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Zhang X, Dou J, Gao G, Sheng X, Shen Y, Feng Y, Wu X, Zhang Z, Cheng G. Comparison of tacrolimus with or without prednisone therapy in primary membranous nephropathy: a retrospective clinical study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14214. [PMID: 38902302 PMCID: PMC11190188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64661-w] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed tacrolimus monotherapy and dual therapy with tacrolimus and prednisone as effective treatment modalities in managing membranous nephropathy. However, few studies have compared these therapeutic regimens. The patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment regimen: (1) tacrolimus and prednisone dual therapy (T + P group, n = 67) treatment group; and (2) tacrolimus monotherapy (T group, n = 65) or the control group. Propensity matching method and subgroup analysis to eliminate the bias in the relationship between the treatment regimen and the outcomes. The mean remission times were 20.33 ± 2.75 weeks at T group and 9.50 ± 1.81 weeks at T + P group. The T group had a remission rates of 73.33, 76.66 and 66.66% at 12weeks, 24weeks and 48weeks, while the T + P group had a remission rate of 81.66, 86.66, 91.66%; At the follow-up of 48 weeks, the relapse rate for the T group was 21.66%, and that for the T + P group was 5%. The anti-PLA2R ab is positive and therapy may be the independent risk factors for predicting remission. Tacrolimus and low-dose prednisone dual therapy is efficacious in managing MN and lowers the recurrence rate in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Dou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya Shen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Feng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueying Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Genyang Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Azukaitis K, Palmer SC, Strippoli GF, Hodson EM. Interventions for minimal change disease in adults with nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 3:CD001537. [PMID: 35230699 PMCID: PMC8887628 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001537.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroids have been used widely since the early 1970s for the treatment of adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD). Recently, newer agents have been used in adult MCD aiming to reduce the risk of adverse effects. The response rates to immunosuppressive agents in adult MCD are more variable than in children. The optimal agent, dose, and duration of treatment for the first episode of nephrotic syndrome, or for disease relapse(s) have not been determined. This is an update of a review first published in 2008. OBJECTIVES We aimed to 1) evaluate the benefits and harms of different agents, including both immunosuppressive and non-immunosuppressive agents, in adults with MCD causing the nephrotic syndrome; and 2) evaluate the efficacy of interventions on 'time-to-remission' of nephrotic syndrome, in adults with MCD causing the nephrotic syndrome. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 21 July 2021 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of any intervention for MCD with nephrotic syndrome in adults over 18 years were included. Studies comparing different types, routes, frequencies, and duration of immunosuppressive agents and non-immunosuppressive agents were assessed. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Statistical analyses were performed using the random-effects model and results were expressed as a risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, or mean difference (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS Fifteen RCTs (769 randomised participants) were identified; four studies evaluated different prednisolone regimens, eight studies evaluated the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) (tacrolimus or cyclosporin), two studies evaluated enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) and one study evaluated levamisole. In all but two studies of non-corticosteroid agents, reduced-dose prednisolone was given with the treatment agent and the comparator was high-dose prednisolone. In the risk of bias assessment, 11 and seven studies were at low risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment, respectively. No studies were at low risk of performance bias and eight studies were at low risk of detection bias. Thirteen, 10 and six studies were at low risk of attrition bias, reporting bias and other bias, respectively. Compared with no specific treatment, it is uncertain whether prednisolone increases the number with complete remission (1 study, 28 participants: RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.19), complete or partial remission (1 study, 28 participants: RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.95), subsequent relapse (1 study, 28 participants: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.17), or reduces the adverse effects because the certainty of the evidence is very low. Compared with oral prednisolone alone, it is uncertain whether intravenous methylprednisolone and prednisolone increase the number with complete remission (2 studies, 35 participants: RR 1.76, 95% CI 0.17 to 18.32; I² = 90%), relapse (two studies, 19 participants. RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.15; I² = 0%) or adverse events because the certainty of the evidence is very low. Compared with prednisolone alone, CNIs with reduced-dose prednisolone or without prednisolone probably make little or no difference to the number achieving complete remission (8 studies; 492 participants: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05; I² = 0%), complete or partial remission (4 studies, 269 participants: RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.05; I² = 0%), or relapse (7 studies; 422 participants: RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.03; I² = 0%) (moderate certainty evidence), may reduce the risk of obesity or Cushing's Syndrome (5 studies; 388 participants: RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.59; I² = 45%) and the risk of acne (4 studies; 270 participants: RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.67; I² = 0%) (low certainty evidence); and had uncertain effects on diabetes or hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and acute kidney injury (AKI) (low certainty evidence). Compared with prednisolone alone, EC-MPS with reduced-dose prednisolone probably make little or no difference to the number undergoing complete remission at 4 weeks (1 study, 114 participants: RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.50), and at 24 weeks probably make little or no difference to the number undergoing complete remission (2 studies, 134 participants: RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.38; I² = 0%) (moderate certainty evidence), complete or partial remission (2 studies 134 participants: RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.12; I² = 0%), relapse (2 studies, 83 participants: RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.07 to 3.74; I² = 56%) (low certainty evidence); or to the adverse events of new-onset glucose intolerance, death, or AKI (low certainty evidence). One study (24 participants) compared levamisole and prednisolone with prednisolone in patients with relapsing disease. The authors identified no differences in mean relapse rate or adverse effects but no standard deviations were provided. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This updated review has identified evidence for the efficacy and adverse effects of CNIs and EC-MPS with or without reduced-dose prednisolone compared with prednisolone alone for the induction of remission in adults with MCD and nephrotic syndrome with some reductions in steroid-associated adverse events. RCT data on the efficacy and adverse effects of rituximab in adults with MCD are awaited. Further, adequately powered RCTs are required to determine the relative efficacies of CNIs and EC-MPS and to evaluate these medications in patients with relapsing or steroid-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolis Azukaitis
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Suetonia C Palmer
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Giovanni Fm Strippoli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Cochrane Kidney and Transplant, Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M Hodson
- Cochrane Kidney and Transplant, Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
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Rovin BH, Adler SG, Barratt J, Bridoux F, Burdge KA, Chan TM, Cook HT, Fervenza FC, Gibson KL, Glassock RJ, Jayne DR, Jha V, Liew A, Liu ZH, Mejía-Vilet JM, Nester CM, Radhakrishnan J, Rave EM, Reich HN, Ronco P, Sanders JSF, Sethi S, Suzuki Y, Tang SC, Tesar V, Vivarelli M, Wetzels JF, Floege J. KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Diseases. Kidney Int 2021; 100:S1-S276. [PMID: 34556256 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 797] [Impact Index Per Article: 265.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chin HJ, Chae DW, Kim YC, An WS, Ihm C, Jin DC, Kim SG, Kim YL, Kim YS, Kim YG, Koo HS, Lee JE, Lee KW, Oh J, Park JH, Jiang H, Lee H, Lee SK. Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus and Low-Dose Corticosteroid with High-Dose Corticosteroid for Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:199-210. [PMID: 33168602 PMCID: PMC7894664 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019050546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus is used as a steroid-sparing immunosuppressant in adults with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. However, combined treatment with tacrolimus and low-dose steroid has not been compared with high-dose steroid for induction of clinical remission in a large-scale randomized study. METHODS In this 24-week open-label noninferiority study, we randomized 144 adults with minimal change nephrotic syndrome to receive 0.05 mg/kg twice-daily tacrolimus plus once-daily 0.5 mg/kg prednisolone, or once-daily 1 mg/kg prednisolone alone, for up to 8 weeks or until achieving complete remission. Two weeks after complete remission, we tapered the steroid to a maintenance dose of 5-7.5 mg/d in both groups until 24 weeks after study drug initiation. The primary end point was complete remission within 8 weeks (urine protein: creatinine ratio <0.2 g/g). Secondary end points included time until remission and relapse rates (proteinuria and urine protein: creatinine ratio >3.0 g/g) after complete remission to within 24 weeks of study drug initiation. RESULTS Complete remission within 8 weeks occurred in 53 of 67 patients (79.1%) receiving tacrolimus and low-dose steroid and 53 of 69 patients (76.8%) receiving high-dose steroid; this difference demonstrated noninferiority, with an upper confidence limit below the predefined threshold (20%) in both intent-to-treat (11.6%) and per-protocol (17.0%) analyses. Groups did not significantly differ in time until remission. Significantly fewer patients relapsed on maintenance tacrolimus (3-8 ng/ml) plus tapered steroid versus tapered steroid alone (5.7% versus 22.6%, respectively; P=0.01). There were no clinically relevant safety differences. CONCLUSIONS Combined tacrolimus and low-dose steroid was noninferior to high-dose steroid for complete remission induction in adults with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Relapse rates were significantly lower with maintenance tacrolimus and steroid compared with steroid alone. No clinically-relevant differences in safety findings were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Jun Chin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Chae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won Suk An
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - ChunGyoo Ihm
- Department of Nephrology, Kyunghee University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Hospital, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sung Gyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Yong-Lim Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Goo Kim
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ho Seok Koo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Eun Lee
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kang Wook Lee
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jieun Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hongsi Jiang
- Medical Affairs Asia Oceania, Astellas Pharma Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore
| | - Hyuncheol Lee
- Clinical Research, Astellas Pharma Korea Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Koo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
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5
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Chen HX, Cheng Q, Li F, He QN, Cao Y, Yi ZW, Wu XC. Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus and low-dose prednisone in Chinese children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. World J Pediatr 2020; 16:159-167. [PMID: 31049814 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-019-00257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is recommended by the recent guidelines from the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Group as the first-line treatment for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), but its clinical application in China is still limited. We investigated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus combined with low-dose corticosteroids in a population of Chinese children with SRNS. METHODS In this prospective non-randomized, non-controlled study, Chinese children with SRNS who failed the previous full-dose prednisone treatment were given tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg/day) and low-dose prednisone (0.25-0.50 mg/kg/day). We compared the overall remission rate (ORR) and adverse events in the follow-up period with this therapeutic regimen. RESULTS A total of 76 children were enrolled into the study with an average follow-up period of 18 ± 6 months (maximum 36 months). ORR achieved by the first, third, and sixth months was 94.7%, 94.7%, and 96.0%, respectively. All patients who attained an initial tacrolimus trough concentration (FK506C0) > 6 ng/mL (60.3%) achieved remission. The relative risk of relapse at FK506C0 < 3 ng/mL compared to 3-6 ng/mL, 6-9 ng/mL, and 9-12 ng/mL was 2.3, 3.2, and 16.9, respectively. During the follow-up period, adverse effects that had been previously reported were rare. CONCLUSIONS Combination of tacrolimus and low-dose prednisone was safe and effective for the treatment of children with SRNS, with high remission rates observed as early as the first month. Relapses were infrequent, but tended to increase significantly with decreases in FK506C0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qia Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qing-Nan He
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zhu-Wen Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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6
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Cui W, Lu X, Min X, Liu M, Guan S, Wang Y, Luo M, Li W, Li Q, Dong W, Miao L, Luo P. Therapy of tacrolimus combined with corticosteroids in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 50:e5976. [PMID: 28355356 PMCID: PMC5423753 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20175976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) combined with corticosteroids in treating patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). One hundred seventy-seven biopsy-proven IMN patients were recruited in this retrospective clinical study. Sixty patients received TAC (target blood concentration of 4–8 ng/mL) and 117 patients received daily cyclophosphamide (CYC, 100 mg) combined with prednisone. Remission rates at the end of the first, second and third month in the TAC group were significantly higher than that in the CYC group (1st: 35.0 vs 19.7%, P<0.05; 2nd: 56.7 vs 38.5%, P<0.05; 3rd: 76.7 vs 59.0%, P<0.05). In the first 3 months, daily urinary protein and serum albumin in the TAC group obtained a better improvement than that in the CYC group (P<0.05). At the end of the sixth and the twelfth month, the remission rates, daily urinary protein and serum albumin were all comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). No significant difference of relapse rate between the groups was found (16.3 vs 12.0%, P>0.05). Patients were more likely to develop glucose intolerance in the TAC group. The TAC regimen obtained more benefits in treating IMN patients, especially in the first 3 months, than the CYC regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Cui
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - X Lu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - X Min
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - M Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - S Guan
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - M Luo
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - W Li
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Q Li
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China.,Department of Nephrology, Central Hospital of Jilin City, Jilin, China
| | - W Dong
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China.,Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Daqing Oil Field, Daqing, China
| | - L Miao
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - P Luo
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
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Zhou X, Workeneh B, Hu Z, Li R. Effect of immunosuppression on the human mesangial cell cycle. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:910-6. [PMID: 25370945 PMCID: PMC4262500 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of immunosuppressive agents [tacrolimus (Tac), cyclosporine A (CsA), mycophenolic acid (MMF) and methylprednisone (MP)] on the proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptotic rate of human mesangial cells. Cultured human mesangial cells were treated with several concentrations of the immunosuppressive agents for 24, 48 or 72 h. Cell cycle progression, proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed using an MTT assay and flow cytometry. Tac and CsA significantly inhibited the proliferation of human mesangial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that Tac and CsA arrested mesangial cells in the G0/G1 phase, preventing them from entering S phase. Similarly, MP inhibited human mesangial cell growth by causing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. MMF also inhibited mesangial cell proliferation, but accomplished this by preventing progression from S phase to the G2/M phase. The combination of MP and MMF synergistically inhibited mesangial cell proliferation. Tac, CsA, MP and MMF inhibited proliferation of human mesangial cells by blocking progression of the cell cycle. In conclusion, these agents, sequentially or in combination, may be used to effectively treat mesangial proliferative glomerular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Provincial People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Biruh Workeneh
- Department of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhaoyong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Provincial People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
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Yuan H, Liu N, Sun GD, Jia Y, Luo P, Miao LN. Effect of prolonged tacrolimus treatment in idiopathic membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome. Pharmacology 2013; 91:259-66. [PMID: 23652322 DOI: 10.1159/000348570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tacrolimus has been used for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) therapy, but most patients who achieved remission showed a high relapse rate when tacrolimus was withdrawn after 6-12 months of therapy. We proposed that a prolonged therapeutic course should help reduce the relapse rate. METHODS A total of 42 patients with nephrotic syndrome caused by IMN were randomly divided into short-term (n = 20) and long-term (n = 22) groups. All patients received initial treatment with tacrolimus and prednisone for 6 months, and afterward only the long-term patient group was tapered with low-dose tacrolimus until 24 months. RESULTS Over 85% of the patients achieved proteinuria reduction, serum albumin improvement and serum lipid recovery; the probability of remission in both groups was over 80% at 6 months. The remission rate was steady at over 80% after 12 and 24 months in the long-term group, but only 50 and 45%, respectively, in the short-term group. Nine patients (45%) relapsed in the short-term group after tacrolimus withdrawal, while not a single patient suffered recurrence in the long-term group. The concentration of tacrolimus remained similar between the two groups at 5-8 ng/ml during the initial 6 months, and was significantly decreased at 12 months compared to 6 months (p < 0.05), along with reduction of oral administration in the long-term group. CONCLUSION Combined therapy of tacrolimus with prednisone can relieve IMN significantly; prolonged tacrolimus treatment at a low blood concentration can alleviate the illness persistently, with a low recurrence rate and gratifying safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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A comparison of a standard-dose prednisone regimen and mycophenolate mofetil combined with a lower prednisone dose in chinese adults with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who were carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen: A prospective cohort study. Clin Ther 2009; 31:741-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Westhoff TH, van der Giet M. Tacrolimus in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2007; 16:1099-110. [PMID: 17594193 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.16.7.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The immunosuppressant tacrolimus (FK-506) is a calcineurin inhibitor with a widespread use for the prevention of graft rejection in transplantation medicine. Tacrolimus inhibits the activation of an essential transcription factor for the transcription of cytokine genes in T cells leading to a decreased production of cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma. As T-cell activation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory glomerular diseases, there is an increasing number of reports on the use of tacrolimus in nephrotic syndrome. In idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, corticosteroid treatment constitutes the first-line therapy to achieve remission. In the case of steroid resistance or steroid dependence, alternative immunosuppressive strategies are needed. Cyclophosphamide and ciclosporin are well-established drugs in this condition. The present article reviews the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficacy of tacrolimus in steroid-resistant and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm H Westhoff
- Charité--Campus Benjamin Franklin, Centrum 10--Nephrology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany.
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