Development of an automated estimation of foot process width using deep learning in kidney biopsies from patients with Fabry, minimal change, and diabetic kidney diseases.

Podocyte injury plays a key role in pathogenesis of many kidney diseases with increased podocyte foot process width (FPW), an important measure of podocyte injury. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best way to estimate FPW and unbiased stereology, the current gold standard, is time consuming and not widely available. To address this, we developed an automated FPW estimation technique using deep learning. A U-Net architecture variant model was trained to semantically segment the podocyte-glomerular basement membrane interface and filtration slits. Additionally, we employed a post-processing computer vision approach to accurately estimate FPW. A custom segmentation utility was also created to manually classify these structures on digital electron microscopy (EM) images and to prepare a training dataset. The model was applied to EM images of kidney biopsies from 56 patients with Fabry disease, 15 with type 2 diabetes, 10 with minimal change disease, and 17 normal individuals. The results were compared with unbiased stereology measurements performed by expert technicians unaware of the clinical information. FPW measured by deep learning and by the expert technicians were highly correlated and not statistically different in any of the studied groups. A Bland-Altman plot confirmed interchangeability of the methods. FPW measurement time per biopsy was substantially reduced by deep learning. Thus, we have developed a novel validated deep learning model for FPW measurement on EM images. The model is accessible through a cloud-based application making calculation of this important biomarker more widely accessible for research and clinical applications.

More than four decades of graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Early in the history of kidney transplantation, short-term graft survival was low. Yet some have had excellent long-term survival. Herein, we describe characteristics of pediatric recipients with > 40 years of graft survival currently alive with a functioning first graft. METHODS: We reviewed all pediatric (age < 18 years) kidney transplants performed at the University of Minnesota between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1979 (n = 148), to identify all recipients currently alive with a functioning first graft. Data are presented as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) and proportions. RESULTS: We identified 10 recipients with > 40-year graft survival (median follow-up: 45.0 years (IQR: 43.1, 48.1)). The median age at transplant was 13.8 years (IQR: 5.1, 16.3). All recipients were white; half were male. Of the 10, 4 had glomerulonephritis, 2 had congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract, 2 had congenital nephrotic syndrome, 1 had Alport syndrome, and 1 had cystic kidney disease as kidney failure cause. Nine patients received a living-related donor transplant, and 1 patient received a deceased-donor transplant. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate at 20 years post-transplant was 79.9 (IQR: 72.3, 98.4); at 30 years, 67.7 (IQR: 63.2, 91.8); and at 40 years, 80.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR: 73.7, 86.0). None developed rejection, 5 developed hypertension, 2 developed dyslipidemia, 1 developed diabetes, and 7 patients developed malignancy (4 skin cancer, 2 breast cancer, and 1 post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease). CONCLUSION: Pediatric kidney transplant recipients may achieve > 4 decades of graft survival. Cancer is a common complication warranting vigilant screening.

CKD-EPI and EKFC GFR Estimating Equations: Performance and Other Considerations for Selecting Equations for Implementation in Adults.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: New eGFR equations from Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) using creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys), and both (eGFRcr-cys) have sufficient accuracy for use in clinical practice, leading to uncertainty in selecting equations for implementation. The authors evaluated performance of equations in an independent population of 4050 adults and evaluated other considerations important for implementation. They found that CKD-EPI and EKFC equations are approaching convergence, with better performance of eGFRcr-cys equations in the overall group and fewer differences among race, sex, and age subgroups than eGFRcr equations. Larger differences among eGFRcr equations reflect regional population differences in creatinine, forcing a trade-off between accuracy and uniformity in global implementation of eGFRcr equations. More widespread use of cystatin C could avoid this trade-off. BACKGROUND: New CKD-EPI and EKFC eGFR equations using eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and both (eGFRcr-cys) have sufficient accuracy for use in clinical practice. A better understanding of the equations, including their performance in race, sex and age subgroups, is important for selection of eGFR equations for global implementation. METHODS: We evaluated performance (bias and P 30 ) of equations and methods used for equation development in an independent study population comprising 4050 adults pooled from 12 studies. The mean (SD) measured GFR was 76.4 (29.6) ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and age 57.0 (17.4) years, with 1557 (38%) women and 579 (14%) Black participants. RESULTS: Coefficients for creatinine, cystatin C, age, and sex in the CKD-EPI and EKFC equations are similar. Performance of the eGFRcr-cys equations in the overall population (bias <±5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and P 30 >90%) was better than the eGFRcr or eGFRcys equations, with fewer differences among race, sex, and age subgroups. Differences in performance across subgroups reflected differences in diversity of source populations and use of variables for race and sex for equation development. Larger differences among eGFRcr equations reflected regional population differences in non-GFR determinants of creatinine. CONCLUSION: CKD-EPI and EKFC equations are approaching convergence. It is not possible to maximize both accuracy and uniformity in selecting one of the currently available eGFRcr equations for implementation across regions. Decisions should consider methods for equation development in addition to performance. Wider use of cystatin C with creatinine could maximize both accuracy and uniformity of GFR estimation using currently available equations.

Associations of Biomarkers of Tubular Injury and Inflammation with Biopsy Features in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Whether biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation indicate subclinical structural kidney pathology early in type 1 diabetes remains unknown. METHODS: We investigated associations of biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation with kidney structural features in 244 adults with type 1 diabetes from the Renin-Angiotensin System Study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing effects of enalapril or losartan on changes in glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular parameters from baseline to 5-year kidney biopsies. Biosamples at biopsy were assessed for kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), arginine-to-citrulline ratio in plasma, and uromodulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in urine. We examined cross-sectional correlations between biomarkers and biopsy features and baseline biomarker associations with 5-year changes in biopsy features. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 30 years (SD 10) and diabetes duration 11 years (SD 5); 53% were women. The mean GFR measured by iohexol disappearance was 128 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (SD 19) and median urinary albumin excretion was 5 µ g/min (interquartile range, 3-8). KIM-1 was associated with most biopsy features: higher mesangial fractional volume (0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1 to 0.9] greater per SD KIM-1), glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width (14.2 nm [95% CI, 6.5 to 22.0] thicker), cortical interstitial fractional volume (1.1% [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.6] greater), fractional volume of cortical atrophic tubules (0.6% [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.9] greater), and arteriolar hyalinosis index (0.03 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.05] higher). sTNFR1 was associated with higher mesangial fractional volume (0.9% [95% CI, 0.5 to 1.3] greater) and GBM width (12.5 nm [95% CI, 4.5 to 20.5] thicker) and lower GBM surface density (0.003 µ m 2 / µ m 3 [95% CI, 0.005 to 0.001] lesser). EGF and arginine-to-citrulline ratio correlated with severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial features. Baseline sTNFR1, uromodulin, and EGF concentrations were associated with 5-year glomerular and tubulointerstitial feature progression. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of tubular injury and inflammation were associated with kidney structural parameters in early type 1 diabetes and may be indicators of kidney disease risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: Renin Angiotensin System Study (RASS/B-RASS), NCT00143949.

Discordance Between Creatinine-Based and Cystatin C-Based Estimated GFR: Interpretation According to Performance Compared to Measured GFR.

Rationale & Objective: Use of cystatin C in addition to creatinine to estimate glomerular filtration rate (estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C [eGFRcys] and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine [eGFRcr], respectively) is increasing. When eGFRcr and eGFRcys are discordant, it is not known which is more accurate, leading to uncertainty in clinical decision making. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting & Participants: Four thousand fifty participants with measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) from 12 studies in North America and Europe. Exposures: Serum creatinine and serum cystatin C. Outcomes: Performance of creatinine-based and cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rate estimating equations compared to mGFR. Analytical Approach: We evaluated the accuracy of eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and the combination (eGFRcr-cys) compared to mGFR according to the magnitude of the difference between eGFRcr and eGFRcys (eGFRdiff). We used CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate. eGFRdiff was defined as eGFRcys minus eGFRcr and categorized as less than -15, -15 to <15, and ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (negative, concordant, and positive groups, respectively). We compared bias (median of mGFR minus eGFR) and the percentage of eGFR within 30% of mGFR. Results: Thirty percent of participants had discordant eGFRdiff (21.0% and 9.6% negative and positive eGFRdiffs, respectively). In the concordant eGFRdiff group, all equations displayed similar accuracy. In the negative eGFRdiff groups, eGFRcr had a large overestimation of mGFR (-13.4 [-14.5 to -12.2] mL/min/1.73 m2) and eGFRcys had a large underestimation (9.9 [9.1-11.2] mL/min/1.73m2), with opposite results in the positive eGFRdiff group. In both negative and positive eGFRdiff groups, eGFRcr-cys was more accurate than either eGFRcr or eGFRcys. These results were largely consistent across age, sex, race, and body mass index. Limitations: Few participants with major comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Discordant eGFRcr and eGFRcys are common. eGFR using the combination of creatinine and cystatin C provides the most accurate estimates among persons with discordant eGFRcr or eGFRcys.

Global reach of over 20 years of experience in the patient-centered Fabry Registry: Advancement of Fabry disease expertise and dissemination of real-world evidence to the Fabry community.

Fabry disease (FD, α-galactosidase A deficiency) is a rare, progressive, complex lysosomal storage disorder affecting multiple organ systems with a diverse spectrum of clinical phenotypes, particularly among female patients. Knowledge of its clinical course was still limited in 2001 when FD-specific therapies first became available and the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742; sponsor: Sanofi) was initiated as a global observational study. The Fabry Registry has now been operational for over 20 years, overseen by expert Boards of Advisors, and has collected real-world demographic and longitudinal clinical data from more than 8000 individuals with FD. Leveraging the accumulating evidence base, multidisciplinary collaborations have resulted in the creation of 32 peer-reviewed scientific publications, which have contributed to the greatly expanded knowledge on the onset and progression of FD, its clinical management, the role of sex and genetics, the outcomes of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta, and prognostic factors. We review how the Fabry Registry has evolved from its inception to become the largest global source of real-world FD patient data, and how the generated scientific evidence has helped to better inform the medical community, individuals living with FD, patient organizations, and other stakeholders. The patient-centered Fabry Registry fosters collaborative research partnerships with the overarching goal of optimizing the clinical management of patients with FD and is well positioned to add to its past achievements.

Accumulation of α-synuclein mediates podocyte injury in Fabry nephropathy.

Current therapies for Fabry disease are based on reversing intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or chaperone-mediated stabilization of the defective enzyme, thereby alleviating lysosomal dysfunction. However, their effect in the reversal of end-organ damage, like kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, remains unclear. In this study, ultrastructural analysis of serial human kidney biopsies showed that long-term use of ERT reduced Gb3 accumulation in podocytes but did not reverse podocyte injury. Then, a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated α-galactosidase knockout podocyte cell line confirmed ERT-mediated reversal of Gb3 accumulation without resolution of lysosomal dysfunction. Transcriptome-based connectivity mapping and SILAC-based quantitative proteomics identified α-synuclein (SNCA) accumulation as a key event mediating podocyte injury. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SNCA improved lysosomal structure and function in Fabry podocytes, exceeding the benefits of ERT. Together, this work reconceptualizes Fabry-associated cell injury beyond Gb3 accumulation, and introduces SNCA modulation as a potential intervention, especially for patients with Fabry nephropathy.

Clinical outcomes among young patients with Fabry disease who initiated agalsidase beta treatment before 30 years of age: An analysis from the Fabry Registry.

BACKGROUND: Clinical manifestations of classic Fabry disease (α-galactosidase A deficiency) usually occur in childhood, while complications involving major organs typically develop in adulthood. Outcomes of Fabry-specific treatment among young patients have not been extensively reported. Our aim was to analyze clinical outcomes among patients aged 5-30 years at initiation of treatment with agalsidase beta using data from the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742, sponsor: Sanofi). METHODS: Reported GLA variants were predicted to be associated with the classic phenotype or not classified in fabry-database.org. Linear mixed models were conducted to assess changes over ≥2-year follow-up in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratified by low (LRI) and high (HRI) renal involvement (defined by proteinuria/albuminuria levels), and changes in interventricular septal thickness (IVST) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) Z-scores stratified by median age at first treatment. Self-reports ('yes'/'no') of abdominal pain, diarrhea, chronic peripheral pain (denoting neuropathic pain), and acute pain crises at baseline were compared with reports after ≥0.5-year and ≥2.5-year follow-up using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Male (n = 117) and female patients (n = 59) with LRI initiated treatment at a median age of 19.9 and 23.6 years, respectively, and were followed for a median of 6.3 and 5.0 years, respectively. The eGFR slopes were -1.18 (Pfrom 0 <0.001) and -0.92 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (Pfrom 0 = 0.040), respectively. Males with HRI (n = 23, median UPCR 1.0 g/g), who started treatment at a median age of 26.7 years, had an eGFR slope of -2.39 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (Pfrom 0 <0.001; Pdifference = 0.055, as compared with the slope of -1.18 mL/min/1.73 m2/year for LRI males) during a median follow-up of 5.6 years. Echocardiographic variables were stable among males, regardless of age, and among young females (median follow-up >5.5 years and ≥4.5 years, respectively). Older females (treatment initiation at median age 27.5 years) had a slope of LVPWT Z-scores of 0.18/year (n = 12, Pfrom 0 = 0.028), whereas IVST Z-scores remained stable (n = 13, 0.10/year, Pfrom 0 = 0.304) during a median follow-up of ≥3.7 years. These slopes did not significantly differ from slopes of younger females. Reports of chronic peripheral pain and acute pain crises by males, and of diarrhea and acute pain crises by females, significantly reduced after a median follow-up of ≥4.0 years. After a median follow-up of ≥5.4 years, reports of all four symptoms significantly decreased among males, whereas among females only reports of abdominal pain significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: During sustained treatment with agalsidase beta in young Fabry patients with a predicted classic phenotype or with unclassified GLA variants with similar characteristics, the decline in eGFR was modest among male and female patients with LRI. The greater decline in eGFR among older, proteinuric (i.e., HRI) males may suggest a benefit of earlier treatment. Overall, echocardiographic variables remained stable, particularly among males and younger females. Significant reductions in symptom reports occurred primarily among males after longer follow-up and were less noticeable among females. These observed trends are suggestive of an overall improvement after treatment in young patients, but warrant larger longitudinal studies.

Venglustat, an orally administered glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor: Assessment over 3 years in adult males with classic Fabry disease in an open-label phase 2 study and its extension study.

Venglustat inhibits the enzymatic conversion of ceramide to glucosylceramide, reducing available substrate for the synthesis of more complex glycosphingolipids. It offers a potential new approach to the treatment of patients with Fabry disease (α-Gal A deficiency), in whom progressive accumulation of such glycosphingolipids, including globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), in the lysosomes of a wide range of cell types often leads to vital organ complications in adulthood. An international, open-label, single-arm, Phase 2a uncontrolled 26-week clinical study (NCT02228460) and a 130-week extension study (NCT02489344) were conducted to assess the safety, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and exploratory efficacy of 15 mg once daily oral venglustat in treatment-naïve adult male patients with classic Fabry disease. Of 11 patients (18-37 years old) who initially enrolled, nine completed the 26-week study and seven completed the extension study. A total of 169 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported by nine patients, the majority being mild (73%) and unrelated to the study drug (70%). Nine serious TEAEs (serious adverse events) and 11 severe TEAEs, including a self-harm event, were reported. No deaths or treatment-related life-threatening adverse events were reported. Skin GL-3 scores in superficial skin capillary endothelium (SSCE), estimated by light microscopy, were unchanged from baseline at Week 26 in five patients, decreased in three patients, and increased in one patient. There was no significant change in GL-3 scores or significant shift in grouped GL-3 scores. Five of six patients had reductions from baseline in GL-3 score at the end of the extension study. At Weeks 26 and 156 the mean (standard deviation) changes from baseline in the fraction of the volume of SSCE cytoplasm occupied by GL-3 inclusions, measured by electron microscopy unbiased stereology, were - 0.06 (0.03) (p = 0.0010) and - 0.12 (0.04) (p = 0.0008), respectively. Venglustat treatment reduced markers in the synthetic and degradative pathway of major glycosphingolipids; proximal markers reduced rapidly and more distal markers (plasma GL-3 and globotriaosylsphingosine) reduced progressively. There were no biochemical or histological indications of progression of Fabry disease over 3 years of follow-up. These findings confirm target engagement and the pharmacodynamic effects of venglustat in adult males with classic Fabry disease. However, further clinical evaluation in larger studies is needed to determine efficacy and safety.

Neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1 is a circulating protein associated with progression to end-stage kidney disease in diabetes.

Circulating proteins associated with transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling are implicated in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It remains to be comprehensively examined which of these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of DKD and its progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in humans. Using the SOMAscan proteomic platform, we measured concentrations of 25 TGF-ß signaling family proteins in four different cohorts composed in total of 754 Caucasian or Pima Indian individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Of these 25 circulating proteins, we identified neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1 (NBL1, aliases DAN and DAND1), a small secreted protein known to inhibit members of the bone morphogenic protein family, to be most strongly and independently associated with progression to ESKD during 10-year follow-up in all cohorts. The extent of damage to podocytes and other glomerular structures measured morphometrically in 105 research kidney biopsies correlated strongly with circulating NBL1 concentrations. Also, in vitro exposure to NBL1 induced apoptosis in podocytes. In conclusion, circulating NBL1 may be involved in the disease process underlying progression to ESKD, and its concentration in circulation may identify subjects with diabetes at increased risk of progression to ESKD.

A novel unbiased method reveals progressive podocyte globotriaosylceramide accumulation and loss with age in females with Fabry disease.

While females can suffer serious complications of Fabry disease, most studies are limited to males to avoid confounding by mosaicism. Here, we developed a novel unbiased method for quantifying globotriaosylceramide (GL3) inclusion volume in affected podocytes (F+) in females with Fabry disease independent of mosaicism leading to important new observations. All podocytes in male patients with Fabry are F+. The probability of observing random profiles from F+ podocytes without GL3 inclusions (estimation error) was modeled from electron microscopic studies of 99 glomeruli from 40 treatment-naïve males and this model was applied to 28 treatment-naïve females. Also, podocyte structural parameters were compared in 16 age-matched treatment-naïve males and females with classic Fabry disease and 11 normal individuals. A 4th degree polynomial equation best described the relationship between podocyte GL3 volume density and the estimation error (R2 =0.94) and was confirmed by k-fold cross-validation. In females, this model showed that age related directly to F+ podocyte GL3 volume (correlation coefficient (r = 0.54) and podocyte volume (r = 0.48) and inversely to podocyte number density (r = -0.56), (all significant). F+ podocyte GL3 volume was significantly inversely related to podocyte number density (r = -0.79) and directly to proteinuria. There was no difference in F+ podocyte GL3 volume or volume fraction between age-matched males and females. Thus, in females with Fabry disease GL3 accumulation in F+ podocytes progresses with age in association with podocyte loss and proteinuria, and F+ podocyte GL3 accumulation in females with Fabry is similar to males, consistent with insignificant cross-correction between affected and non-affected podocytes. Hence, these findings have important pathophysiological and clinical implications.

KDOQI US Commentary on the KDIGO 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in CKD.

In October 2020, KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) published its first clinical practice guideline directed specifically to the care of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This commentary presents the views of the KDOQI (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) work group for diabetes in CKD, convened by the National Kidney Foundation to provide an independent expert perspective on the new guideline. The KDOQI work group believes that the KDIGO guideline takes a major step forward in clarifying glycemic targets and use of specific antihyperglycemic agents in diabetes and CKD. The purpose of this commentary is to carry forward the conversation regarding optimization of care for patients with diabetes and CKD. Recent developments for prevention of CKD progression and cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and CKD, particularly related to sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have filled a longstanding gap in nephrology's approach to the care of persons with diabetes and CKD. The multifaceted benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors have facilitated interactions between nephrology, cardiology, endocrinology, and primary care, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to multidisciplinary care in these patients. We now have more interventions to slow kidney disease progression and prevent or delay kidney failure in patients with diabetes and kidney disease, but methods to streamline their implementation and overcome barriers in access to care, particularly cost, are essential to ensuring all patients may benefit.

Structural Lesions on Kidney Biopsy in Youth-Onset and Adult-Onset Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Recent studies suggest a more aggressive clinical course of diabetic kidney disease in youth-onset compared with adult-onset T2D. We compared kidney structural lesions in youth- and adult-onset T2D to determine if youth onset was associated with greater early tissue injury. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Quantitative microscopy was performed on kidney tissue obtained from research kidney biopsies in 161 Pima Indians (117 women, 44 men) with T2D. Onset of T2D was established by serial oral glucose tolerance testing, and participants were stratified as youth onset (age <25 years) or adult onset (age ≥25 years). Associations between clinical and morphometric parameters and age at onset were tested using linear models. RESULTS: At biopsy, the 52 participants with youth-onset T2D were younger than the 109 with adult-onset T2D (39.1 ± 9.9 vs. 51.4 ± 10.2 years; P < 0.0001), but their diabetes duration was similar (19.3 ± 8.1 vs. 17.0 ± 7.8 years; P = 0.09). Median urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was higher in the youth-onset group (58 [25th-75th percentile 17-470] vs. 27 [13-73] mg/g; P = 0.02). Youth-onset participants had greater glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width (552 ± 128 vs. 490 ± 114 nm; P = 0.002) and mesangial fractional volume (0.31 ± 0.10 vs. 0.27 ± 0.08; P = 0.001) than adult-onset participants. Glomerular sclerosis percentage, glomerular volume, mesangial fractional volume, and GBM width were also inversely associated with age at diabetes onset as a continuous variable. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age at T2D onset strongly associates with more severe kidney structural lesions. Studies are underway to elucidate the pathways underlying these associations.

Serum Level of Polyubiquitinated PTEN and Loss of Kidney Function in American Indians With Type 2 Diabetes.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Fibrosis is a major driver of chronic kidney disease, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may contribute to its development. A polyubiquitinated form of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTENK27polyUb) promotes EMT in vitro. Thus, it is a potentially useful biomarker of progressive kidney fibrosis and may predict loss of kidney function. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Southwest United States, American Indians (154 women, 80 men) with or at high risk for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). PREDICTORS: Serum level of PTENK27polyUb. OUTCOME: ≥40% loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or onset of kidney failure. Kidney structural measures in a subset of study participants who underwent research kidney biopsies (n = 77). ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, use of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, measured GFR, and albuminuria. Spearman correlations for associations with structural measures. RESULTS: At baseline, the participants' mean age was 42.8 ± 10.5 (SD) years, diabetes duration 11.5 ± 7.1 years, mean arterial pressure 90.5 ± 9.5 mm Hg, HbA1c 9.3 ± 2.4%, GFR 152 ± 45 mL/min, and median urinary albumin-creatinine ratio 38 (interquartile range, 14-215) mg/g. RAS blockers were being used by 64 participants (27.4%). A higher PTENK27polyUb value was associated with a greater risk of ≥40% loss of GFR during a median follow-up period of 6.3 years (HR for quartile 4 [Q4] vs Q1, 3.95 [95% CI, 2.23-6.98], P < 0.001). Serum PTENK27polyUb was associated with an increased risk of kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 15.8 years (HR for Q4 vs Q1, 5.66 [95% CI, 1.99-16.13], P = 0.001). Baseline serum PTENK27polyUb in the biopsy subset correlated with structural measures including glomerular basement membrane width (ρ = 0.370, P < 0.001) and mesangial fractional volume (ρ = 0.392, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Small study in single population. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum PTENK27polyUb is associated with increased risk for GFR decline and kidney failure in American Indians with type 2 diabetes.

New Creatinine- and Cystatin C-Based Equations to Estimate GFR without Race.

BACKGROUND: Current equations for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) that use serum creatinine or cystatin C incorporate age, sex, and race to estimate measured GFR. However, race in eGFR equations is a social and not a biologic construct. METHODS: We developed new eGFR equations without race using data from two development data sets: 10 studies (8254 participants, 31.5% Black) for serum creatinine and 13 studies (5352 participants, 39.7% Black) for both serum creatinine and cystatin C. In a validation data set of 12 studies (4050 participants, 14.3% Black), we compared the accuracy of new eGFR equations to measured GFR. We projected the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and GFR stages in a sample of U.S. adults, using current and new equations. RESULTS: In the validation data set, the current creatinine equation that uses age, sex, and race overestimated measured GFR in Blacks (median, 3.7 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 5.4) and to a lesser degree in non-Blacks (median, 0.5 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.9). When the adjustment for Black race was omitted from the current eGFR equation, measured GFR in Blacks was underestimated (median, 7.1 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, 5.9 to 8.8). A new equation using age and sex and omitting race underestimated measured GFR in Blacks (median, 3.6 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.5) and overestimated measured GFR in non-Blacks (median, 3.9 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, 3.4 to 4.4). For all equations, 85% or more of the eGFRs for Blacks and non-Blacks were within 30% of measured GFR. New creatinine-cystatin C equations without race were more accurate than new creatinine equations, with smaller differences between race groups. As compared with the current creatinine equation, the new creatinine equations, but not the new creatinine-cystatin C equations, increased population estimates of CKD prevalence among Blacks and yielded similar or lower prevalence among non-Blacks. CONCLUSIONS: New eGFR equations that incorporate creatinine and cystatin C but omit race are more accurate and led to smaller differences between Black participants and non-Black participants than new equations without race with either creatinine or cystatin C alone. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.).

Comprehensive Search for Novel Circulating miRNAs and Axon Guidance Pathway Proteins Associated with Risk of ESKD in Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms underlying the pro gression of diabetic kidney disease to ESKD are not fully understood. METHODS: We performed global microRNA (miRNA) analysis on plasma from two cohorts consisting of 375 individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with late diabetic kidney disease, and targeted proteomics analysis on plasma from four cohorts consisting of 746 individuals with late and early diabetic kidney disease. We examined structural lesions in kidney biopsy specimens from the 105 individuals with early diabetic kidney disease. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to assess the effects of miRNA mimics or inhibitors on regulation of candidate proteins. RESULTS: In the late diabetic kidney disease cohorts, we identified 17 circulating miRNAs, represented by four exemplars (miR-1287-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-339-5p, and miR-328-3p), that were strongly associated with 10-year risk of ESKD. These miRNAs targeted proteins in the axon guidance pathway. Circulating levels of six of these proteins-most notably, EFNA4 and EPHA2-were strongly associated with 10-year risk of ESKD in all cohorts. Furthermore, circulating levels of these proteins correlated with severity of structural lesions in kidney biopsy specimens. In contrast, expression levels of genes encoding these proteins had no apparent effects on the lesions. In in vitro experiments, mimics of miR-1287-5p and miR-197-5p and inhibitors of miR-339-5p and miR-328-3p upregulated concentrations of EPHA2 in either cell lysate, supernatant, or both. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals novel mechanisms involved in progression to ESKD and points to the importance of systemic factors in the development of diabetic kidney disease. Some circulating miRNAs and axon guidance pathway proteins represent potential targets for new therapies to prevent and treat this condition.

A New Panel-Estimated GFR, Including ß2-Microglobulin and ß-Trace Protein and Not Including Race, Developed in a Diverse Population.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation based on creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcr-cys) is more accurate than estimated GFR (eGFR) based on creatinine or cystatin C alone (eGFRcr or eGFRcys, respectively), but the inclusion of creatinine in eGFRcr-cys requires specification of a person's race. ß2-Microglobulin (B2M) and ß-trace protein (BTP) are alternative filtration markers that appear to be less influenced by race than creatinine is. STUDY DESIGN: Study of diagnostic test accuracy. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Development in a pooled population of 7 studies with 5,017 participants with and without chronic kidney disease. External validation in a pooled population of 7 other studies with 2,245 participants. TESTS COMPARED: Panel eGFR using B2M and BTP in addition to cystatin C (3-marker panel) or creatinine and cystatin C (4-marker panel) with and without age and sex or race. OUTCOMES: GFR measured as the urinary clearance of iothalamate, plasma clearance of iohexol, or plasma clearance of [51Cr]EDTA. RESULTS: Mean measured GFRs were 58.1 and 83.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the proportions of Black participants were 38.6% and 24.0%, in the development and validation populations, respectively. In development, addition of age and sex improved the performance of all equations compared with equations without age and sex, but addition of race did not further improve the performance. In validation, the 4-marker panels were more accurate than the 3-marker panels (P < 0.001). The 3-marker panel without race was more accurate than eGFRcys (percentage of estimates greater than 30% different from measured GFR [1 - P30] of 15.6% vs 17.4%; P = 0.01), and the 4-marker panel without race was as accurate as eGFRcr-cys (1 - P30 of 8.6% vs 9.4%; P = 0.2). Results were generally consistent across subgroups. LIMITATIONS: No representation of participants with severe comorbid illness and from geographic areas outside of North America and Europe. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-marker panel eGFR is as accurate as eGFRcr-cys without requiring specification of race. A more accurate race-free eGFR could be an important advance.

Renal structure in type 2 diabetes: facts and misconceptions.

The clinical manifestations of diabetic nephropathy are similar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while the renal lesions may differ. Indeed, diabetic glomerulopathy is the predominant renal lesion in type 1 diabetes, although also tubular, interstitial and arteriolar lesions are present in the advanced stages of renal disease. In contrast, in type 2 diabetes renal lesions are heterogeneous, and a substantial number of type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease have mild or absent glomerulopathy with tubulointerstitial and/or arteriolar abnormalities. In addition, a high prevalence of non-diabetic renal diseases, isolated or superimposed on classic diabetic nephropathy lesions have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes, often reflecting the bias of selecting patients for unusual clinical presentations for renal biopsy. This review focuses on renal structural changes in type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the contribution of research kidney biopsy studies to the understanding of the pathogenesis of DKD and of the structural lesions responsible for the different clinical phenotypes. Also, kidney biopsies could provide relevant information in terms of renal prognosis, and help to understand the different responses to different therapies, especially SGLT2 inhibitors, thus allowing personalized medicine.

Serum Urate Lowering with Allopurinol and Kidney Function in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Higher serum urate levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetic kidney disease. Lowering of the serum urate level with allopurinol may slow the decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in persons with type 1 diabetes and early-to-moderate diabetic kidney disease. METHODS: In a double-blind trial, we randomly assigned participants with type 1 diabetes, a serum urate level of at least 4.5 mg per deciliter, an estimated GFR of 40.0 to 99.9 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area, and evidence of diabetic kidney disease to receive allopurinol or placebo. The primary outcome was the baseline-adjusted GFR, as measured with iohexol, after 3 years plus a 2-month washout period. Secondary outcomes included the decrease in the iohexol-based GFR per year and the urinary albumin excretion rate after washout. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients were assigned to receive allopurinol and 263 to receive placebo. The mean age was 51.1 years, the mean duration of diabetes 34.6 years, and the mean glycated hemoglobin level 8.2%. The mean baseline iohexol-based GFR was 68.7 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 in the allopurinol group and 67.3 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 in the placebo group. During the intervention period, the mean serum urate level decreased from 6.1 to 3.9 mg per deciliter with allopurinol and remained at 6.1 mg per deciliter with placebo. After washout, the between-group difference in the mean iohexol-based GFR was 0.001 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.9 to 1.9; P = 0.99). The mean decrease in the iohexol-based GFR was -3.0 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 per year with allopurinol and -2.5 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 per year with placebo (between-group difference, -0.6 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% CI, -1.5 to 0.4). The mean urinary albumin excretion rate after washout was 40% (95% CI, 0 to 80) higher with allopurinol than with placebo. The frequency of serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of clinically meaningful benefits of serum urate reduction with allopurinol on kidney outcomes among patients with type 1 diabetes and early-to-moderate diabetic kidney disease. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others; PERL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02017171.).