Clinicopathological features and medium-term outcomes of histologic variants of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adults:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The Columbia classification identified five histological variants of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS).The prognostic significance of these variants remains controversial.AIM To evaluate the relative frequency,clinicopathologic characteristics,and medium-term outcomes of FSGS variants at a single center in Pakistan.METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology,Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation,Karachi,Pakistan on all consecutive adults(≥16 years)with biopsy-proven primary FSGS from January 1995 to December 2017.Studied subjects were treated with steroids as a first-line therapy.The response rates,doubling of serum creatinine,and kidney failure(KF)with replacement therapy were compared between histological variants using ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis,and Chi-square tests as appropriate.Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0.P-value≤0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS A total of 401 patients were diagnosed with primary FSGS during the study period.Among these,352(87.7%)had a designated histological variant.The not otherwise specified(NOS)variant was the commonest,being found in 185(53.9%)patients,followed by the tip variant in 100(29.1%)patients.Collapsing(COL),cellular(CEL),and perihilar(PHI)variants were seen in 58(16.9%),6(1.5%),and 3(0.7%)patients,respectively.CEL and PHI variants were excluded from further analysis due to small patient numbers.The mean follow-up period was 36.5±29.2 months.Regarding response rates of variants,patients with TIP lesions achieved remission more frequently(59.5%)than patients with NOS(41.8%)and COL(24.52%)variants(P<0.001).The hazard ratio of complete response among patients with the COL variant was 0.163[95%confidence interval(CI):0.039-0.67]as compared to patients with NOS.The TIP variant showed a hazard ratio of 2.5(95%CI:1.61-3.89)for complete remission compared to the NOS variant.Overall,progressive KF was observed more frequently in patients with the COL variant,43.4%(P<0.001).Among these,24.53%of patients required kidney replacement therapy(P<0.001).The hazard ratio of doubling of serum creatinine among patients with the COL variant was 14.57(95%CI:1.87-113.49)as compared to patients with the TIP variant.CONCLUSION In conclusion,histological variants of FSGS are predictive of response to treatment with immunosuppressants and progressive KF in adults in our setup.

Review of plasma exchange and rituximab for prevention of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after a prior graft loss

BACKGROUND Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)often recurs after transplantation,leading to graft dysfunction and graft loss.Patients who have lost prior grafts due to recurrence are at particularly high risk of re-recurrence in subsequent grafts.Rituximab and plasma exchange have been used pre-emptively to prevent post-transplant recurrence.However,the efficacy of such preventative measures remains unclear.AIM To investigate the outcomes of preventative rituximab and plasma exchange for recurrent FSGS in transplant recipients after prior graft loss.METHODS We conducted a systematic review of 11 studies with 32 patients who had experienced prior graft loss due to post-transplant FSGS recurrence and were treated with either pre-emptive plasma exchange alone,rituximab alone,or a combination of both.RESULTS Overall,47%of the 32 patients experienced recurrence despite prophylactic treatment.Re-recurrence was seen in 25%(1/4)with pre-emptive rituximab alone,and 45%recurrence(9/20)with plasma exchange alone.Re-recurrence was noted in 63%with the use of combined plasma exchange and rituximab.CONCLUSION There is a paucity of available evidence in the literature to draw clear conclusions on the benefits of pre-emptive measures to prevent FSGS re-recurrence.The small sample sizes and variations in protocols call for larger and controlled studies to serve this patient population at high risk of recurrence and graft loss.

Clinical course and outcome of adult patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with kidney function loss on presentation

BACKGROUND Kidney function loss or renal insufficiency indicated by elevated creatinine levels and/or an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/minute/1.73 m²at presentation in patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)is commonly seen as a poor prognostic marker for kidney survival.However,a pre>vious study from our center suggested this may be due to hemodynamic factors.AIM To observe the clinical and biochemical parameters,treatment response,kidney survival,and overall outcomes of adult patients with primary FSGS presenting with kidney function insufficiency.METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology,Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation,Karachi,Pakistan,from January 1995 to December 2017.During this period,401 biopsy-proven primary FSGS patients were identified,of which 98(24.4%)presented with kidney function loss or renal insufficiency defined as eGFR<60 mL/minute/1.73 m²at presentation and were studied in detail.RESULTS Among the 98 patients with renal function loss on presentation,the mean age was 30.9 years±13.6 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1.The mean serum creatinine level was 2.2 mg/dL±1.3 mg/dL and mean eGFR 37.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2±12.8 mL/minute/1.73 m2.The mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 5.9 g/day±4.0 g/day,and the mean serum albumin was 2.1 g/dL±1.0 g/dL(median:1.5 g/dL).The mean systolic blood pressure(BP)was 132.7 mmHg±19.8 mmHg,and the mean diastolic BP was 87.4 mmHg±12.7 mmHg.Steroid treatment was given to 81(82.6%)of 98 patients for an average duration of 19.9 weeks±14.4 weeks,with a mean total steroid dose of 4.4 g±1.5 g.Treatment response showed that 20(24.6%)patients achieved complete remission,9(11.1%)achieved partial remission,and 52(64.1%)did not respond.The baseline eGFR was significantly lower in the non-responsive group(P=0.006).The distribution of FSGS variants was also significantly different among steroid-responsive and non-responsive groups(P=0.012).CONCLUSION Renal function loss in FSGS patients at presentation does not necessarily indicate irreversible kidney function loss and a significant number of patients respond to appropriate treatment of the underlying disease.

Synergism of calycosin and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to combat podocyte apoptosis to alleviate adriamycininduced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

BACKGROUND Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)show podocyte-protective effects in chronic kidney disease.Calycosin(CA),a phytoestrogen,is isolated from Astragalus membranaceus with a kidney-tonifying effect.CA preconditioning enhances the protective effect of MSCs against renal fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral occlusion.However,the protective effect and underlying mechanism of CA-pretreated MSCs(MSCsCA)on podocytes in adriamycin(ADR)-induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)mice remain unclear.AIM To investigate whether CA enhances the role of MSCs in protecting against podocyte injury induced by ADR and the possible mechanism involved.METHODS ADR was used to induce FSGS in mice,and MSCs,CA,or MSCsCA were administered to mice.Their protective effect and possible mechanism of action on podocytes were observed by Western blot,immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,and real-time polymerase chain reaction.In vitro,ADR was used to stimulate mouse podocytes(MPC5)to induce injury,and the supernatants from MSC-,CA-,or MSCsCA-treated cells were collected to observe their protective effects on podocytes.Subsequently,the apoptosis of podocytes was detected in vivo and in vitro by Western blot,TUNEL assay,and immunofluorescence.Overexpression of Smad3,which is involved in apoptosis,was then induced to evaluate whether the MSCsCA-mediated podocyte protective effect is associated with Smad3 inhibition in MPC5 cells.RESULTS CA-pretreated MSCs enhanced the protective effect of MSCs against podocyte injury and the ability to inhibit podocyte apoptosis in ADR-induced FSGS mice and MPC5 cells.Expression of p-Smad3 was upregulated in mice with ADR-induced FSGS and MPC5 cells,which was reversed by MSCCA treatment more significantly than by MSCs or CA alone.When Smad3 was overexpressed in MPC5 cells,MSCsCA could not fulfill their potential to inhibit podocyte apoptosis.CONCLUSION MSCsCA enhance the protection of MSCs against ADR-induced podocyte apoptosis.The underlying mechanism may be related to MSCsCA-targeted inhibition of p-Smad3 in podocytes.

Update on the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in renal transplantation

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) represents one of the most severe glomerular diseases, with frequent progression to end-stage renal disease and a high rate of recurrence in renal allografts(30%-50%). Recurrent FSGS portends a negative outcome, with the hazard ratio of graft failure being two-fold higher then that of other glomerulonephritis. Two patterns of clinical presentations are observed: Early recurrence, which is characterized by massive proteinuria within hours to days after implantation of the renal graft, and late recurrence, which occurs several months or years after the transplantation. Many clinical conditions have been recognized as risk factors for recurrence, including younger age, rapid progression of the disease to end-stage renal disease on native kidneys, and loss of previous renal allografts due to recurrence. However, much less is known about the incidence and risk factors of the so-called "de novo " type of FSGS, for which sufferers are transplanted patients without disease on native kidneys; but, rapid development of allograft failure is frequently observed. Management of both forms is challenging, and none of the approaches proposed to date have been demonstrated as consistently beneficial or effective. In the present review we report an update on the available therapeutic strategies for FSGS in renal transplantation within the context of a critical overview of the current literature.

Rituximab or plasmapheresis for prevention of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)is one of the most common glomerular diseases leading to renal failure.FSGS has a high risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation.Prevention of recurrent FSGS using rituximab and/or plasmapheresis has been evaluated in multiple small studies with conflicting results.AIM To assess the risk of recurrence of FSGS after transplantation using prophylactic rituximab with or without plasmapheresis,and plasmapheresis alone compared to the standard treatment group without preventive therapy.METHODS This meta-analysis and systematic review were performed by first conducting a literature search of the MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane databases,from inception through March 2021;search terms included‘FSGS,’’steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome’,‘rituximab,’and‘plasmapheresis,’.We identified studies that assessed the risk of post-transplant FSGS after use of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis,or plasmapheresis alone.Inclusion criteria were:Original,published,randomized controlled trials or cohort studies(either prospective or retrospective),case-control,or cross-sectional studies;inclusion of odds ratio,relative risk,and standardized incidence ratio with 95%confidence intervals(CI),or sufficient raw data to calculate these ratios;and subjects without interventions(controls)being used as comparators in cohort and cross-sectional studies.Effect estimates from individual studies were extracted and combined using a random effects model.RESULTS Eleven studies,with a total of 399 kidney transplant recipients with FSGS,evaluated the use of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis;thirteen studies,with a total of 571 kidney transplant recipients with FSGS,evaluated plasmapheresis alone.Post-transplant FSGS recurred relatively early.There was no significant difference in recurrence between the group that received rituximab(with or without plasmapheresis)and the standard treatment group,with a pooled risk ratio of 0.82(95%CI:0.47-1.45,I2=65%).Similarly,plasmapheresis alone was not associated with any significant difference in FSGS recurrence when compared with no plasmapheresis;the pooled risk ratio was 0.85(95%CI:0.60-1.21,I2=23%).Subgroup analyses in the pediatric and adult groups did not yield a significant difference in recurrence risk.We also reviewed and analyzed posttransplant outcomes including timing of recurrence and graft survival.CONCLUSION Overall,the use of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis,or plasmapheresis alone,is not associated with a lower risk of FSGS recurrence after kidney transplantation.Future studies are required to assess the effectiveness of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis among specific patient subgroups with high-risk for FSGS recurrence.

Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Current concepts

Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis （cFSGS）, also known as collapsing glomerulopathy is currently classified under the rubric of FSGS. However, its de-fining morphological features are in stark contrast to those observed in most other variants of FSGS. During the early stage of the disease, the lesion is character-ized pathologically by an implosive segmental and/or global collapse of the glomerular capillary tufts, marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia of podocytes, and severe tubulointerstitial disease. With advancement of the disease, segmental and/or global glomerulosclerosis is also observed in association with the collapsing le-sions. The etiology of this enigmatic disorder is still elusive, but a growing list of diseases/conditions is being reported in association with this morphological pattern of renal parenchymal injury. The pathogenesis of cFSGS involves discreet epithelial cell injury leadingto cell cycle dysregulation and a proliferative cellularphenotype. From the clinical perspective, cFSGS is no-torious for its propensity to affect black people, a highincidence and severity of nephrotic syndrome, markedresistance to empirical therapy, and rapid progressionto end-stage renal disease. The lesion has also beenreported in transplanted kidneys either as recurrent orde novo disease, frequently leading to graft loss. Mostcases have been reported in western countries, but the lesion is also being increasingly recognized in the tropi-cal regions. The recent increase in reporting of cFSGS partly refects a true increase in the incidence and part-ly a detection bias. There is no specifc treatment for the disorder at present. Newer insights into the patho-genesis may lead to the development of targeted and specifc therapy in near future. There is an urgent need to increase awareness of the lesion among pathologists and nephrologists, especially those from developing countries, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate managment. With the accumulation of more and more data, it is hoped that the prevailing confusion about the nosological identity of the lesion will also be resolved in a more logical way.

Primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis and soluble factor urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor

Primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) may be due to genetic or acquired etiologies and is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome with high morbidity that often leads to end-stage renal failure. The different available therapeutic approaches are unsuccessful, in part due to partially deciphered heterogeneous and complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Moreover, the term FSGS, even in its primary form, comprises a histological description shared by a number of different causes with completely different molecular pathways of disease. This review focuses on the latest developments regarding the pathophysiology of primary acquired FSGS caused by soluble factor urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor, a circulating permeability factor involved in proteinuria and edema formation, and describes recent advances with potential success in therapy.

Transition from minimal change disease to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis related to occupational exposure:A case report

BACKGROUND Although minimal change disease(MCD)and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)have been described as two separate forms of nephrotic syndrome(NS),they are not completely independent.We report a case of a patient transitioning from MCD to FSGS,review the literature,and explore the relationship between the two diseases.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male welder,presenting with lower extremity edema and elevated serum creatinine,was diagnosed with NS and end-stage kidney disease(ESKD)based on laboratory test results.The patient had undergone a kidney biopsy for NS 20 years previously,which indicated MCD,and a second recent kidney biopsy suggested FSGS.The patient was an electric welder with excessive levels of cadmium and lead in his blood.Consequently,we suspect that his aggravated pathology and occurrence of ESKD were related to metal nephrotoxicity.The patient eventually received kidney replacement therapy and quit his job which involved long-term exposure to metals.During the 1-year follow-up period,the patient was negative for metal elements in the blood and urine and recovered partial kidney function.CONCLUSION MCD and FSGS may be different stages of the same disease.The transition from MCD to FSGS in this case indicates disease progression,which may be related to excessive metal contaminants caused by the patient’s occupation.

Case of human immunodeficiency virus infection presenting as a tip variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A case report and review of the literature

The incidence of the collapsing variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) as a human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-associated nephropathy has reduced since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy(ART). However, the incidence of other variants of FSGS, except for the collapsing variant, is increasing, and its therapeutic strategies remain uncertain. A 60-year-old HIV infected man in remission with ART was admitted for progressive renal insufficiency and nephrotic-ranged proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed a tip variant of FSGS and his clinical manifestations resolved with corticosteroid therapy. HIV infected patients might develop non-collapsing FSGS, including tip variant of FSGS and corticosteroid therapy might be effective for them. A renal biopsy might be essential to determine the renal histology and to decide on corticosteroid therapy.

Non-glomerular Tip Lesion Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis as a Negative Predictor in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy

Objective To assess the significance of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)variants on clinicopathological characteristics and short-term outcomes in idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)patients.Methods The clinicopathological data of 146 IMN patients diagnosed between December 2016 and March 2019 in our center were collected and analyzed.These patients were divided into the pure IMN group,IMN with glomerular tip lesion(GTL)group,and IMN with non-GTL FSGS group.Results The IMN with non-GTL FSGS and IMN with GTL groups both had higher proportions of patients with hypertension,lower serum albumin,and severe proteinuria,while the IMN with non-GTL FSGS group additionally showed higher blood pressure and serum cholesterol,and lower serum IgG than the IMN group(all P<0.05).As for pathology,the IMN with non-GTL FSGS group had higher proportions of patients with acute tubular injury and moderate to severe chronic injuries than the IMN group(all P<0.05).In the IMN,IMN with GTL,and IMN with non-GTL FSGS groups,the overall one-year remission rates were 81.6%,76%,and 58.8%,respectively.Furthermore,the IMN with non-GTL FSGS group showed the lowest cumulative incidence to reach remission within one year.Multivariate Cox logistic analysis demonstrated that higher level of serum anti-M-type phospholipase A2 receptor antibody and the existence of non-GTL FSGS lesion were independent predictors for no remission in IMN patients.Conclusion The non-GTL FSGS lesion was a novel negative predictor in IMN and should be taken into account in the management of IMN.

FSGS小鼠模型中YAP与足细胞凋亡的相关性及其激动剂的保护作用

目的探究YAP与局灶节段性肾小球硬化症(focal segmental glomerulosclerosis,FSGS)中足细胞凋亡的相关性及其激动剂的作用。方法收取复旦大学基础医学院病理学系肾病研究组人FSGS肾穿标本,使用阿霉素刺激构建FSGS小鼠模型和体外足细胞损伤模型,并联合YAP激动剂1-油酰基溶血磷脂酸(1-Oleoyl lysophosphatidic acid,LPA)处理上述体内外模型,使用免疫组化、免疫荧光双染、Western blot及Hoechst 33258染色检测足细胞凋亡和足细胞中YAP表达的相关性;使用LPA处理转染YAP siRNA的足细胞系后,检测足细胞中YAP表达和凋亡的变化。结果在人FSGS、FSGS小鼠模型和体外阿霉素诱导足细胞损伤模型中足细胞凋亡越多,YAP出核越多;LPA处理可以改善FSGS小鼠模型的肾脏形态(t=17.68,P<0.0001)和肾功能(血尿素氮:t=4.576,P=0.0102;尿白蛋白/肌酐:t=2.51,P=0.0456),减少足细胞中p-YAP(S127)的表达,促进YAP入核,减少阿霉素诱导的足细胞凋亡(Cleaved Caspase-3的表达及Hoechst 33258染色结果均为P<0.001);敲减足细胞中YAP后,YAP的总蛋白和磷酸化水平均降低,足细胞凋亡增加,LPA处理减少了p-YAP(S127)的表达,促进YAP入核,减少YAP敲减所致的足细胞凋亡(Cleaved Caspase-3的表达及Hoechst 33258染色结果均为P<0.0001)。结论FSGS模型中活化YAP减少及YAP出核,足细胞凋亡增多;LPA能够通过抑制YAP在Ser127位点的磷酸化,促进足细胞中YAP的入核,减少细胞凋亡,延缓FSGS的疾病进程。

细胞自噬在局灶节段性肾小球硬化中的研究进展

局灶节段性肾小球硬化(focal segmental glomerulosclerosis,FSGS)是伴有大量蛋白尿的临床病理综合征,以局灶肾小球硬化和足细胞足突消失为特征。现研究已证实足细胞损伤是FSGS发病的核心,且越来越多的研究表明氧化应激、炎症、近端小管上皮细胞(proximal tubule epithelial cells,PTECs)和肾小球内皮细胞(glomerular endothelial cells,GECs)的紊乱有助于FSGS的发展。近年来自噬在诸多研究领域备受瞩目,许多证据表明自噬在FSGS中发挥着重要的调控作用,这也为FSGS的治疗提供了一个新靶点,本文就自噬及其在FSGS中的作用做一综述。

超声造影评估2型糖尿病肾病肾脏血流灌注的价值

目的探讨超声造影定量评估肾脏血流灌注辅助诊断2型糖尿病肾病的应用价值。资料与方法前瞻性纳入2017年5月—2019年12月解放军总医院第一医学中心41例伴肾功能异常拟行肾脏穿刺的2型糖尿病患者,均行肾脏超声造影检查。比较糖尿病肾病和局灶节段性肾小球硬化症造影参数(肾皮质达峰时间、峰值强度、平均渡越时间、肾血流量曲线下面积)的差异,并分析造影参数与病理结果的相关性。结果41例患者中,病理诊断为糖尿病肾病30例,局灶节段性肾小球硬化症11例。糖尿病肾病组峰值强度和曲线下面积明显低于局灶节段性肾小球硬化症[峰值强度:3837.16(2449.16,5929.16)比8508.00(4334.88,21201.00),Z=-2.766,P=0.006;曲线下面积:0.14±0.05比0.19±0.05,t=-3.135,P=0.003]。糖尿病肾病组峰值强度与肾小球全球硬化率呈负相关(r=-0.489,P=0.006)。结论超声造影能够定量评估肾脏的血流灌注,对于辅助诊断2型糖尿病肾病具有一定临床价值。

利妥昔单抗治疗局灶节段性肾小球硬化患者的药学监护

目的报道1例73岁具有潜伏性结核合并乙肝核心抗体阳性患者,因消化道溃疡存在激素使用禁忌,联合环孢素和利妥昔单抗治疗局灶节段性肾小球硬化(FSGS)的治疗过程和药学监护要点,为临床提供参考。方法临床药师参与免疫抑制治疗与感染预防、肾病综合征并发症治疗方案的制定并进行药学监护。结果患者肾病综合征缓解,其中尿蛋白由约8 g降至1 g以下,疾病控制良好。结论利妥昔单抗联合环孢素能使患者肾病综合征部分缓解甚至接近完全缓解。对于合并潜伏性结核、乙肝核心抗体阳性患者,使用单抗类生物制剂等免疫抑制剂应注意预防感染。当肾病综合征患者合并用药多时,使用环孢素应注意药物相互作用和监测血药浓度,治疗期间定期随访患者,警惕肾功能不全、感染等不良反应。临床药师参与临床诊疗过程,对保证疾病治疗效果以及用药安全具有重要意义。

霉酚酸酯对局灶节段性肾小球硬化(FSGS)治疗作用的研究

目的:用霉酚酸酯(MMF)对以阿霉素肾病大鼠建立的局灶节段性肾小球硬化(FSGS)模型,进行干预,检测结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)的表达,研究霉酚酸酯对FSGS的治疗作用,并探讨作用机理。方法:SD大鼠18只,分为对照组、阿霉素肾病组、MMF治疗组(每组大鼠6只)。肾病组、治疗组大鼠尾静脉一次性注入阿霉素7.5mg/kg,对照组大鼠尾静脉注入等量生理盐水。治疗组于第6周起MMF 20mg.kg-1.d-1混悬于1mL蒸馏水灌胃,其他组等量蒸馏水灌胃。第10周处死所有大鼠,观察肾组织病理变化,并以免疫组织化学、Western blot方法检测肾组织CTGF蛋白水平。结果:阿霉素肾病组大鼠较对照组大鼠肾小球系膜及基质明显增生,免疫组织化学染色及western blot显示肾小球和肾小管区CTGF蛋白表达明显上升(P<0.05),霉酚酸酯治疗组肾小球系膜和基质增生较肾病组明显减轻,肾小球和肾小管区CTGF蛋白表达明显低于肾病组(P<0.05)。结论:霉酚酸酯可以减轻肾脏间质纤维化病变,机理与抑制CTGF的表达有关。

MsPGN与FSGS患者血清Angptl 4、suPAR改变及其临床意义

目的观察系膜增生性肾小球肾炎(Ms PGN)与局灶节段性肾小球硬化(FSGS)患者血管生成素样蛋白-4(Angptl-4)及可溶性尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物受体(su PAR)血清水平改变,并探讨其临床意义。方法选取2015年3月~2016年10月经皮肾穿刺活检患者120例(观察组),其中Ms PGN 66例,FSGS 54例;另取同期健康体检者120例(对照组)。分别比较观察组水肿与蛋白尿的严重程度、血清白蛋白水平与相应的血清Angptl-4、su PAR水平、FSGS行肾移植后复发者与未复发者血清suPAR水平。结果观察组血清Angptl-4、su PAR水平显著高于对照组,Angptl-4、su PAR水平随尿蛋白增加升高,与血清白蛋白呈负相关,Ms PGN患者血清Angptl-4水平显著高于FSGS患者,而FSGS患者血清su PAR水平显著高于Ms PGN患者,且FSGS肾移植后复发患者血清su PAR水平显著高于未复发者,上述差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论 Angptl-4、su PAR水平在Ms PGN与FSGS的发生和发展中具有不同病理作用,血清su PAR水平可能作为预测FSGS患者肾移植后复发风险的生物学标志物。

健脾清化方改善局灶节段性肾小球硬化的效应机制研究

目的:探讨健脾清化方对局灶节段性肾小球硬化(FSGS)小鼠及阿霉素诱导足细胞损伤的保护作用,并观察其对炎症反应、氧化应激及细胞凋亡的影响。方法:(1)体内实验:实验组balb/c小鼠,采用单次尾静脉注射阿霉素(10.5 mg/kg)的方法建立FSGS动物模型,造模后连续灌胃给药6周。测定24 h尿蛋白(定量)、血肌酐,及肾组织内超氧化物歧酶、丙二醛、过氧化氢酶的水平。并采用H&E、Masson、PAS染色,观察肾组织病理损伤程度。透射电镜观察肾脏超微结构。免疫荧光nephrine/p-JAK2双染观察足细胞上p-JAK2的表达。免疫印迹法检测(western blotting,WB)肾组织中p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3、TGF-β1蛋白表达水平。(2)体外实验:实验1:采用CCK-8法检测阿霉素及健脾清化方对细胞活力的影响,并筛选出造模和健脾清化方干预浓度。DCFH-DA荧光探针检测各组足细胞ROS的含量。流式细胞术测定足细胞凋亡情况。WB检测p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3、TGF-β1的蛋白表达水平以及RT-qPCR检测STAT3下游凋亡因子BAX、BAD、Caspase3、p21、Blc-2、和炎症因子IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α的mRNA表达情况。实验2:WB检测JAK2激动剂C-A1对p-JAK2/JAK2,p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达的影响。结果:(1)体内实验:与对照组相比,模型组小鼠肾小球硬化,足细胞足突广泛融合,肾组织p-JAK2荧光表达明显增加。24 h尿蛋白定量、血肌酐、MDA升高,SOD、CAT降低(P<0.05)。p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3、TGF-β1表达升高。与模型组相比健脾清化方干预后足细胞损伤缓解,肾组织P-JAK2荧光表达降低,24 h尿蛋白定量、血肌酐、MDA降低,SOD、CAT升高。p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3、TGF-β1表达降低(P<0.05)。(2)体外实验:实验1:CCK-8法确定阿霉素造模浓度为0.4μg/mL,健脾清化方干预低中高浓度分别为1 mg/mL,2 mg/mL,4 mg/mL。与对照组比较,模型组凋亡细胞数量、ROS含量增多,p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3、TGF-β1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),BAX、BAD、Caspase3、p21、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β的mRNA表达降低,Blc-2 mRNA表达升高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,健脾清化方干预后,凋亡细胞数量、ROS含量减少,JAK2/STAT3、TGF-β1蛋白表达降低,BAX、BAD、Caspase3、p21、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β的mRNA表达升高,Blc-2的mRNA表达降低,且成量效关系(P<0.05)。实验2:与对照组相比,C-A1组p-JAK2/JAK2蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),与ADR+H组相比,ADR+H+C-A1组p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。结论:健脾清化方可通过抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路,调节炎症反应、细胞凋亡、氧化应激从而延缓FSGS足细胞损伤的进展。

Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases:Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy

BACKGROUND The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known.Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established.The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS),however,this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials.AIM To identify baseline and clinical characteristics,as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital.METHODS This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Depart-ment of the National Institute of Cardiology“Ignacio Chávez”.All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study.RESULTS Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found.The average age was 29.00 years±15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h±6165 mg/24 h.The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot’s tetralogy with 2 cases(20%)and ventricular septal defect with 2(20%)cases.Among the 10 cases,one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found,receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis,delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy.Among remaining 8 cases(80%),one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found,while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS.CONCLUSION Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy.In 2 out of 10 patients in our study,interventions were performed,and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed.Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

卡格列净联用阿米洛利和苯扎米尔对阿霉素诱导的肾病综合征模型大鼠的影响

目的探讨卡格列净分别联用阿米洛利和苯扎米尔对阿霉素诱导的肾病综合征(nephrotic syndrome,NS)模型大鼠的影响。方法选取49只雄性SD大鼠49只,将其随机分为7组,即正常对照组(NG组)、模型组(MG组)、卡格列净组(KG组)、苯扎米尔组(BH组)、阿米洛利组(AL组)、卡格列净+苯扎米尔组(KB组)、卡格列净+阿米洛利组(KA组),每组各7只。经尾静脉注射建立NS模型。治疗前1天检测各组大鼠的24h尿蛋白定量(24h-UTP),验证模型制备成功。各组每日定时按大鼠体质量予以灌胃,NG组和MG组给予等量0.9%氯化钠溶液,疗程为6周。治疗6周后,分别检测各组大鼠尿液中24h-UTP、尿钠、尿钾、尿氯以及血清白蛋白(albumin,ALB)、甘油三酯(triglyceride,TG)、总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、低密度脂蛋白(low density lipoprotein,LDL)、尿素氮(Urea)、肌酐(Crea)、胱抑素C(CysC)、血钠、血钾、血氯的表达;采用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)法检测血清转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)和可溶性血栓调节蛋白(soluble thrombomodulin,sTM)的表达;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RT-qPCR)法检测TGF-β1基因的表达。取肾组织进行苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色及Masson染色观察病理学变化。结果造模成功后,MG组的24h-UTP、TG、TC、LDL水平均升高,ALB水平降低(P<0.05)。药物干预6周后,与MG组比较,各用药组的24h-UTP、TC、TG、LDL水平均降低(P<0.05),ALB水平升高(P<0.05);仅KG组的TGF-β1水平下降(P<0.05);KA组的CysC、尿钠、TGF-β1、sTM水平均升高(P<0.05)。HE染色和Masson染色结果显示,MG组大鼠肾组织出现典型的局灶节段性肾小球硬化病理特征,各用药组均出现不同程度的改善。结论单用卡格列净、苯扎米尔、阿米洛利以及卡格列净分别联用苯扎米尔和阿米洛利均可改善阿霉素诱导的NS模型大鼠的大量蛋白尿、低蛋白血症和高脂血症。单用卡格列净能有效降低TGF-β1表达从而减轻肾脏炎症,而卡格列净联用阿米洛利后可能会引起肾功能不全和内皮损伤。