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Plattner C, Sallaberger S, Bohn JP, Zavadil C, Keller F, Soleiman A, Tiefenthaler M, Mayer G, Pirklbauer M. Rationale and design of the Innsbruck Diabetic Kidney Disease Cohort (IDKDC)-a prospective study investigating etiology and progression of early-stage chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfae109. [PMID: 38726211 PMCID: PMC11079669 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfae109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in about 20%-40% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) aggravates cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiology is of increasing relevance for individual management and prognosis, though it is largely unknown among T2D patients with CKD as histologic work-up is not routinely performed upon typical clinical presentation. However, as clinical parameters do not appropriately reflect underlying kidney pathology, reluctance regarding timely histologic assessment in T2D patients with CKD should be critically questioned. As the etiology of CKD in T2D is heterogeneous, we aim to assess the prevalence and clinical disease course of typical diabetic vs atypical/non-specific vs non-diabetic vs coexisting kidney pathologies among T2D patients with mild-to-moderate kidney impairment [KDIGO stage G3a/A1-3 or G2/A2-3; i.e. estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 59-45 mL/min irrespective of albuminuria or eGFR 89-60 mL/min and albuminuria >30 mg/g creatinine]. Methods The Innsbruck Diabetic Kidney Disease Cohort (IDKDC) study aims to enroll at least 65 T2D patients with mild-to-moderate kidney impairment to undergo a diagnostic kidney biopsy. Six-monthly clinical follow-ups for up to 5 years will provide clinical and laboratory data to assess cardio-renal outcomes. Blood, urine and kidney tissue specimen will be biobanked to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Conclusions While current risk assessment is primarily based on clinical parameters, our study will provide the scientific background for a potential change of the diagnostic standard towards routine kidney biopsy and clarify its role for individual risk prediction regarding cardio-renal outcome in T2D patients with mild-to-moderate kidney impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Plattner
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastian Sallaberger
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan-Paul Bohn
- Department of Internal Medicine V – Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Zavadil
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Felix Keller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Afschin Soleiman
- INNPATH, Institute of Pathology, Tirol Kliniken Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Tiefenthaler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gert Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Pirklbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV – Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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2
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Thrombotic microangiopathy triggered by podocytopathy. Clin Nephrol Case Stud 2021; 9:110-116. [PMID: 34646728 PMCID: PMC8507413 DOI: 10.5414/cncs110534] [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: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare group of diseases characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and target organ damage. It can be divided into primary and secondary TMA. Herein we report a case of TMA associated to a primary glomerular disease. We report the case of a 31-year-old Black male from Cape Verde admitted in March 2018 with nephrotic syndrome and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the latter due to severe erythematous gastritis. He was discharged after clinical stabilization. The patient came to Portugal 8 months later. On admission, he presented with rapid deterioration of kidney function and hyperkalemia. The etiologic study revealed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, nephrotic syndrome and microscopic hematuria. Immunologic study and viral serology were negative. ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor testing were within normal range, genetic complement evaluation showed CFH-H3 in homozygosity, functional complement studies revealed decreased function of alternative pathway. Kidney biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of TMA, and electron microscopy was compatible with minimal change disease. Patient underwent plasmapheresis with resolution of hemolysis, fluid overload and recovery of renal function. Two months later, he presented with nephrotic syndrome and started prednisolone with remission. Six months later, the nephrotic syndrome relapsed, and it became steroid-, MMF-, and rituximab-resistant. Tacrolimus was initiated, achieving partial remission. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is an uncommon disease and is rarely reported as secondary to glomerular diseases. This case showcases the challenges regarding treatment options in a resistant glomerulopathy and the implications of therapeutic choices and kidney outcomes with the coexisting TMA.
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3
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Podestà MA, Ponticelli C. Autoimmunity in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Long-Standing Yet Elusive Association. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:604961. [PMID: 33330569 PMCID: PMC7715033 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.604961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histological term that describes a pathologic renal entity affecting both adults and children, with a wide array of possible underlying etiologies. Podocyte damage with scarring, the hallmark of this condition, leads to altered permeability of the glomerular barrier, which may result in massive proteinuria and relentless renal function deterioration. A definite cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can be confirmed in a minority of cases, while most forms have been traditionally labeled as primary or idiopathic. Despite this definition, increasing evidence indicates that primary forms are a heterogenous group rather than a single disease entity: several circulating factors that may affect glomerular permeability have been proposed as potential culprits, and both humoral and cellular immunity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Consistently, immunosuppressive drugs are considered as the cornerstone of treatment for primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, but response to these agents and long-term outcomes are highly variable. In this review we provide a summary of historical and recent advances on the pathogenesis of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, focusing on implications for its differential diagnosis and treatment.
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Xue C, Yang B, Xu J, Zhou C, Zhang L, Gao X, Dai B, Yu S, Mao Z, Mei C, Xu C. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in adult frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Kidney J 2020; 14:1042-1054. [PMID: 34094516 PMCID: PMC8173623 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in adult frequent-relapsing (FR) or steroid-dependent (SD) nephrotic syndrome (NS), including minimal change disease (MCD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), are still inconclusive. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019148102) by pooling data of cohort studies or case series on adult patients with difficult-to-treat NS. Steroid-resistant NS was excluded. The primary outcomes were the complete remission (CR) rate and the relapse rate. Partial remission (PR) rate, no response (NR) rate and adverse events were the secondary outcomes. A random-effects model was performed for all the outcomes. Results We included 21 studies involving 382 adult MCD/FSGS subjects with a median follow-up duration from 12 to 43 months. RTX treatment induced a pooled 84.2% CR rate [95% confidence interval (CI): 67.7–96.3%], while MCD patients had a high 91.6% CR rate and FSGS patients a moderate 43% CR rate. However, 27.4% (95% CI 20.7–34.5%) of the patients relapsed during the follow-up. The pooled PR and NR rates were 5.8% (95% CI 1.2–12.5%) and 5.2% (95% CI 0.0–15.0%), respectively. RTX was associated with trivial adverse events and good tolerance. Conclusions In summary, by pooling results of current pilot studies, RTX may be an effective and relatively safe alternative for most adult FR or SD MCD/FSGS to displace calcineurin inhibitors or prednisone in the hierarchy of treatment. More clinical trials comparing RTX with other immunosuppressants and concerning the long-term adverse events are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xue
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Nephrology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Naval Medical Center of PLA (People's Liberation Army), Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- Outpatient Department, Yangpu Third Military Retreat, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhabei Central Hospital of Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Dai
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengqiang Yu
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiguo Mao
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changlin Mei
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenggang Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Institute of CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army), Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Nephrology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Kronbichler A, Gauckler P, Bruchfeld A. Rituximab in minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019; 36:983-985. [PMID: 31580445 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfz205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Gauckler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annette Bruchfeld
- Department of Clinical Sciences Interventions and Technology (CLINTEC), Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Liu YC, Chun J. Prospects for Precision Medicine in Glomerulonephritis Treatment. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2018; 5:2054358117753617. [PMID: 29449955 PMCID: PMC5808958 DOI: 10.1177/2054358117753617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Glomerulonephritis (GN) consists of a group of kidney diseases that are categorized based on shared histopathological features. The current classifications for GN make it difficult to distinguish the individual variability in presentation, disease progression, and response to treatment. GN is a significant cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and improved therapies are desperately needed because current immunosuppressive therapies sometimes lack efficacy and can lead to significant toxicities. In recent years, the combination of high-throughput genetic approaches and technological advances has identified important regulators contributing to GN. Objectives: In this review, we summarize recent findings in podocyte biology and advances in experimental approaches that have opened the possibility of precision medicine in GN treatment. We provide an integrative basic science and clinical overview of new developments in GN research and the discovery of potential candidates for targeted therapies in GN. Findings: Advances in podocyte biology have identified many candidates for therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers of glomerular disease. The goal of precision medicine in GN is now being pursued with recent technological improvements in genetics, accessibility of biologic and clinical information with tissue biobanks, high-throughput analysis of large-scale data sets, and new human model systems such as kidney organoids. Conclusion: With advances in data collection, technologies, and experimental model systems, we now have vast tools available to pursue precision medicine in GN. We anticipate a growing number of studies integrating data from high-throughput analysis with the development of diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for GN in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Cherry Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin Chun
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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7
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Li T, Shi Y, Sun W, Wang H, Wang Q, Jiang Y. Increased PD-1 +CD154 + Tfh cells are possibly the most important functional subset of PD-1 + T follicular helper cells in adult patients with minimal change disease. Mol Immunol 2017; 94:98-106. [PMID: 29288900 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, especially programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)+ Tfh cells, exert important functions in the normal immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different subsets of PD-1+ Tfh cells and their functional effects in adult patients with minimal change disease (MCD). The frequencies of circulating PD-1+, PD-1+CD154+, and PD-1+interleukin (IL)-21+ Tfh cells, and CD38+CD19+ and CD38+CD19+CD40+ B cells, as well as serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-21, and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly increased in the MCD patients compared with the healthy controls (HCs) (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in PD-1+BCL-6+ or PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells. Furthermore, the percentages of PD-1+ Tfh and PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells were negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein concentration and serum IL-21 level. The percentages of PD-1+ Tfh and PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells were positively correlated with the percentages of CD38+ plasma cells and active CD38+CD40+ plasma cells, respectively. After an 8-12-week treatment with prednisolone, the percentages of PD-1+, PD-1+CD154+, and PD-1+IL-21+ Tfh cells as well as the serum level of IL-21 were significantly reduced; in contrast, the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P < 0.05). We conclude that increased PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells are possibly the most important functional subset of PD-1+ Tfh cells and may contribute towards the pathogenesis of MCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yunpeng Shi
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Weixia Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Quan Wang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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8
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Rituximab for Steroid-Dependent or Frequently Relapsing Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study in Spain. BioDrugs 2017; 31:239-249. [DOI: 10.1007/s40259-017-0221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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9
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Recent Treatment Advances and New Trials in Adult Nephrotic Syndrome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7689254. [PMID: 28553650 PMCID: PMC5434278 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7689254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of nephrotic syndrome is complex and ranges from primary glomerulonephritis to secondary forms. Patients with nephrotic syndrome often need immunosuppressive treatment with its side effects and may progress to end stage renal disease. This review focuses on recent advances in the treatment of primary causes of nephrotic syndrome (idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN), minimal change disease (MCD), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)) since the publication of the KDIGO guidelines in 2012. Current treatment recommendations are mostly based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children, small RCTs, or case series in adults. Recently, only a few new RCTs have been published, such as the Gemritux trial evaluating rituximab treatment versus supportive antiproteinuric and antihypertensive therapy in iMN. Many RCTs are ongoing for iMN, MCD, and FSGS that will provide further information on the effectiveness of different treatment options for the causative disease. In addition to reviewing recent clinical studies, we provide insight into potential new targets for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome from recent basic science publications.
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10
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Soluble Urokinase Receptors in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Review on the Scientific Point of View. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:2068691. [PMID: 27504461 PMCID: PMC4967695 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2068691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the primary glomerular disorders in both children and adults which can progress to end-stage renal failure. Although there are genetic and secondary causes, circulating factors have also been regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of FSGS, because about 40% of the patients with FSGS have recurrence after renal transplantation. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a soluble form of uPAR, which is a membrane-bound protein linked to GPI in various immunologically active cells, including podocytes. It has recently been suggested as a potential circulating factor in FSGS by in vitro podocyte experiments, in vivo mice models, and human studies. However, there have also been controversies on this issue, because subsequent studies showed conflicting results. suPAR levels were also increased in patients with other glomerular diseases and were inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Nevertheless, there has been no balanced review on this issue. In this review, we compare the conflicting data on the involvement of suPAR in the pathogenesis of FSGS and shed light on interpretation by taking into account many points and the potential variables and confounders influencing serum suPAR levels.
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11
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Kim SH, Park SJ, Han KH, Kronbichler A, Saleem MA, Oh J, Lim BJ, Shin JI. Pathogenesis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome: an immunological concept. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2016; 59:205-11. [PMID: 27279884 PMCID: PMC4897155 DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2016.59.5.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children is characterized by massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is the most common form of INS in children. The pathogenesis of MCNS still remains unclear, however, several hypotheses have been recently proposed. For several decades, MCNS has been considered a T-cell disorder, which causes the impairment of the glomerular filtration barrier with the release of different circulating factors. Increased levels of several cytokines are also suggested. Recently, a "two-hit" theory was proposed that included the induction of CD80 (B7-1) and regulatory T-cell (Treg) dysfunction, with or without impaired autoregulatory functions of the podocyte. In contrast to the well-established involvement of T cells, the role of B cells has not been clearly identified. However, B-cell biology has recently gained more attention, because rituximab (a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20-bearing cells) demonstrated a very good therapeutic response in the treatment of childhood and adult MCNS. Here, we discuss recent insights into the pathogenesis of MCNS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Heon Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Daewoo General Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Geoje, Korea
| | - Kyoung Hee Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Moin A Saleem
- Children's and Academic Renal Unit, Dorothy Hodgkin Building-University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jun Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Abstract
Minimal change disease (MCD) is an important cause of nephrotic syndrome and is characterized by massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia, resulting in edema and hypercholesterolemia. The podocyte plays a key role in filtration and its disruption results in a dramatic loss of function leading to proteinuria. Immunologic disturbance has been suggested in the pathogenesis of MCD. Because of its clinical features, such as recurrent relapse/remission course, steroid response in most patients, and rare familial cases, a genetic defect has been thought to be less likely in MCD. Recent progress in whole-exome sequencing reveals pathogenic mutations in familial cases in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and sheds light on possible mechanisms and key molecules in podocytes in MCD. On the other hand, in the majority of cases, the existence of circulating permeability factors has been implicated along with T lymphocyte dysfunction. Observations of benefit with rituximab added B cell involvement to the disease. Animal models are unsatisfactory, and the humanized mouse may be a good model that well reflects MCD pathophysiology to investigate suggested “T cell dysfunction” directly related to podocytes
in vivo. Several candidate circulating factors and their effects on podocytes have been proposed but are still not sufficient to explain whole mechanisms and clinical features in MCD. Another circulating factor disease is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and it is not clear if this is a distinct entity, or on the same spectrum, implicating the same circulating factor(s). These patients are mostly steroid resistant and often have a rapid relapse after transplantation. In clinical practice, predicting relapse or disease activity and response to steroids is important and is an area where novel biomarkers can be developed based on our growing knowledge of podocyte signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss recent findings in genetics and podocyte biology in MCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moin A Saleem
- Paediatric Renal Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Children's Renal Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Yasuko Kobayashi
- Paediatric Renal Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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13
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Immunologic Changes Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2150451. [PMID: 26989679 PMCID: PMC4773535 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2150451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a histological pattern on renal biopsy caused by diverse mechanisms. In its primary form, a circulatory factor is implicated in disease onset and recurrence. The natural history of primary FSGS is unpredictable, since some patients are unresponsive towards immunosuppressive measures. Immunologic changes, leading to a proinflammatory or profibrotic milieu, have been implicated in disease progression, namely, glomerular scarring, eventually leading to end-stage renal disease. Among these, interleukin-1ß, tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) have emerged as important factors. Translating these findings into clinical practice dampened the enthusiasm, since both TNF-α and TGF-ß1 blockade failed to achieve significant control of the disease. More recently, a role of the complement system has been demonstrated which in fact may be another attractive target in clinical practice. Rituximab, blocking CD20-bearing cells, demonstrated conflicting data regarding efficacy in FSGS. Finally, the T-cell costimulating molecule B7-1 (CD80) is implicated in development of proteinuria in general. Blockade of this target demonstrated significant benefits in a small cohort of resistant patients. Taken together, this review focuses on immunology of FSGS, attributable to either the disease or progression, and discusses novel therapeutic approaches aiming at targeting immunologic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jayne
- Vasculitis and Lupus Clinic, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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