DNA methylation of IFI44L as a potential blood biomarker for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) promoter methylation has been demonstrated to serve as an effective blood diagnostic biomarker for adult-onset SLE. However, its utility as a diagnostic marker for childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains to be verified. METHODS: Initially, we conducted a differential analysis of gene methylation and mRNA expression patterns in cSLE whole blood samples obtained from the public GEO database to determine IFI44L gene expression and assess the methylation status at its CpG sites. Subsequently, we collected clinical whole blood samples from 49 cSLE patients and 12 healthy children, employing an HRM-qPCR-based IFI44L methylation detection technique to evaluate its diagnostic efficacy in pediatric clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 26 hypomethylated, highly expressed genes in cSLE were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylation genes (DMGs). GO enrichment analysis for these 26 genes indicated a robust association with type I IFN. Among the overlapping genes, IFI44L exhibited the most pronounced differential expression and methylation. In subsequent clinical validation experiments, IFI44L methylation was confirmed as an effective blood-based diagnostic biomarker for cSLE, achieving an AUC of 0.867, a sensitivity of 0.753, and a specificity of 1.000. CONCLUSIONS: IFI44L methylation is a promising blood biomarker for cSLE. IMPACT: IFI44L promoter methylation was reported to serve as a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for adult-onset SLE. However, the diagnostic efficacy of IFI44L in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) still remains to be confirmed. In this study, we utilized bioinformatics analysis and conducted clinical experiments to demonstrate that IFI44L methylation can also serve as a promising blood biomarker for cSLE. The findings of this study can facilitate the diagnosis of cSLE and broaden our understanding of its molecular mechanisms, with a particular focus on those related to type I interferons.

Are children with IgA nephropathy different from adult patients?

BACKGROUND: Previously, several studies have indicated that pediatric IgA nephropathy (IgAN) might be different from adult IgAN, and treatment strategies might be also different between pediatric IgAN and adult IgAN. METHODS: We analyzed two prospective cohorts established by pediatric and adult nephrologists, respectively. A comprehensive analysis was performed investigating the difference in clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis between children and adults with IgAN. RESULTS: A total of 1015 children and 1911 adults with IgAN were eligible for analysis. More frequent gross hematuria (88% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001) and higher proteinuria (1.8 vs. 1.3 g/d, p < 0.0001) were seen in children compared to adults. In comparison, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in adults (80.4 vs. 163 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.0001). Hypertension was more prevalent in adult patients. Pathologically, a higher proportion of M1 was revealed (62% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001) in children than in adults. S1 (62% vs. 28%, p < 0.0001) and T1-2 (34% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent in adults. Adjusted by proteinuria, eGFR, and hypertension, children were more likely to be treated with glucocorticoids than adults (87% vs. 45%, p < 0.0001). After propensity score matching, in IgAN with proteinuria > 1 g/d, children treated with steroids were 1.87 (95% CI 1.16-3.02, p = 0.01) times more likely to reach complete remission of proteinuria compared with adults treated with steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Children present significantly differently from adults with IgAN in clinical and pathological manifestations and disease progression. Steroid response might be better in children.

Genetic spectrum of CAKUT and risk factors for kidney failure: a pediatric multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tracts (CAKUT) are the leading cause of kidney failure in children with phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. Our objective was to describe the genetic spectrum and identify the risk factors for kidney failure in children with CAKUT. METHODS: Clinical and genetic data were derived from a multicenter network (Chinese Children Genetic Kidney Disease Database, CCGKDD) and the Chigene database. A total of 925 children with CAKUT who underwent genetic testing from 2014 to 2020 across China were studied. Data for a total of 584 children wereobtained from the CCGKDD, including longitudinal data regarding kidney function. The risk factors for kidney failure were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A genetic diagnosis was established in 96 out of 925 (10.3%) children, including 72 (8%) with monogenic variants, 20 (2%) with copy number variants (CNVs), and 4 (0.4%)with major chromosomal anomalies. Patients with skeletal abnormalities were more likely to have large CNVs or abnormal karyotypes than monogenic variants. Eighty-two patients from the CCGKDD progressed to kidney failure at a median age of 13.0 (95% confidence interval, 12.4-13.6) years, and twenty-four were genetically diagnosed with variants of PAX2, TNXB, EYA1, HNF1B and GATA3 or the 48, XXYY karyotype. The multivariate analysis indicated that solitary kidney, posterior urethral valves, bilateral hypodysplasia, the presence of certain variants and premature birth were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic spectrum of CAKUT varies among different subphenotypes. The identified factors indicate areas that require special attention.

Multicenter study of the clinical features and mutation gene spectrum of Chinese children with Dent disease.

Dent disease is a rare X-linked recessive inherited tubular disease. In this multicenter study, the clinical presentation and genetic background of Chinese children with Dent disease are studied to improve the cognition and diagnostic ability of pediatricians. In this prospective cohort, we described the genotype and phenotype of a national cohort composed of 45 pediatric probands with Dent disease belonging to 45 families from 12 different regions of China recruited from 2014 to 2018 by building up the multicenter registration system. The CLCN5 gene from 32 affected families revealed 28 different mutations. The OCRL gene from 13 affected families revealed 13 different mutations. The incidence of low-molecular-weight proteinuria (LMWP) in both Dent disease type 1 populations and Dent disease type 2 populations was 100.0%; however, the incidence of other manifestations was not high, which was similar to previously reported data. Therefore, LMWP is a key clinical feature that should alert clinicians to the possibility of Dent disease. A high amount of LMWP combined with positive gene test results can be used as the diagnostic criteria for this disease. The diagnostic criteria are helpful in reducing the missed diagnosis of this disease and are beneficial for protecting the renal function of these patients through early diagnosis and early intervention.

IPDN-China promotes the development of pediatric dialysis in China.

BACKGROUND: In mainland China, dialysis for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was not introduced until the 1980s. To describe the development of pediatric dialysis in different regions of China, a national pediatric dialysis network, namely, International Pediatric Dialysis Network-China (IPDN-China) ( www.pedpd.org.cn ), was launched in 2012. METHODS: Original and updated information from the renal centers registered with the IPDN-China was collected between 2012 and 2016 from two sources, namely, the registry and the survey, and demographic features were analyzed. RESULTS: Due to promotion by the IPDN-China, the number of registered renal centers increased from 12 to 39 between 2012 and 2016, with a significant increase in the coverage of the Chinese administrative divisions (from 26.5 to 67.6%) (p < 0.01); and the coverage of the pediatric (0~14 years old) population increased to nearly 90% in 2016. The distribution of renal centers indicated that East China had the highest average number of registered centers per million population (pmp) 0~14-year-old age group. Seventeen relatively large dialysis centers were distributed across 14 divisions. Various modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT) were available in most centers. The IPDN-China has promoted collaborations between dieticians, psychologists, and social workers on dialysis teams to provide better service to children with ESRD and their families. The proportion of centers with all three types of paramedic support (i.e., dieticians, psychologists, and social workers) as well as the proportion of centers with a partial paramedic team significantly increased between 2012 (25.0%) and 2016 (69.2%) (p < 0.05). In terms of the point prevalent cases of patients (aged < 18 years), data from the survey of 39 registered centers revealed that the number of children with ESRD who were on RRT was 578 (49% received a kidney transplant) at the end of 2016, which was more than that reported in previous surveys. Data from the registry showed that 349 dialysis patients had been enrolled as of the end of 2016. The median age at RRT start was 9.5 years, and the leading cause of ESRD was congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). CONCLUSIONS: The IPDN-China has helped to promote the development of pediatric dialysis for ESRD in China by improving the organization of care for dialysis patients and increasing the availability and the quality of RRT for patients who need it. To improve knowledge about the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric RRT around the country, a sustained effort needs to be made by the IPDN-China to increase the enrollment of dialysis patients and increase the number of registered centers in the future.

A novel likely pathogenic variant in the UMOD gene in a family with autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) caused by a pathogenic variant in UMOD (ADTKD-UMOD) is a rare group of diseases characterized by hyperuricaemia with decreased urinary excretion of urate, gout and progressive chronic kidney disease. The mundane clinical characteristics often result in a failure to diagnose ADTKD-UMOD. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe a 12-year-old boy who presented with polyarthritis, hyperuricaemia and tophi with a family history of 8 affected individuals. Clinical data, blood and urine samples of 3 affected members and 8 unaffected members were collected. Genetic testing of the eight genes (UMOD, HPRT1, PRPS1, MTHFR, REN, HNF1b, URAT1 and G6PC) was performed using Sanger sequencing. A heterozygous missense variant (c.674C > G; p.T225R) in UMOD was found in this boy, his older brother with the same phenotype and his mother with hyperuricaemia, gout and chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of family history and genetic testing for definite diagnosis. This novel variant extends the spectrum of known UMOD gene variants and further supports the allelic heterogeneity of ADTKD-UMOD.

Podocytic infolding in Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia with novel SMARCAL1 mutations: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, progressive renal insufficiency and defective cellular immunity. Podocytic infolding glomerulopathy (PIG) is a newly proposed disease entity characterized by microspheres or microtubular structures associated with podocytes infolding into the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) on electron microscopy (EM). CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old boy was admitted to our ward due to proteinuria and edema lasting 1 month. He had a short trunk and demonstrated subtle dysmorphology, with a triangular shape, a broad nasal bridge and a bulbous nasal tip. The laboratory findings were as follows: lymphocytes, 0.5 × 109/L; urine protein, 3.67 g/d; albumin, 9.8 g/L; and cholesterol, 11.72 mmol/L. Skeletal X rays showed small iliac wings, small ossification centers of the capital femoral epiphyses, shallow dysplastic acetabular fossae and mildly flattened vertebrae. The specimen for light microscopy (LM) suggested focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). EM revealed a focal thickness of the GBM with some cytoplasmic processes of podocyte infolding into the GBM. Gene sequencing showed novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SMARCAL1 gene (c.2141 + 5G > A; c.2528 + 1G > A) that were inherited from his parents. Finally, we established the diagnosis of SIOD and treated him with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). CONCLUSION: The pathogenic mechanism of PIG has not been clarified. Further studies are required to understand whether gene mutations, especially those related to podocytes, contribute to the pathogenesis of podocytic infolding.

Genetic spectrum of renal disease for 1001 Chinese children based on a multicenter registration system.

To explore the approaches and diagnostic yield of genetic testing for renal disease in children, we describe the genotype and phenotype of the national cohort of children with renal disease from 13 different regions of China recruited from 2014 to 2018 by building up the multicenter registration system (Chinese Children Genetic Kidney Disease Database, CCGKDD). Genetic diagnosis was confirmed in 42.1% of our cohort of 1001 pediatric patients with clinical suspicion of a genetic renal disease. Of the 106 distinct monogenetic disorders detected, 15 accounted for 60.7% of genetic diagnoses. The diagnostic yield was 29.1% in steroid resistant nephritic syndrome (SRNS), 61.4% in cystic renal disease, 17.0% in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), 62.3% in renal tubular disease/renal calcinosis, and 23.9% for chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3 to 5 stage with unknown origin. Genetic approaches of target gene sequence (TGS), singleton whole-exome sequencing (WES) and trio-WES were performed with diagnostic rates of 44.8%, 36.2%, and 42.6%, respectively. The early use of trio-WES could improve the diagnostic rate especially in renal tubular disease and calcinosis. We report the genetic spectrum of Chinese children with renal disease. Establishment of the CCGKDD will improve the genetic work on renal disease.

Roles of 1,25(OH)2D3 and Vitamin D Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Regulating the Activation of CD4+ T Cells and the PKCδ/ERK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The study aims to elucidate the roles of 1,25(OH)2D3 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by regulating the activation of CD4+ T cells and the PKCδ/ERK signaling pathway. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2015, a total of 130 SLE patients, 137 RA patients and 130 healthy controls were selected in this study. Serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR mRNA expression were detected by ELISA and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Density gradient centrifugation was performed to separate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). CD4+ T cells were separated using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). CD4+T cells in logarithmic growth phase were collected and assigned into 9 groups: the normal control group, the normal negative control (NC) group, the VDR siRNA group, the RA control group, the RA NC group, the VDR over-expressed RA group, the SLE control group, the SLE NC group, and the VDR over-expressed SLE group. The mRNA and protein expressions of VDR, PKCδ, ERK1/2, CD11a, CD70 and CD40L were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Bisulfite genomic sequencing was conducted to monitor the methylation status of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, serum 1,25(OH)2D3 level and VDR mRNA expression in peripheral blood were decreased in SLE patients and RA patients. With the increase of concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, the VDR mRNA expression and DNA methylation levels of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L were declined, while the expressions of PKCδ, ERK1/2, CD11a, CD70 and CD40L were elevated in SLE, RA and normal CD4+T cells. Compared with the SLE contro, RA control, SLE NC and RA NC groups, the expressions of PKCδ, ERK1/2, CD11a, CD70 and CD40L decreased but DNA methylation levels of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L increased in the VDR over-expressed SLE group and VDR over-expressed RA group. However, compared with the normal control and normal NC groups, the expressions of PKCδ, ERK1/2, CD11a, CD70 and CD40L increased, but DNA methylation levels of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L decreased in the VDR siRNA group. Compared with the normal control group, the expressions of PKCδ, ERK1/2, CD11a, CD70 and CD40L increased, but DNA methylation levels of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L decreased in the SLE control and RA control groups. CONCLUSION: Our study provide evidence that 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR could inhibit the activation of CD4+ T cells and suppress the immune response of SLE and RA through inhibiting PKCδ/ERK pathway and promoting DNA methylation of CD11a, CD70 and CD40L.

Etiology and outcomes of acute kidney injury in Chinese children: a prospective multicentre investigation.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of AKI appears to have increasing trend. Up to now, prospective, multi-center, large-sample epidemiological study done on pediatric AKI on aspects of epidemiological characteristics, causes and outcomes have not reported. It is necessary to develop prospective, multi-center, large-sample epidemiological study in our country on pediatric AKI. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features, etiology, and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in Chinese children. METHOD: Paediatric patients (≤18 years old) admitted to 27 hospitals (14 children's hospitals and 13 general hospitals) affiliated with the Medical University were investigated. AKI was defined using the 2005 Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. RESULTS: During the study period, 388,736 paediatric patients were admitted. From this total, AKI was diagnosed in 1,257 patients, 43 of whom died. The incidence and mortality of AKI was 0.32% and 3.4% respectively. The mean (± SD) age of patients was 48.4 ± 50.4 months. Among the 1,257 AKI paediatric patients, 632 were less than one year old. Among the AKI paediatric patients, 615 (48.9%) were in stage 1, 277 (22.0%) in stage 2, and 365 (29.0%) in stage 3. The most common causes of AKI were renal causes (57.52%), whereas postrenal (25.69%) and prerenal (14.96%) causes were the least common. The three most common causes of AKI according to individual etiological disease were urolithiasis (22.35%), of which exposure to melamine-contaminated milk accounted for the highest incidence (63.7%); acute glomerulonephritis (10.10%); and severe dehydration (7.48%). A total of 43 AKI patients (3.4%) died during their hospital stay; 15 (34.9%) of the 43 died as a result of sepsis. CONCLUSION: Primary renal diseases are a major risk factor for paediatric AKI in China. In terms of specific etiological disease, urolithiasis (postrenal disease) was the leading cause of paediatric AKI in 2008, when the disease was linked to exposure to melamine-contaminated milk. Sepsis is the leading cause of death in Chinese paediatric AKI patients. Future studies should focus on effective ways of controlling renal disorders and sepsis to improve the clinical management of paediatric AKI in China.

Distribution of infused umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis.

AIMS: Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of kidney diseases is dependent on choice of transplant pathway. We evaluated the safety of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells through peripheral infusion and their distribution in a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). METHOD: Cryopreserved umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were infused via tail vein injection into rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction and Sham-operated. Blood, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and lung were collected at 14, 21, and 28 days after infusion. Testing included microscopic observation of kidney morphological changes and immunohistochemical testing to identify and count the number of MAB1281 (labeled human cells) positive cells in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of different treatment groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the Sham-operated group and Sham-operated + cell transplantation group at different time points. Human cells were identified mainly in the lungs, spleen, and kidney. The number of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the kidney was greater in the unilateral ureteral obstruction + cell transplantation group, compared to the Sham-operated + cell transplantation group. human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were mainly located in the interstitium of the left kidney. These results suggest that infused mesenchymal stem cells were primed to engraft a damaged kidney, especially damaged renal interstitium. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous infusion of exogenous umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells is feasible and safe. Infused mesenchymal stem cells can reach damaged kidney tissues with obstructive RIF after a vein graft.

Clinical features and familial mutations in the coexistence of Wilson's disease and Alport syndrome: A case report.

Background: Alport syndrome (AS) and Wilson's disease (WD) are genetic diseases that could lead to kidney damage. Herein, we report the clinical features and gene variants in a patient with WD and X-linked AS. Case presentation: The proband was a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with AS coexisting with WD at the age of 11 years. The patient underwent a medical check-up when he was 4 years and 8 months. Laboratory tests revealed elevated liver enzymes, decreased serum ceruloplasmin, increased 24-h urinary copper excretion, and one variant in the ATP7B gene. Then, the patient was diagnosed with WD. After 2 months of treatment with D-penicillamine and zinc salt, his liver function had recovered to normal levels, but he presented with microscopic hematuria. The hematuria did not resolve after switching to dimercaptosuccinic acid from D-penicillamine. In addition, he presented with proteinuria 3 years later. A renal biopsy was performed more than 6 years after the patient was diagnosed with WD, and electron microscopy showed that the basement membrane thickness was uneven, layered, and focal torn. Copper staining was negative. A genetic analysis identified a hemizygous variant (c.1718G > A, p. Gly573Asp) in COL4A5 and a homozygous variant (c.2975C > T, p. Pro992leu) in ATP7B. The patient's urine protein-creatinine ratio was less than 1.0 mg/mg after a 1 year of follow-up, after enalapril was administered for treating AS. Conclusion: This case highlights a lack of improvement in renal function after conventional treatment provides a possible indication for performing renal biopsy or genetic testing to determine the etiology in order to facilitate subsequent clinical management. Clinicians should prevent the occurrence of diagnostic inaccuracies caused by diagnostic anchoring because an accurate diagnosis is essential for achieving precise treatment and improved prognosis.

Real-word adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment for childhood-onset nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Current first-line anti-proteinuric treatments do not produce a satisfactory therapeutic effect in a considerable number of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Interest in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) for the treatment of NS has recently been revived. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of ACTH treatment in children with frequent relapsing NS (FRNS), steroid-dependent NS (SDNS), and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). Method: The ACTH treatment group was comprised of NS patients receiving ACTH treatment. Patients with serum cortisol concentrations <85.3 nmol/L and who had not received ACTH treatment previously were enrolled in the control group from January 2018 to January 2021. The maintenance dose of prednisone, the number of disease recurrences, the time of first disease relapse, immunosuppressant use, serum cortisol levels, and adverse events were recorded in both groups. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the ACTH group, and twenty-one patients were enrolled in the control group. Concurrent treatment with one or more immunosuppressive and/or cytotoxic treatments occurred in 92.2% and 85.7% of patients in the ACTH and control groups, respectively, throughout the study period. A greater reduction in the prednisone maintenance dose was observed in the ACTH group compared with the control group after 1 year of follow up (0.603 ± 0.445 mg/kg vs. 0.267 ± 0.500 mg/kg, p = 0.006). During the one-year study period, fewer participants experienced one or more disease relapses in the ACTH group (45.1%) compared to the control group (76.2%, odds ratio = 3.896, p = 0.016). The number of disease recurrences per patient in the ACTH group was less than that in the control group (median difference = -1, p = 0.006). The mean length of remission was 8.902 m and 7.905 m in the ACTH group and control group, respectively. A log-rank test showed a longer relapse free survival for patients in the ACTH group (p = 0.046), but the Breslow test showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.104). Ten patients in the ACTH group successfully discontinued all drug therapies. No patients in the control group were able to discontinue drug therapy as of February 2022. Conclusion: ACTH, combined with multiple drugs, is effective at reducing the prednisone maintenance dose and may effectively prevent disease relapses in childhood NS.

Angiogenic effect of endothelial progenitor cells transfected with telomerase reverse transcriptase on peritubular microvessel in five out of six subtotal nephrectomy rats.

Renal disease is caused by tubular interstitial injury and renal interstitial fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may provide an appropriate treatment for repair and reversing renal pathology. However, EPCs are typically low in abundance and have poor replication ability. Therefore, the this study investigated the use of EPCs transfected with the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in rats that had undergone five out of six subtotal nephrectomy. This study determined the effects of EPC transplantation on renal function, renal interstitial fibrosis, and peritubular capillary angiogenesis. Five groups of rats were investigated: sham group, model group (five out of six subtotal nephrectomy), EPCs-N group (transplantation with EPCs), pZ-TERT-EPCs-N group (transplantation with EPCs transfected with TERT), and pZ-EPCs-N group (transplantation with EPCs transfected with empty plasmid). At weeks 4, 8, and 12 after transplantation, renal function, renal interstitial fibrosis, and peritubular microvessel density (MVD) were investigated. EPCs transfected with TERT gene showed decreased in vitro senescence, apoptosis, and proliferative ability was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, rat transplanted with EPCs transfected with TERT showed significantly reduced renal interstitial fibrosis and increased endogenous creatinine clearance rate and peritubular MVD (p < 0.05). The transplantation of EPCs expressing TERT into five out of six subtotal nephrectomy rats was shown to improve renal function, reduce loss of peritubular microvessel, and inhibit progression of renal interstitial fibrosis. These studies provide the basis for a potential treatment of renal disease using genetically modified EPCs.

Lipid metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of IgA Vasculitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The underlying mechanism of IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and IgA vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) remains unclear. Therefore, there are no accurate diagnostic methods. Lipid metabolism is related to many immune related diseases, so this study set out to explore the relationship of lipids and IgAV and IgAVN. METHODS: Fifty-eighth patients with IgAV and 28 healthy controls were recruited, which were divided into six separate pools to investigate the alterations of serum lipids according to the clinical characteristics: healthy controls group (HCs) and IgAV group (IgAVs), IgAVN group (IgAV-N) and IgAV without nephritis group (IgAV-C), initial IgAV group (IgAV0) and IgAV in treatment with glucocorticoids group (IgAV1). RESULTS: 31 identified lipid ions significantly changed in IgAVs with p < 0.05, variable importance of the projection (VIP) > 1 and fold change (FC) > 1.5. All these 31 lipid ions belong to 6 classes: triacylglycerols (TG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine, ceramide, and lysophosphatidylcholine. TG (16:0/18:1/22:6) +NH4 over 888875609.05, PC (32:1) +H over 905307459.90 and PE (21:4)-H less than 32236196.59 increased the risk of IgAV significantly (OR>1). PC (38:6) +H was significantly decreased (p < 0.05, VIP>1 and FC>1.5) in IgAVN. PC (38:6) less than 4469726623 conferred greater risks of IgAV (OR=45.833, 95%CI: 6.689~341.070). CONCLUSION: We suggest that lipid metabolism may affect the pathogenesis of IgAV via cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, cell apoptosis, and inflammation. The increase of TG(16:0/18:1/22:6) + NH4, and PC(32:1) + H as well as PE (21:4)-H allow a good prediction of IgAV. PE-to-PC conversion may participate in the damage of kidney in IgAV. PC (38:6) + H may be a potential biomarker for IgAVN.

Case Report: A case of recurrent thrombosis in pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome associated with pediatric onset systemic lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multi-system involvement as the main manifestation, and has complex and diverse clinical features. Studies on large samples have revealed that SLE patients have a significantly increased risk of thrombotic events, which are also one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis, pregnancy-related complications, and the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies at a 12-week interval. There are few reports about SLE coexisting with APS in children. This paper reported a school-age patient who started the disease with gross hematuria after bumping into the waist. The initial diagnosis of renal contusion was then confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound as renal vein and inferior vena cava embolism. She suddenly developed severe chest pain and dyspnea 3 days after hospitalization. And imaging supported pulmonary embolism with massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hypercholesterolemia. The initial diagnosis was nephrotic syndrome (NS) with arteriovenous embolization, and popliteal vein embolism occurred again 5 years later, and she was thus diagnosed with SLE coexisting with APS. Afterwards, we discussed the possible mechanism and therapeutic strategies of SLE&APS that started with nephrotic syndrome, in order to achieve early identification and treatment of the disease and improve the prognosis of children.

Differences in tissue expression of HBV markers in children with HBV-associated glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) is recognized as one of the major secondary nephropathies in HBV high-risk areas. To determine possible differences in the expression of HBV immune markers in tissues, we retrospectively examined HBV immune markers in the serum, renal tissues, and liver tissues in 132 HBV-GN children. METHODS: All 132 patients had biopsy-proven HBV-GN including the presence of positive HBV antigens in the kidney. Serum-HBV immune markers were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Renal and liver biopsies were done in 26 patients. All renal tissues were examined for HBV immune markers by immunofluorescence, and liver tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Among the 132 patients, all showed varying degrees of kidney injury. Serum hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) was positive in 80 patients and negative in 52 patients. The positivity rate of Hepatitis B core antigen in renal tissue was statistically higher in serum HBeAg (-) than in serum HBeAg (+) patients (96.2% vs. 55.0%). Furthermore, there was no relationship between the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBcAg in liver and renal tissue. CONCLUSION: HBV markers are not consistently present in serum, renal tissues, and liver tissues in children with HBV-GN.

[Relationship between renal Th1/Th2 ratio and renal microvascular injury in children with Henoch-Sch-nlein purpura nephritis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore possible correlations between renal Th1/Th2 ratio and renal microvascular injury in children with Henoch-Sch-nlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). METHODS: Thirty-two children with HSPN were enrolled. They were classified into four groups by renal pathology: HSPN class II (n=8), HSPN class IIIa (n=7), HSPN class IIIb (n=10) and HSPN class IV/V (n=7). Five patients undergoing nephrectomy due to trauma were used as the controls. INFγ, IL-4 and CD34 in the renal tissues were measured by immunohistochemical analysis. INFγ was used as a marker of Th1, IL-4 was used as a marker of Th2 and CD34 was used as a marker of microvessel. The renal microvessel density was evaluated according to the Weidner standard. The relationships among the local Th1/Th2 ratio, renal pathological grade, microvessel score and microvessel density were studied. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed a lower expression of INFγ and a higher expression of IL-4 in the HSPN groups than in the control group. The local Th1/Th2 ratio in the HSPN groups decreased and correlated significantly with the renal pathological grade. There were significant differences among four HSPN subgroups (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the renal microvessel density in the HSPN class II and class IIIa groups increased significantly (P<0.05), but it decreased in the HSPN class IV/V group (P<0.05). The renal microvessel scores in the HSPN class IIIa, class IIIb and class IV/V groups increased significantly compared with those in the control and the HSPN classⅡ. The increased renal microvessel scores were associated with more severe renal pathological changes. A negative correlation was found between the local Th1/Th2 ratio and the microvessel density in kidneys (r=-0.921, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of Th1/Th2 ratio in kidneys might be responsible for renal microvascular injury in children with HSPN.

Integrated Analyses of Gut Microbiome and Host Metabolome in Children With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.

Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbes and metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. However, whether and how they are related to Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) has yet to be understood. This work is designed to detect gut microbes, intestinal and serum metabolites in children with HSP, trying to discover the etiology and pathogenesis of HSP. A total of 86 children were recruited in this study, namely, 58 children with HSP (HSP group) and 28 healthy children as control groups (CON group). 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology and UPLC-QTOF/MS non-targeted metabolomics analysis were used to detect the intestinal microbes and metabolites, and also multi-reaction monitoring technology for detecting serum arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites. Then, correlation analysis was performed to explore the possible interaction between the differential gut microbes and metabolites. As a result, at the microbiota family level, the CON group had an advantage of Coriobacteriaceae while the HSP group had a dominant Bacteroidaceae. Five kinds of bacteria in the HSP group were significantly enriched at the genus level, and seven kinds of bacteria were significantly enriched in the CON group. A total of 59 kinds of gut metabolites significantly differ between the two groups, in which most are lipids and peptides. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides, Dialister, and Agathobacter were associated with unsaturated fatty acids, especially AA metabolism. Then, we tested the AA related metabolites in serum and found thromboxane B2, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin D2, 9S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and 13S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid significantly changed. In conclusion, children with HSP had dominant Bacteroidaceae and decreased Coriobacteriaceae in the family level of gut microbes, and also lipids and peptides changed most in the gut metabolites. Our data suggested that the biosynthesis and metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids, especially AA and its metabolites, might participate in the occurrence and development of HSP.