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Duan S, Chen S, Chen C, Lu F, Pan Y, Lu Y, Li Q, Liu S, Zhang B, Mao H, Xing C, Yuan Y. Fibrinogen-albumin ratio predicts treatment response in phospholipase A2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2359024. [PMID: 38832491 PMCID: PMC11151798 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2359024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-associated primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is an immune-related disease in adults with increasing morbidity and variable treatment response, in which inflammation may contribute to the multifactorial immunopathogenesis. The relationship between fibrinogen-albumin ratio (FAR), serving as a novel inflammatory biomarker, and PMN is still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the association between FAR and disease activity and therapy response of PMN. METHODS 110 biopsy-proven phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) -associated PMN participants with nephrotic syndrome from January 2017 to December 2021 were recruited in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The independent risk factors of non-remission (NR) and the predictive ability of FAR were explored by Cox regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. According to the optimal cutoff value, study patients were categorized into the low-FAR group (≤the cutoff value) and the high-FAR group (>the cutoff value). Spearman's correlations were used to examine the associations between FAR and baseline clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the effects of FAR on remission. RESULTS In the entire study cohort, 78 (70.9%) patients reached complete or partial remission (CR or PR). The optimal cutoff value of FAR for predicting the remission outcome (CR + PR) was 0.233. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the high-FAR group (>0.233) had a significantly lower probability to achieve CR or PR compared to the low-FAR group (≤0.233) (Log Rank test, p = 0.021). Higher levels of FAR were identified as an independent risk factor for NR, and the high-FAR group was associated with a 2.27 times higher likelihood of NR than the low-FAR group (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.01, 5.13, p = 0.048). These relationships remained robust with further analysis among calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs)-receivers. In the multivariate Cox regression model, the incidence of NR was 4.00 times higher in the high-FAR group than in the low-FAR group (HR 4.00, 95% CI 1.41, 11.31, p = 0.009). Moreover, ROC analysis revealed the predictive value of FAR for CR or PR with a 0.738 area under curve (AUC), and the AUC of anti-PLA2R Ab was 0.675. When combining FAR and anti-PLA2R Ab, the AUC was boosted to 0.766. CONCLUSIONS FAR was significantly correlated with proteinuria and anti-PLA2R Ab in PMN. As an independent risk factor for NR, FAR might serve as a potential inflammation-based prognostic tool for identifying cases with poor treatment response, and the best predictive cutoff value for outcomes was 0.233.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyan Duan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Lu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Simeng Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Huijuan Mao
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Changying Xing
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yanggang Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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Perico L, Casiraghi F, Sônego F, Todeschini M, Corna D, Cerullo D, Pezzotta A, Isnard-Petit P, Faravelli S, Forneris F, Thiam K, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. Bi-specific autoantigen-T cell engagers as targeted immunotherapy for autoreactive B cell depletion in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335998. [PMID: 38469301 PMCID: PMC10926275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335998] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In autoimmune diseases, autoreactive B cells comprise only the 0.1-0.5% of total circulating B cells. However, current first-line treatments rely on non-specific and general suppression of the immune system, exposing patients to severe side effects. For this reason, identification of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases is an unmet clinical need. Methods Here, we designed a novel class of immunotherapeutic molecules, Bi-specific AutoAntigen-T cell Engagers (BiAATEs), as a potential approach for targeting the small subset of autoreactive B cells. To test this approach, we focused on a prototype autoimmune disease of the kidney, membranous nephropathy (MN), in which phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) serves as primary nephritogenic antigen. Specifically, we developed a BiAATE consisting of the immunodominant Cysteine-Rich (CysR) domain of PLA2R and the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody against the T cell antigen CD3, connected by a small flexible linker. Results BiAATE creates an immunological synapse between autoreactive B cells bearing an CysR-specific surface Ig+ and T cells. Ex vivo, the BiAATE successfully induced T cell-dependent depletion of PLA2R-specific B cells isolated form MN patients, sparing normal B cells. Systemic administration of BiAATE to mice transgenic for human CD3 reduced anti-PLA2R antibody levels following active immunization with PLA2R. Discussion Should this approach be confirmed for other autoimmune diseases, BiAATEs could represent a promising off-the-shelf therapy for precision medicine in virtually all antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases for which the pathogenic autoantigen is known, leading to a paradigm shift in the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Casiraghi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Marta Todeschini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Faravelli
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kader Thiam
- Preclinical Models & Services, genOway, Lyon, France
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Lu C, Luo ZF, Tang D, Zheng F, Li S, Liu S, Qiu J, Liu F, Dai Y, Sui WG, Yan Q. Proteomic analysis of glomeruli, tubules and renal interstitium in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN): A statistically observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36476. [PMID: 38115247 PMCID: PMC10727647 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a common type of primary glomerulonephritis, which pathogenesis are highly involved protein and immune regulation. Therefore, we investigated protein expression in different microregions of the IMN kidney tissue. We used laser capture microdissection and mass spectrometry to identify the proteins in the kidney tissue. Using MSstats software to identify the differently expressed protein (DEP). Gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were used to predict and enrich the potential functions of the DEPs, and DEPs were compared to the Public data in the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database for screening biomarkers of IMN. Immune infiltration analysis was used to analyze the immune proportion in IMN. Three significantly up-regulated proteins were identified in the glomeruli of patients with IMN; 9 significantly up-regulated and 6 significantly down-regulated proteins were identified in the interstitium of patients with IMN. Gene ontology analysis showed that the DEPs in the glomerulus and interstitium were mostly enriched in "biological regulation, the immune system, and metabolic processes." Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the DEPs in the glomerulus and interstitium were mostly enriched in the "immune system" and the "complement and coagulation cascades. " According to the public information of the GEO database, DEPs in our study, Coatomer subunit delta Archain 1, Laminin subunit alpha-5, and Galectin-1 were highly expressed in the IMN samples from the GEO database; in the immune infiltration analysis, the proportion of resting memory CD4 T cells and activated NK cells in IMN were significantly higher than in the normal group. This study confirmed that there were significant differences in protein expression in different micro-regions of patients with IMN, The protein Coatomer subunit delta Archain 1, Laminin subunit alpha 5, Galectin-1 are potential biomarkers of IMN, the memory T cells CD4 and NK cells, maybe involved in the immunologic mechanism in the development of IMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Lu
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Feng Luo
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
- The Second Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Donge Tang
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Fengping Zheng
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Li
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Shizhen Liu
- Institute of Nephrology and Blood Purification, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Qiu
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Fanna Liu
- Institute of Nephrology and Blood Purification, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yong Dai
- The Organ Transplantation Department of No.924 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Medical quality specialty of the Joint Logistic Support Force, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases Research, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Guo Sui
- The Second Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Yan
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Liu W, Hou X, Li Y, Wang Z. Hyperspectral imaging to predict the effect of cyclophosphamide in primary membranous nephropathy. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103751. [PMID: 37634608 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presently, there is a lack of accurate predictors of the efficacy of primary membranous nephropathy. The aim of this study is to explore the application value of hyperspectral imaging in predicting the efficacy of cyclophosphamide treatment in primary membranous nephropathy. METHOD A total of 30 patients with primary membranous nephropathy who were treated with glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin stained renal pathological images were acquired by hyperspectral imaging system at the spectral range of 400-1000 nm. The remission group data set contained 23 samples, while the non-remission group data set contained 28 samples. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network model was established to train and test the hyperspectral data, and the performance of the model was evaluated. RESULT From the spectral curve, the spectral difference between the remission group and the non-remission group was obvious between 525 and 700 nm. The spectral data in this band were analyzed by one-dimensional convolutional neural network, and the confusion matrix showed that the remission group and the non-remission group were successfully classified. The precision and recall were 0.89 and 0.81 for the non-response group and 0.83 and 0.90 for the response group, respectively, with an F1 score of 0.85 in both groups. The area under the AUC curve of the classification model reached 0.857. CONCLUSION In this study, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network model was used to analyze the hyperspectral images of renal pathology of PMN patients, and the patients in remission group and non-remission group were successfully classified after glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, No.16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Xiangyu Hou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, No.16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, No.16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Zunsong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, No.16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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He HG, Huang YY, Liang QQ, Ye QR, Li AD, Ye K, Wu QX, You YW. Calcineurin inhibitors or cyclophosphamide in the treatment of membranous nephropathy superimposed with FSGS lesions: a retrospective study from China. Ren Fail 2023; 45:2253930. [PMID: 37724535 PMCID: PMC10512924 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2023.2253930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclophosphamide (CTX) and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) based regimens are recommended as immunosuppressive therapies for patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) lesions, which are common in membranous nephropathy (MN), are poor predictors of outcome. This study compared the differences of prognosis between two regimens in patients with IMN combined with FSGS lesions. METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 108 patients with biopsy-proven IMN, accompanied with FSGS lesions, nephrotic syndrome and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who were treated with CTX or CNIs. We used propensity score matching (PSM) for balancing the confounding variables. RESULTS During follow-up, 10 patients (10/55 [18.2%]; nine males) in the CNIs group showed a 50% decline in eGFR; eight had a not otherwise specified variant. Patients initially treated with CNIs had a significantly higher risk of progression to the primary outcome and a lower probability of complete or total remission. The relapse rate was higher in patients who initially received CNIs- than in those who received CTX-based treatment. Before PSM, age and 24-h urine protein level differed significantly between the groups. The PSM model included data from 72 patients. Worse outcomes were also noted among patients who initially received CNIs than those who received CTX-based treatments after matching. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MN combined with FSGS lesions have a higher risk of renal functional decline and a higher rate of relapse after CNIs than after CTX therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Guang He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yi-Yun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qin-Qing Liang
- Department of Pathology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qiu-Rong Ye
- Department of Pathology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - An-Dong Li
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Kun Ye
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Wu You
- Department of Nephrology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Alberici F, Mescia F, Scolari F. The place of cyclical therapy for the treatment of membranous nephropathy in the era of rituximab. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:1426-1431. [PMID: 37669306 PMCID: PMC10468754 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, due to a variety of autoantibodies, most frequently against phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). In severe cases or when spontaneous remission is not achieved, immunosuppression is required. Cyclical therapy, based on glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide on alternate months for 6 months, has proven effective to induce remission and reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease. Since the early 2000s, rituximab (RTX) has emerged as a key player in the management of MN, showing overall comparable effectiveness and likely better safety compared with the cyclical regimen, despite the lack of adequately powered trials comparing the two approaches head to head. For these reasons, RTX is now considered the agent of choice for most patients with MN. However, there are still uncertainties. Around 20-40% of patients are resistant to RTX, especially in the setting of high anti-PLA2R levels, and this drug remains relatively unexplored in patients with the most severe disease. In these scenarios, although the expanding therapeutic armamentarium is probably going to provide further options, the cyclical regimen still plays a key role as a safety net. The aim of this article is to illustrate the role of cyclical therapy in the RTX era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Alberici
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Mescia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Scolari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Säemann MD, Odler B, Windpessl M, Regele H, Eller K, Neumann I, Rudnicki M, Gauckler P, Kronbichler A, Knechtelsdorfer M. [Diagnosis and therapy of membranous nephropathy-2023]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:648-655. [PMID: 37728650 PMCID: PMC10511554 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02261-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] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune-complex glomerulonephritis and is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults and is also one of the autoimmune kidney diseases with the highest rate of spontaneous remission. The most common autoantigen (> 70% of cases) is directed against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2-R) and, with its detection and clinical course, allows for excellent diagnostics as well as optimal therapy monitoring. Other autoantigens are constantly being published and will enable an autoantigen-based diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for MN in the future. In the absence of spontaneous remission, a specific B‑cell-directed therapy, especially with rituximab, is the initial therapy of choice. Calcineurininhibitors or cyclophosphamide should only be used if they are carefully indicated in the respective clinical context and if there are serious clinical consequences both from the nephrotic syndrome and from loss of kidney function. Since immune complexes within the kidney often require a long time to be degraded, proteinuria response can follow the immunological remission after many months. The therapy of MN represents the favorable case of a precision medicine-based therapy in nephrology, whereby new therapeutic B‑cell antibodies for the rare but difficult forms of MN will find their way into clinical routine in the not-too-distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus D Säemann
- 6. Medizinische Abteilung mit Nephrologie & Dialyse, Klinik Ottakring, Wien, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, SFU, Wien, Österreich
| | - Balazs Odler
- Klinische Abteilung für Nephrologie, Abteilung für Innere Medizin III (Nephrologie, Dialyse und Hypertensiologie), Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Martin Windpessl
- Abteilung für Innere Medizin IV, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, JKU, Linz, Österreich
| | - Heinz Regele
- Klinisches Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Kathrin Eller
- Klinische Abteilung für Nephrologie, Abteilung für Innere Medizin III (Nephrologie, Dialyse und Hypertensiologie), Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Irmgard Neumann
- Vasculitis.at, Wien, Österreich
- Immunologiezentrum Zürich (IZZ), Zürich, Schweiz
| | - Michael Rudnicki
- Department Innere Medizin IV (Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie), Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Philipp Gauckler
- Department Innere Medizin IV (Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie), Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department Innere Medizin IV (Nephrologie und Hypertensiologie), Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Nagai K. Immunosuppressive Agent Options for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: A Review of Network Meta-Analyses and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030601. [PMID: 36984602 PMCID: PMC10054564 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options with immunosuppressive agents for glomerular diseases have widened with refinements to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines from 2012 to 2021. However, international guidelines do not necessarily match the reality in each country. Expensive therapies such as rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors are sometimes inaccessible to patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome due to cost or regulations. Under the Japanese medical insurance system, rituximab is accessible but still limited to steroid-dependent patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Based on international KDIGO guidelines and other national guidelines, possible applications of immunosuppressive agents for nephrotic syndrome are comprehensively examined in this review. While rituximab has become the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy for nephrotic syndrome, clinical trials have indicated that options such as cyclophosphamide, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil would be preferable. Given the rising number of patients with nephrotic syndrome worldwide, KDIGO guidelines mention the need for further consideration of cost-effectiveness. If the new option of rituximab is to be the first choice in combination with steroids for nephrotic syndrome, its cost-effectiveness should also be verified. Among the few studies examining the cost-effectiveness of treatments for nephrotic syndrome, administration of rituximab to young adults has been shown to be cost-beneficial, at least in Japan. However, further large-scale studies involving multiple facilities are needed to verify such findings. Network meta-analyses have concluded that the efficacy of rituximab remains controversial and confirmation through high-quality studies of large cohorts is needed. To this end, the mechanisms of action underlying immunosuppressive agents, both old and new, need to be understood and experience must be accumulated to evaluate possible effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- University of Tsukuba Hospital Hitachi Social Cooperation Education Research Center, Hitachi 317-0077, Ibaraki, Japan
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Tong X, Chen L, He SJ, Zuo JP. Artemisinin derivative SM934 in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:3055-3061. [PMID: 36050518 PMCID: PMC9712343 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the well-known anti-malarial drugs derived from a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to antimalarial, artemisinin and its derivatives possess distinguished anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities, but the poor solubility and low bioavailability hinder their clinical application. In the last decades a series of new water-soluble and oil-soluble derivatives were synthesized. Among them, we have found a water-soluble derivative β-aminoarteether maleate (SM934) that exhibits outstanding suppression on lymphocytes proliferation in immunosuppressive capacity and cytotoxicity screening assays with 35-fold higher potency than dihydroartemisinin. SM934 displays significant therapeutic effects on various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dry eye disease. Here, we summarize the immunomodulatory effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrosis activities of SM934 in disease-relevant animal models and present the probable pharmacological mechanisms involved in its therapeutic efficacy. This review also delineates a typical example of natural product-based drug discovery, which might further vitalize natural product exploration and development in pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Jun He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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10
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Tedesco M, Mescia F, Pisani I, Allinovi M, Casazza G, Del Vecchio L, Santostefano M, Cirillo L, Ferrario F, Esposito C, Esposito P, Santoro D, Lazzarin R, Rossi GM, Fiaccadori E, Ferrantelli A, Sinico RA, Cozzolino M, Gallieni M, Cirami L, Scolari F, Vaglio A, Alberici F. The Role of Rituximab in Primary Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis of the Adult. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:1878-1886. [PMID: 35967114 PMCID: PMC9366368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is a rare, likely immune-mediated disease. Rituximab (RTX) may play a role in management, although data in adults are scanty. Methods We collected cases of RTX-treated primary FSGS within the Italian Society of Nephrology Immunopathology Working Group and explored response rate (24-hour proteinuria <3.5 g and <50% compared with baseline, stable estimated glomerular filtration rate). Results A total of 31 patients were followed for at least 12 months; further follow-up (median 17 months, interquartile range [IQR] 15–33.5) was available for 11. At first RTX administration, median creatinine and 24-hour proteinuria were 1.17 mg/dl (IQR 0.83–1.62) and 5.2 g (IQR 3.3–8.81), respectively. Response rate at 3, 6, and 12 months was 39%, 52%, and 42%, respectively. In the first 12 months, creatinine level remained stable whereas proteinuria and serum albumin level improved, with an increase in the proportion of patients tapering other immunosuppressants. There were 6 patients who were retreated with RTX within 12 months, either for proteinuria increase or refractory disease; only the 2 responders to the first RTX course experienced a further response. At univariate analysis, 6-month response was more frequent in steroid-dependent patients (odds ratio [OR] 7.7 [95% CI 1.16–52.17]) and those with proteinuria <5 g/24 h (OR 8.25 [1.45–46.86]). During long-term follow-up, 4 of 5 responders at 12 months maintained a sustained response, either without further immunosuppression (2 of 4) or with pre-emptive RTX (2 of 4); 1 relapsed and responded to RTX retreatment. Conclusion RTX may be an option in primary FSGS, especially in steroid-dependent patients, with 24-hour proteinuria <5 g and previously responders to RTX. Optimal long-term management for responders is unclear, with some patients experiencing sustained remission and others requiring RTX retreatment, either preemptive or after rising proteinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tedesco
- 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
| | - Federica Mescia
- 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
- Correspondence: Federica Mescia, University of Brescia-ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25125 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Isabella Pisani
- Nephrology Unit, Parma University Hospital, and Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma University Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Allinovi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Vecchio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant'Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Marisa Santostefano
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Hypertension, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Cirillo
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrario
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Bassini Hospital, ASST Nord Milano, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ICS Maugeri SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Clinics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Lazzarin
- Nephrology and Dialysis, Ospedale San Giacomo Apostolo, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maria Rossi
- Nephrology Unit, Parma University Hospital, and Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma University Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Fiaccadori
- Nephrology Unit, Parma University Hospital, and Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma University Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Renato Alberto Sinico
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano—Bicocca and Nephrology Unit, ASST-Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Cozzolino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
- Nephrology Unit and Immunology Clinic, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gallieni
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “L. Sacco,” University of Milano, Milan, Italy
- ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lino Cirami
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - 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
| | - Augusto Vaglio
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Firenze, Firenze, Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Firenze, 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
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11
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Chen J, Hu Q, Luo Y, Luo L, Lin H, Chen D, Xu Y, Liu B, He Y, Liang C, Liu Y, Zhou J, Wu J. Salvianolic acid B attenuates membranous nephropathy by activating renal autophagy via microRNA-145-5p/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:13956-13969. [PMID: 35723058 PMCID: PMC9345616 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2083822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal proliferation and inflammatory response of the mesangial cells play a crucial role in the progression of membranous nephropathy (MN). Herein, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Salvianolic acid B (SalB) on MN-induced mesangial abnormalities and its underlying mechanisms. MN models were established in cationic bovine serum albumin-induced Sprague-Dawley rats and lipopolysaccharide-induced human mesangial cells (HMCs). Following SalB and microRNA-145-5p antagomir treatment, kidney function was investigated by 24-hours urine protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Pathological changes of kidney were investigated by Periodic acid Schiff staining. CD68 and IgG were detected by immunofluorescence in glomerulus. Mesangial autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope. MicroRNA-145-5p inhibitor, mimic, LY294002, and SalB were used to treat with HMCs. In kidney and HMCs, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and microRNA-145-5p was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated AKT, AKT, beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) levels were detected by Western blot. HMCs proliferation and cycle were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. LC3 were detected by LC3-dual-fluorescent adenovirus in HMCs. Our results showed that SalB significantly ameliorated kidney function and pathological changes. Furthermore, it significantly alleviated proliferation, inflammation and activated autophagy in mesangial cells. Moreover, microRNA-145-5p antagomir accentuated MN while microRNA-145-5p inhibitor and LY294002 encouraged proliferation and inflammation through PI3K/AKT pathway in HMCs. Collectively, our study demonstrated that SalB activated renal autophagy to reduce cell proliferation and inflammation of MN, which was mediated by microRNA-145-5p to inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway, and ultimately attenuated MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qinghong Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yini Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lina Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bihao Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunling Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yaoyu Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiuyao Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junbiao Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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