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Su Z, Wan Q. Potential therapeutic targets for membranous nephropathy: proteome-wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342912. [PMID: 38707900 PMCID: PMC11069303 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The currently available medications for treating membranous nephropathy (MN) still have unsatisfactory efficacy in inhibiting disease recurrence, slowing down its progression, and even halting the development of end-stage renal disease. There is still a need to develop novel drugs targeting MN. Methods We utilized summary statistics of MN from the Kiryluk Lab and obtained plasma protein data from Zheng et al. We performed a Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, HEIDI test, mediation analysis, Bayesian colocalization, phenotype scanning, drug bank analysis, and protein-protein interaction network. Results The Mendelian randomization analysis uncovered 8 distinct proteins associated with MN after multiple false discovery rate corrections. Proteins related to an increased risk of MN in plasma include ABO [(Histo-Blood Group Abo System Transferase) (WR OR = 1.12, 95%CI:1.05-1.19, FDR=0.09, PPH4 = 0.79)], VWF [(Von Willebrand Factor) (WR OR = 1.41, 95%CI:1.16-1.72, FDR=0.02, PPH4 = 0.81)] and CD209 [(Cd209 Antigen) (WR OR = 1.19, 95%CI:1.07-1.31, FDR=0.09, PPH4 = 0.78)], and proteins that have a protective effect on MN: HRG [(Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein) (WR OR = 0.84, 95%CI:0.76-0.93, FDR=0.02, PPH4 = 0.80)], CD27 [(Cd27 Antigen) (WR OR = 0.78, 95%CI:0.68-0.90, FDR=0.02, PPH4 = 0.80)], LRPPRC [(Leucine-Rich Ppr Motif-Containing Protein, Mitochondrial) (WR OR = 0.79, 95%CI:0.69-0.91, FDR=0.09, PPH4 = 0.80)], TIMP4 [(Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 4) (WR OR = 0.67, 95%CI:0.53-0.84, FDR=0.09, PPH4 = 0.79)] and MAP2K4 [(Dual Specificity Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4) (WR OR = 0.82, 95%CI:0.72-0.92, FDR=0.09, PPH4 = 0.80)]. ABO, HRG, and TIMP4 successfully passed the HEIDI test. None of these proteins exhibited a reverse causal relationship. Bayesian colocalization analysis provided evidence that all of them share variants with MN. We identified type 1 diabetes, trunk fat, and asthma as having intermediate effects in these pathways. Conclusions Our comprehensive analysis indicates a causal effect of ABO, CD27, VWF, HRG, CD209, LRPPRC, MAP2K4, and TIMP4 at the genetically determined circulating levels on the risk of MN. These proteins can potentially be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of MN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qijun Wan
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Seifert L, Riecken K, Zahner G, Hambach J, Hagenstein J, Dubberke G, Huber TB, Koch-Nolte F, Fehse B, Tomas NM. An antigen-specific chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR) NK cell strategy for the elimination of anti-PLA2R1 and anti-THSD7A antibody-secreting cells. Kidney Int 2024; 105:886-889. [PMID: 38309682 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Seifert
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunther Zahner
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hagenstein
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Dubberke
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola M Tomas
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Xing HL, Ma DH, Li J, Xu QY, Ji LK, Zhu QJ, Luo YQ, Guo MH. Comparison of the efficacy of steroid-free versus classic steroid-containing regimens in primary membranous nephropathy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1286422. [PMID: 38420195 PMCID: PMC10899500 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1286422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of a steroid-free regimen with steroid-based treatment in managing primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) and investigate the potential benefits of steroid-free regimens in PMN therapy. Methods: This was a single-centre prospective cohort study. A total of 81 patients were divided into two groups according to their medication regimen: a rituximab (RTX)/tacrolimus (TAC) group (low-dose RTX combined with low-dose TAC group, without steroids, n = 31) and a prednisone (P)/TAC group (P combined with TAC group, n = 61). The changes in 24-h urine protein quantification, levels of blood albumin, blood creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose as well as anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody titres were observed in both groups before treatment and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Clinical remission (complete and partial remission), serological remission and recurrence were assessed in both groups after treatment, and the occurrence of adverse reactions was observed. Results: 1) Before treatment, there was no significant difference in baseline values between the two groups (p > 0.05). 2) After 12 months of treatment, the 24-h proteinuria and total cholesterol levels in the RTX/TAC group were significantly lower than those in the P/TAC group (p < 0.05). 3) After 6 months of treatment, the clinical remission rate of the RTX/TAC group was significantly higher than that of the P/TAC group (p < 0.05). After 12 months of treatment, the clinical remission rate of the RTX/TAC group was significantly higher than that of the P/TAC group (p < 0.05). (4) After 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment, serological remission rates in the RTX/TAC group were significantly higher than those in the P/TAC group (p < 0.05). During treatment, the anti-PLA2R antibody titres in the RTX/TAC group remained lower than those in the P/TAC group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The low-dose RTX combined with low-dose TAC steroid-free regimen induces serological remission in patients with PMN earlier than the classic regimen of P combined with TAC, and there was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. Besides, the long-term clinical remission effect of low-dose RTX combined with low-dose TAC is better than that of P combined with TAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ming-Hao Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Liu Y, Zhang S, Hu R, Li C, Chen G, Shi X, Liu Y, Zheng K, Li H, Wen Y, Li X, Li X, Xia P, Qin Y. The Safety and Efficacy of Rituximab-Based Regimen in Atypical Membranous Nephropathy: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:1983-1993. [PMID: 37251282 PMCID: PMC10224685 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s410169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose There are increasing reports of atypical membranous nephropathy (AMN) cases with similar pathological characteristics to secondary membranous nephropathy (SMN) without definite underlying causes. Although rituximab has become a first-line option in treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), the efficacy and safety of rituximab-based regimen for AMN is not clear. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective, single-center study. AMN patients who received rituximab-based therapy were included. IMN patients treated with rituximab during the same period were selected as the control group matched by gender, sex, baseline urinary protein and albumin levels. Baseline data and follow-up data were collected. Results A total of 20 AMN patients and 40 IMN patients were included. The baseline levels of urinary protein were comparable between the two groups [6.77 (IQR 3.34, 11.49) g/24 h vs 6.47 (IQR 3.4, 10.76) g/24 h, P=0.944]. The baseline levels of serum albumin were 26.15±6.71 g/L and 26.8±5.54 g/L (P=0.689) respectively. The cumulative remission rate for rituximab-based treatment at the 12th month was lower in AMN group than IMN group [13 (65%) vs 36 (90%), P=0.045]. In AMN group, non-responders showed a higher level of proteinuria and a worse renal function at baseline than those of responders. There was no significant difference in the overall adverse events or serious adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion In our study, AMN patients obtained proteinuria remission in a lower percentage compared with IMN patients. In general, rituximab-based therapy is effective in AMN patients with an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yubing Wen
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuewang Li
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Hua MR, Zhao YL, Yang JZ, Zou L, Zhao YY, Li X. Membranous nephropathy: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic perspectives. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110317. [PMID: 37207447 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of non-diabetic nephrotic syndrome in adults. About 80% of cases are renal limited (primary MN) and 20% are associated with other systemic diseases or exposures (secondary MN). Autoimmune reaction is the main pathogenic factor of MN, and the discovery of autoantigens including the phospholipase A2 receptor and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A has led to new insights into the pathogenesis, they can induce humoral immune responses led by IgG4 makes them suitable for the diagnosis and monitoring of MN. In addition, complement activation, genetic susceptibility genes and environmental pollution are also involved in MN immune response. In clinical practice, due to the spontaneous remission of MN, the combination of supportive therapy and pharmacological treatment is widely used. Immunosuppressive drugs are the cornerstone of MN treatment, and the dangers and benefits of this approach vary from person to person. In summary, this review provides a more comprehensive review of the immune pathogenesis, interventions and unresolved issues of MN in the hope of providing some new ideas for clinical and scientific researchers in the treatment of MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ru Hua
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Yan-Long Zhao
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Jun-Zheng Yang
- Guangdong nephrotic drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Institute of Consun Co. for Chinese Medicine in Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Consun Pharmaceutical Group, No. 71 Dongpeng avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, No. 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610106, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China; School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, No. 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610106, China; School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Xia Li
- Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China.
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Zhang M, Lv Y, Liu H. The Efficacy of Cyclophosphamide Combined with Prednisone in Membranous Nephropathy Patients with Different Cytochrome P450 2B6 Gene Polymorphisms and Analysis of Factors Influencing the Efficacy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:3655-3662. [PMID: 36277605 PMCID: PMC9580373 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s373487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of cyclophosphamide combined with prednisone in membranous nephropathy (MN) patients with different cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 gene polymorphisms and explore the factors influencing the efficacy. METHODS We performed a prospective and interventional study including 153 outpatients diagnosed with membranous nephropathy from April 2020 to June 2020 in the Bayannur Hospital. Based on the results of CYP2B6 gene polymorphisms, patients were divided into CYP2B6*4 group (785A>G) with 93 cases and CYP2B6*5 group (1459C>T) with 60 cases, and all patients were treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone. The efficacy of the two groups was compared, and the serum levels of antibody against thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A-Ab), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and antibody against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R-Ab) determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method were analyzed in the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS After the treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisone, serum levels of THSD7A-Ab, 8-OHdG, and PLA2R-Ab were higher in the CYP2B6*4 group than those in the CYP2B6*5 group (All three P<0.001). The univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CYP2B6*4 (OR = 1.727, 95% CI: 1.028-2.654. P=0.012), CYP2B6*5 (OR = 1.802, 95% CI: 1.179-2.752. P=0.031), THSD7A-Ab (OR = 1.832, 95% CI: 0.871-2.348. P=0.023), 8-OHdG (OR = 1.661, 95% CI: 1.123-2.231. P=0.009), PLA2R-Ab (OR = 1.649, 95% CI: 1.083-2.761. P=0.017) were independent influencing factors on the efficacy of MN. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CYP2B6*4 (OR = 2.009, 95% CI: 1.327-2.703. P<0.001), CYP2B6*5 (OR = 3.009, 95% CI: 1.467-5.231. P=0.005), THSD7A-Ab (OR = 1.396, 95% CI: 1.002-1.897. P=0.019), 8-OHdG (OR = 0.704, 95% CI: 0.591-0.742. P<0.001), PLA2R-Ab (OR = 2.761, 95% CI: 1.231-3.918. P=0.017) were independent factors influencing the efficacy of cyclophosphamide and prednisone on MN. CONCLUSION Cyclophosphamide combined with prednisone was effective in treating MN with different CYP2B6 gene polymorphisms. CYP2B6*4, CYP2B6*5, and serum levels of THSD7A-Ab, 8-OHdG, and PLA2R-Ab were independent influencing factors on the outcome of MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haokui Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Haokui Liu, Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Bayannur Hospital, No. 98 Wulan Buhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia, 015000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15047899415, Email
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von Groote TC, Williams G, Au EH, Chen Y, Mathew AT, Hodson EM, Tunnicliffe DJ. Immunosuppressive treatment for primary membranous nephropathy in adults with nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 11:CD004293. [PMID: 34778952 PMCID: PMC8591447 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004293.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Without treatment, approximately 30% of patients will experience spontaneous remission and one third will have persistent proteinuria. Approximately one-third of patients progress toward end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) within 10 years. Immunosuppressive treatment aims to protect kidney function and is recommended for patients who do not show improvement of proteinuria by supportive therapy, and for patients with severe nephrotic syndrome at presentation due to the high risk of developing ESKD. The efficacy and safety of different immunosuppressive regimens are unclear. This is an update of a Cochrane review, first published in 2004 and updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different immunosuppressive treatments for adult patients with PMN and nephrotic syndrome. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 1 April 2021 with support from the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register were 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) investigating effects of immunosuppression in adults with PMN and nephrotic syndrome were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data synthesis were performed using Cochrane-recommended methods. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS Sixty-five studies (3807 patients) were included. Most studies exhibited a high risk of bias for the domains, blinding of study personnel, participants and outcome assessors, and most studies were judged unclear for randomisation sequence generation and allocation concealment. Immunosuppressive treatment versus placebo/no treatment/non-immunosuppressive treatment In moderate certainty evidence, immunosuppressive treatment probably makes little or no difference to death, probably reduces the overall risk of ESKD (16 studies, 944 participants: RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.99; I² = 22%), probably increases total remission (complete and partial) (6 studies, 879 participants: RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.97; I² = 73%) and complete remission (16 studies, 879 participants: RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.75; I² = 43%), and probably decreases the number with doubling of serum creatinine (SCr) (9 studies, 447 participants: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.80; I² = 21%). However, immunosuppressive treatment may increase the number of patients relapsing after complete or partial remission (3 studies, 148 participants): RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.86; I² = 0%) and may lead to a greater number experiencing temporary or permanent discontinuation/hospitalisation due to adverse events (18 studies, 927 participants: RR 5.33, 95% CI 2.19 to 12.98; I² = 0%). Immunosuppressive treatment has uncertain effects on infection and malignancy. Oral alkylating agents with or without steroids versus placebo/no treatment/steroids Oral alkylating agents with or without steroids had uncertain effects on death but may reduce the overall risk of ESKD (9 studies, 537 participants: RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.74; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence). Total (9 studies, 468 participants: RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.82; I² = 70%) and complete remission (8 studies, 432 participants: RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.38; I² = 37%) may increase, but had uncertain effects on the number of patients relapsing, and decreasing the number with doubling of SCr. Alkylating agents may be associated with a higher rate of adverse events leading to discontinuation or hospitalisation (8 studies 439 participants: RR 6.82, 95% CI 2.24 to 20.71; I² = 0%). Oral alkylating agents with or without steroids had uncertain effects on infection and malignancy. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) with or without steroids versus placebo/no treatment/supportive therapy/steroids We are uncertain whether CNI with or without steroids increased or decreased the risk of death or ESKD, increased or decreased total or complete remission, or reduced relapse after complete or partial remission (low to very low certainty evidence). CNI also had uncertain effects on decreasing the number with a doubling of SCr, temporary or permanent discontinuation or hospitalisation due to adverse events, infection, or malignancy. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) with or without steroids versus alkylating agents with or without steroids We are uncertain whether CNI with or without steroids increases or decreases the risk of death or ESKD. CNI with or without steroids may make little or no difference to total remission (10 studies, 538 participants: RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.15; I² = 53%; moderate certainty evidence) or complete remission (10 studies, 538 participants: RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.56; I² = 56%; low certainty evidence). CNI with or without steroids may increase relapse after complete or partial remission. CNI with or without steroids had uncertain effects on SCr increase, adverse events, infection, and malignancy. Other immunosuppressive treatments Other interventions included azathioprine, mizoribine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, traditional Chinese medicines, and monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab. There were insufficient data to draw conclusions on these treatments. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This updated review strengthened the evidence that immunosuppressive therapy is probably superior to non-immunosuppressive therapy in inducing remission and reducing the number of patients that progress to ESKD. However, these benefits need to be balanced against the side effects of immunosuppressive drugs. The number of included studies with high-quality design was relatively small and most studies did not have adequate follow-up. Clinicians should inform their patients of the lack of high-quality evidence. An alkylating agent (cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil) combined with a corticosteroid regimen had short- and long-term benefits, but this was associated with a higher rate of adverse events. CNI (tacrolimus and cyclosporin) showed equivalency with alkylating agents however, the certainty of this evidence remains low. Novel immunosuppressive treatments with the biologic rituximab or use of adrenocorticotropic hormone require further investigation and validation in large and high-quality RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo C von Groote
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hosptial Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Eric H Au
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Yizhi Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Hainan Provincial Academician Team Innovation Center, Sanya, China
- Senior Department of Nephrology, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Anna T Mathew
- Department of Nephrology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Elisabeth M Hodson
- Cochrane Kidney and Transplant, Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
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Scolari F, Delbarba E, Santoro D, Gesualdo L, Pani A, Dallera N, Mani LY, Santostefano M, Feriozzi S, Quaglia M, Boscutti G, Ferrantelli A, Marcantoni C, Passerini P, Magistroni R, Alberici F, Ghiggeri GM, Ponticelli C, Ravani P. Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Membranous Nephropathy: The RI-CYCLO Randomized Trial. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:972-982. [PMID: 33649098 PMCID: PMC8017548 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020071091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cyclic corticosteroid-cyclophosphamide regimen is the first-line therapy for membranous nephropathy. Compared with this regimen, rituximab therapy might have a more favorable safety profile, but a head-to-head comparison is lacking. METHODS We randomly assigned 74 adults with membranous nephropathy and proteinuria >3.5 g/d to rituximab (1 g) on days 1 and 15, or a 6-month cyclic regimen with corticosteroids alternated with cyclophosphamide every other month. The primary outcome was complete remission of proteinuria at 12 months. Other outcomes included determination of complete or partial remission at 24 months and occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS At 12 months, six of 37 patients (16%) randomized to rituximab and 12 of 37 patients (32%) randomized to the cyclic regimen experienced complete remission (odds ratio [OR], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.13 to 1.23); 23 of 37 (62%) receiving rituximab and 27 of 37 (73%) receiving the cyclic regimen had complete or partial remission (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.23 to 1.63). At 24 months, the probabilities of complete and of complete or partial remission with rituximab were 0.42 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.62) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.95), respectively, and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.61) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.93), respectively, with the cyclic regimen. Serious adverse events occurred in 19% of patients receiving rituximab and in 14% receiving the cyclic regimen. CONCLUSIONS This pilot trial found no signal of more benefit or less harm associated with rituximab versus a cyclic corticosteroid-cyclophosphamide regimen in the treatment of membranous nephropathy. A head-to-head, pragmatic comparison of the cyclic regimen versus rituximab may require a global noninferiority trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER Rituximab versus Steroids and Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (RI-CYCLO), NCT03018535.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Scolari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Delbarba
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Emergency and Transplant Organs, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonello Pani
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, G. Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nadia Dallera
- Nephrology Unit, Montichiari Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laila-Yasmin Mani
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marisa Santostefano
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Hypertension, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Quaglia
- Division of Nephrology, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Federico Alberici
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Ponticelli
- Independent Researcher, Past Director of the Division of Nephrology of the Policlinico Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Pietro Ravani
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Bobkova IN, Kamyshova ES. Modern view on treatment of membranous nephropathy. TERAPEVT ARKH 2020; 92:99-104. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2020.06.000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Since the moment of animal model creation and the recognition of podocytes damage as a key mechanism of MN development, the identification of antigens, first of all the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), and the development of methods of PLA2R autoantibodies detection and its monitoring opened a new era in the idiopathic MN (iMN) diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation. MN continues to be actively studied in the new millennium, since a number of aspects of its pathogenesis still need to be clarified, and there is still no clear opinion on the iMN treatment optimal approach.
Comprehensive clinical and serological assessment of patients with iMN can be the key to individual choice of treatment protocols. In patients with aPLA2R-positive iMN, the predictor of disease remission is the aPLA2R titer decrease or aPLA2R disappearance in the blood serum, and disease relapse is associated with the aPLA2R appearance ore increase of aPLA2R titer in the circulation. Studies which were conducted by today (GEMRITUX, MENTOR, STARMEN, NICE, etc.) confirmed the acceptable safety profile and effectiveness of iMN therapy by anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (rituximab): more than half of of iMN patients had remission of nephrotic syndrome or proteinuria decrease, remissions in anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies treated patients were longer compared to traditional therapy. The obtained data allows us to consider rituximab and anti-CD20 antibody therapy of a new generation not only as an alternative to the more toxic treatment with cyclophosphane and calcineurin inhibitors, but as an independent promising direction of therapy for patients with IMN, which completely changes the paradigm of treatment of this glomerulopathy.
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