, Berchtold L, Moll S, Hadaya K, de Perrot T, Vesin C, Martin PY, de Seigneux S, Vallée JP. New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index for Renal Fibrosis Assessment: A Comparison between Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and T1 Mapping with Histological Validation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30088. [PMID: 27439482 PMCID: PMC4954968 DOI: 10.1038/srep30088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A need exists to noninvasively assess renal interstitial fibrosis, a common process
to all kidney diseases and predictive of renal prognosis. In this translational
study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T1 mapping and a new segmented
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) technique, for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient
(ADC), were first compared to renal fibrosis in two well-controlled animal models to
assess detection limits. Validation against biopsy was then performed in 33 kidney
allograft recipients (KARs). Predictive MRI indices, ΔT1 and
ΔADC (defined as the cortico-medullary differences), were compared to
histology. In rats, both T1 and ADC correlated well with fibrosis and inflammation
showing a difference between normal and diseased kidneys. In KARs, MRI indices were
not sensitive to interstitial inflammation. By contrast, ΔADC
outperformed ΔT1 with a stronger negative correlation to fibrosis
(R2 = 0.64 against
R2 = 0.29
p < 0.001). ΔADC tends to negative values
in KARs harboring cortical fibrosis of more than 40%. Using a discriminant analysis
method, the ΔADC, as a marker to detect such level of fibrosis or
higher, led to a specificity and sensitivity of 100% and 71%, respectively. This new
index has potential for noninvasive assessment of fibrosis in the clinical
setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Friedli
- Division of Radiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L A Crowe
- Division of Radiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Berchtold
- Service of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Moll
- Division of Pathology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K Hadaya
- Divisions of Nephrology and Transplantation, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T de Perrot
- Division of Radiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Vesin
- Division of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P-Y Martin
- Service of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S de Seigneux
- Service of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J-P Vallée
- Division of Radiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Aeffner F, Wilson K, Bolon B, Kanaly S, Mahrt CR, Rudmann D, Charles E, Young GD. Commentary. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 44:825-34. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623316653492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Historically, pathologists perform manual evaluation of H&E- or immunohistochemically-stained slides, which can be subjective, inconsistent, and, at best, semiquantitative. As the complexity of staining and demand for increased precision of manual evaluation increase, the pathologist’s assessment will include automated analyses (i.e., “digital pathology”) to increase the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of diagnosis and hypothesis testing and as an important biomedical research and diagnostic tool. This commentary introduces the many roles for pathologists in designing and conducting high-throughput digital image analysis. Pathology review is central to the entire course of a digital pathology study, including experimental design, sample quality verification, specimen annotation, analytical algorithm development, and report preparation. The pathologist performs these roles by reviewing work undertaken by technicians and scientists with training and expertise in image analysis instruments and software. These roles require regular, face-to-face interactions between team members and the lead pathologist. Traditional pathology training is suitable preparation for entry-level participation on image analysis teams. The future of pathology is very exciting, with the expanding utilization of digital image analysis set to expand pathology roles in research and drug development with increasing and new career opportunities for pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Famke Aeffner
- Flagship Biosciences Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Brad Bolon
- Flagship Biosciences Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Dan Rudmann
- Flagship Biosciences Inc., Westminster, Colorado, USA
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50
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Morphometry Predicts Early GFR Change in Primary Proteinuric Glomerulopathies: A Longitudinal Cohort Study Using Generalized Estimating Equations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157148. [PMID: 27285824 PMCID: PMC4902229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most predictive models of kidney disease progression have not incorporated structural data. If structural variables have been used in models, they have generally been only semi-quantitative. METHODS We examined the predictive utility of quantitative structural parameters measured on the digital images of baseline kidney biopsies from the NEPTUNE study of primary proteinuric glomerulopathies. These variables were included in longitudinal statistical models predicting the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over up to 55 months of follow-up. RESULTS The participants were fifty-six pediatric and adult subjects from the NEPTUNE longitudinal cohort study who had measurements made on their digital biopsy images; 25% were African-American, 70% were male and 39% were children; 25 had focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, 19 had minimal change disease, and 12 had membranous nephropathy. We considered four different sets of candidate predictors, each including four quantitative structural variables (for example, mean glomerular tuft area, cortical density of patent glomeruli and two of the principal components from the correlation matrix of six fractional cortical areas-interstitium, atrophic tubule, intact tubule, blood vessel, sclerotic glomerulus, and patent glomerulus) along with 13 potentially confounding demographic and clinical variables (such as race, age, diagnosis, and baseline eGFR, quantitative proteinuria and BMI). We used longitudinal linear models based on these 17 variables to predict the change in eGFR over up to 55 months. All 4 models had a leave-one-out cross-validated R2 of about 62%. CONCLUSIONS Several combinations of quantitative structural variables were significantly and strongly associated with changes in eGFR. The structural variables were generally stronger than any of the confounding variables, other than baseline eGFR. Our findings suggest that quantitative assessment of diagnostic renal biopsies may play a role in estimating the baseline risk of succeeding loss of renal function in future clinical studies, and possibly in clinical practice.
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