Crescentic glomerulonephritis due to linear IgA anti-glomerular basement membrane disease: report of a rare case

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is a rare and severe vasculitis that affects the glomerular and pulmonary capillaries and has an incidence of less than 2 cases per million individuals per year. Anti-GBM disease is mediated by autoantibodies against the α3 chain of type IV collagen. In the majority of cases, the autoantibodies are of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class, with rare cases being mediated by immunoglobulin M (IgM) or immunoglobulin A (IgA); there are less than 15 IgA-mediated cases reported in the literature worldwide. The classic form of this disease manifests with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), with or without pulmonary hemorrhage, and the diagnosis consists of identifying high titers of autoantibodies in the serum and/or deposited in the tissues. IgA antibodies are not identified in routine immunoassay tests, and renal biopsy with immunofluorescence is essential for diagnosis. We present a case of RPGN due to anti-GBM disease with linear IgA deposition, whose diagnosis was made exclusively by renal biopsy and with an unfavorable prognosis.

Huaiqihuang Granules Affect Differentiation of Th17 Cells in IgA Vasculitis Nephritis Mice by Regulating AMPK/ACC Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Huaiqihuang granules （HQH） on immunoglobulin A vasculitis nephritis （IgAVN） mice and explore the underlying therapeutic mechanism. MethodFifty SPF-grade male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a normal group， an IgAVN model group， a dexamethasone group （2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1）， a low-dose HQH group （4 g·kg-1·d-1）， and a high-dose HQH group （8 g·kg-1·d-1）. The mouse model was established using oral administration of gliadin combined with intravenous injection of India ink. After successful modeling， the mice were euthanized after 4 weeks of gastric gavage according to groups. The 24 h urinary total protein （24 h UTP）， urine β2-microglobulin （β2-MG）， serum total protein， albumin， IgA， etc. were detected in each group. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of T helper 17 （Th17） cells in spleen cell suspension. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α （AMPKα）， phosphorylated AMPKα （p-AMPKα）， acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 （ACC1）， and phosphorylated ACC1 （p-ACC1） in Th17 cells. Pathological changes in the spleen and kidneys were observed. ResultCompared with the normal group， the IgAVN model group showed significant increases in 24 h UTP， urine β2-MG， total cholesterol （P<0.05）， serum interleukin-17 （IL-17）， IgA， Th17 proportion in the spleen cell suspension， and IL-17 expression in the spleen tissue （P<0.01）， and significantly decreased serum total protein， albumin， p-AMPKα/AMPKα， and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells （P<0.01）. Compared with the IgAVN model group， in the 4th week， the 24 h UTP， urine β2-MG， serum IL-17， IgA levels， and renal IgA deposition were significantly reduced in each treatment group （P<0.01）， and the Th17 proportion and IL-17 expression in spleen tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum albumin levels significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the IgAVN model group， the dexamethasone group and the high-dose HQH group showed increases in serum total protein （P<0.01）， p-AMPKα/AMPKα， and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The high-dose HQH group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol level （P<0.05）. Various treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in spleen and kidney pathological changes. ConclusionHQH may affect Th17 cell differentiation by regulating the AMPK/ACC pathway， correcting immune inflammatory disorders， and exerting therapeutic effects on IgAVN.

Correlation of serum soluble Klotho protein and tendino-C with severity of disease and oxidative stress in children with IgA nephropathy / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To analyze the correlation between serum soluble Klotho protein(sKL)and tendino-C(TN-C)and the severity of disease and oxidative stress in children with immunoglobulin A(IgA)nephropa-thy.Methods A total of 85 children with IgA nephropathy admitted to the hospital from July 2019 to August 2022 were selected as IgA nephropathy group,and 85 healthy patients who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period were selected as healthy group.Serum sKL and TN-C levels were com-pared between the two groups.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the value of serum sKL,TN-C and their combination in predicting the occurrence of IgA nephropathy.IgA nephropathy group was divided into mild group(28 cases),moderate group(39 cases)and severe group(18 cases)accord-ing to 24 h urinary protein quantity.Serum sKL,TN-C levels and oxidative stress indexes[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and advanced oxidation protein product(AOPP)]of the three groups were compared.The correlation between serum sKL and TN-C levels and oxidative stress indexes was ana-lyzed by Spearman correlation,and the correlation between serum sKL and TN-C levels and the severity of IgA nephropathy in children was examined by Kendall's Tau-b.Results The serum sKL level in IgA ne-phropathy group was lower than that in healthy group,and the serum TN-C level was higher than that in healthy group,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).ROC curve showed that the area under the curve and 95％CI of serum sKL,TNC and their combination predicted the occurrence of IgA nephropathy were 0.726(95％CI:0.648-0.803),0.853(95％CI:0.796-0.909)and 0.891(95％CI:0.845-0.937).The level of serum sKL in severe group was lower than that in moderate and mild groups,while the level of serum TN-C was higher than that in moderate and mild groups,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The serum SOD level of severe group was lower than that of moderate group and mild group,and the serum AOPP and MDA levels were higher than those of moderate group and mild group,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Spearman correlation showed that sKL level was positively correlated with SOD(r＞0,P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with AOPP and MDA(r＜0,P＜0.05).TN-C level was negatively correlated with SOD(r＜0,P＜0.05),and positively correlated with AOPP and MDA(r＞0,P＜0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum sKL and TN-C in children with IgA nephropathy are related to the severity of disease and oxidative stress,and the combination of SKL and TN-C can effectively predict the occurrence of IgA nephropathy.

Recognition of intestinal mucosal immunopathogenesis of IgA nephropathy: gut-derived IgA + plasma cells / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Gut-derived IgA + plasma cells are the key to intestinal mucosal immunity.The intestinal flora and diet regulate the production of gut-derived IgA + plasma cells, which not only play an immune role in the intestinal mucosa, but also migrate to tissues or organs outside the intestine to regulate immune and inflammatory reactions by relying on the production of IgA antibodies or the secretion of cytokines and other non-antibody effects, and act as a protective or pathogenic factor in various diseases.The pathogenic effect of intestinal mucosal immune imbalance in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been a concern.IgA + plasma cells increase in intestinal lamina propria of high serum IgA mice with the increase of abnormally glycosylated IgA1.The long-lived plasma cells increase, and interleukin-6 is inhibited in IgAN patients.However, it remains unclear whether gut-derived IgA + plasma cells migrate to kidneys to promote disease progression.This article reviews the relevant research progress on the immunopathologic effects and mechanisms of gut-derived IgA + plasma cells in the intestinal mucosa of IgAN.

Researches progress on pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy / 中华肾脏病杂志

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is currently the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, with 20%-40% of patients progressing to end-stage renal disease within 20 years of diagnosis. At present, the pathogenesis of IgAN is not clear, and clinical treatment is mainly to control the progression, without specific treatment plan. A series of studies on galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) suggest that the pathogenesis of IgAN involves multiple links. This review summarizes the research progress on the pathogenesis of IgAN, covering the structure characteristics of IgA1, Gd-IgA1 antibodies and Gd-IgA1 immune complexes in IgAN patients, the deposition of Gd-IgA1 immune complexes in the kidneys, kidney damage following the deposition of Gd-IgA1 immune complexes, the role of complement in IgAN, the genomics of IgAN, and mucosal immunity in IgAN, providing clues and insights for further research and clinical treatment.

IgA nephropathy and kidney transplantation according to the Oxford classification / Nefropatia por IgA e transplante renal segundo a classificação de Oxford

Abstract Introduction: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerular disease globally, and its susceptibility and the risk for the development of end-stage kidney disease are related to genetic and environmental factors. IgAN recurrence after kidney transplantation is relatively common, impacting graft function and survival. This study evaluated the risk factors and the clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics of post-transplant IgAN recurrence based on the Oxford classification. Material and methods: Retrospective single-center cohort study including kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven pre-transplantation IgAN, with analysis of risk factors and clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics of the IgAN recurrence cases. Results: 53 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The majority was male, white, eutrophic, with a mean age of 27 ± 9 years at IgAN diagnosis. Systemic arterial hypertension and proteinuria were frequent in the pretransplant period. Four recipients (7.5%) presented IgAN recurrence in a period of 6 to 122 months post-transplant. According to the Oxford classification, they had high scores of mesangial hypercellularity and segmental glomerulosclerosis in the native kidney biopsies and there was mesangial hypercellularity in all analyzed graft biopsies. None of these patients had received induction immunosuppression and all of them presented graft failure in the follow-up. Conclusions: In this series, there was a high prevalence of mesangial hypercellularity and segmental glomerulosclerosis on native kidney biopsies, and mesangial hypercellularity occurred in all IgAN recurrence graft biopsies. Despite the lower incidence of recurrence of IgAN post-transplant compared to previous reports, progression to graft loss was of 100%.

Resumo Introdução: Nefropatia por IgA (NIgA) é a doença glomerular mais comum mundialmente. Sua suscetibilidade e risco para desenvolvimento de doença renal em fase terminal estão relacionados a fatores genéticos e ambientais. A recidiva de NIgA pós-transplante é relativamente comum, impactando na função e sobrevida do enxerto. Este estudo avaliou fatores de risco e características clínicas, laboratoriais e histológicas da recidiva de NIgA pós-transplante, com base na classificação de Oxford. Material e métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de centro único, incluindo receptores de transplante renal com NIgA pré-transplante comprovada por biópsia, com análise dos fatores de risco e características clínicas, laboratoriais e histológicas dos casos de recidiva de NIgA. Resultados: 53 pacientes preencheram critérios de inclusão e foram incluídos no estudo. A maioria era homem, branco, eutrófico, com idade média de 27 ± 9 anos no diagnóstico de NIgA. Hipertensão arterial sistêmica e proteinúria foram frequentes no período pré-transplante. Quatro receptores (7,5%) apresentaram recidiva de NIgA entre 6-122 meses pós-transplante. Segundo a classificação de Oxford, eles apresentaram altos escores de hipercelularidade mesangial e glomeruloesclerose segmentar nas biópsias de rins nativos. Houve hipercelularidade mesangial em todas as biópsias de enxerto analisadas. Nenhum destes pacientes recebeu imunossupressão de indução. Todos apresentaram falência do enxerto no acompanhamento. Conclusões: Nesta série, houve alta prevalência de hipercelularidade mesangial e glomeruloesclerose segmentar em biópsias de rins nativos, e hipercelularidade mesangial ocorreu em todas as biópsias do enxerto de recidiva da NIgA. Apesar da menor incidência de recidiva de NIgA pós-transplante comparada a relatos anteriores, a progressão para perda do enxerto foi de 100%.

Schõnlein-Henoch purpura in adults: Report of four cases

Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic small vessel vasculitis mediated by IgA-1 deposition in organs such as the skin, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract; it has been mainly described in children where it has a favourable prognosis. Although much rarer in adulthood it is associated with an increased risk of severe kidney involvement, gastrointestinal com-plications, and prolonged hospital stay. The therapeutic options are wide and vary according to the degree of involvement of the patient and the organ mainly affected.

La púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch es una vasculitis sistêmica de pequeno vaso mediada por depósito de IgA en órganos como la piel, el riñón y el tracto gastrointestinal. Se ha descrito principalmente en niños, grupo de población en el que tiene un pronóstico favorable. Si bien en la edad adulta es mucho menos frecuente, se asocia con un mayor riesgo de compromiso renal severo, complicaciones gastrointestinales y estancia hospitalaria prolongada. Las opciones terapêuticas son amplias y varían según el grado de compromiso del paciente y el órgano más afectado.

Changes of gut microflora in newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients and its correlation with clinical risk factors / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the gut microbiota in newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-2 and the association between the gut microbiota and the clinical risk factors of IgA nephropathy.@*METHODS@#Fresh fecal samples were collected from nineteen newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients with CKD stages 1-2 and fifteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Fecal bacterial DNA was extracted and microbiota composition were characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing for the V3-V4 region. The Illumina Miseq platform was used to analyze the results of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of fecal flora. At the same time, the clinical risk factors of IgA nephropathy patients were collected to investigate the association between the gut microbiota and the clinical risk factors.@*RESULTS@#(1) At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly reduced (P=0.046), and the abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly increased (P=0.001). At the genus level, the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Bifidobacte-rium, Dorea and others were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The abundance of Lachnospira, Coprococcus_2 and Sutterella was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). (2) There was no significant difference in the abundance of gut microbiota between the newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients and the healthy control group (P>0.05), but there were differences in the structure of the gut microbiota between the two groups. The results of LEfSe analysis showed that there were 16 differential bacteria in the newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients and healthy controls. Among them, the abundance of the newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients was increased in Enterobacteriales, Actinobacteria, Escherichia-Shigella, etc. The healthy control group was increased in Bacteroidetes and Lachnospira. (3) The result of redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with serum IgA levels, 24-hour urinary protein levels and the presence of hypertension. Lachnoclostridium was positively correlated with the presence of hypertension. Escherichia-Shigella was positively correlated with urine red blood cells account. Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with the proliferation of capillaries. Faecalibacterium was positively correlated with cell/fibrocytic crescents. Ruminococcus_2 was positively correlated with mesangial cell proliferation, glomerular segmental sclerosis and renal tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis.@*CONCLUSION@#The gut microbiota in the newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy patients with CKD stages 1-2 is different from that of the healthy controls. Most importantly, some gut bacteria are related to the clinical risk factors of IgA nephropathy. Further research is needed to understand the potential role of these bacteria in IgA nephropathy.

Effect of Dahuang Xiezhuo Prescription on Renal Tubular Function in Patients with IgA Nephropathy Complicated with Hyperuricemia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Dahuang Xiezhuo prescription on the clinical symptoms， blood uric acid， and renal tubular function of patients with immunoglobulin A （IgA） nephropathy in stages 1-2 of chronic kidney disease （CKD） complicated with hyperuricemia （HUA）. MethodSixty patients with IgA nephropathy in stages 1-2 of CKD complicated with HUA of spleen and kidney deficiency and combined turbidity and blood stasis syndromes were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group， with 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group received basic treatment， i.e.， losartan potassium tablets 50-100 mg/time， once per day， and sodium bicarbonate tablets 0.5 g/time， three times per day by oral administration， combined with low-salt， low-fat， and low-purine diet. The patients in the observation group received Dahuang Xiezhuo prescription on the basis of basic treatment， one dose per day， twice a day in the morning and evening with warm water. Both groups were treated for two months. The total scores of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）syndrome， blood pressure， 24 h urinary protein （24 h UTP）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr） ［glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） was calculated by CKD-epidemiology collaboration （CKD-EPI） formula］， serum uric acid （SUA）， and renal tubular function indexes ［urinary α1-microglobulin （α1-MG）， urinary β2-microglobulin （β2-MG）， urinary kidney injury molecule-1 （KIM-1）， and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin （NGAL）］ of the two groups before treatment and two months after treatment were recorded. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated two months after treatment. ResultAfter 2 months of treatment，the total effective rate in the observation group was 81.48%（22/27），higher than 50.00%（14/28） in the control group（χ2 =6.661，P<0.05）. The total scores of TCM syndrome， 24 h UTP， and SUA in the observation group and the observation group were lower than those before treatment （P<0.05）， and compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group decreased more significantly （P<0.05）. After treatment， the blood pressure in the observation group and the observation group was lower than that before treatment （P<0.05）， and there was no significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups after treatment. After treatment， the levels of urinary α1-MG， β2-MG， KIM-1， and NGAL in the two groups were lower than those before treatment （P<0.05）， and the observation group was lower than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. There were no significant inter-group and intra-group differences in BUN， SCr， and eGFR levels before and after treatment. There were no obvious abnormalities in blood routine， liver function， and electrolytes before and after treatment in the two groups， and no adverse reactions such as allergies occurred. ConclusionDahuang Xiezhuo prescription can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of IgA nephropathy with HUA （CKD1-2） patients with spleen and kidney deficiency and combined turbidity and blood stasis syndromes， reduce blood uric acid level， alleviate renal tubular injury， and protect the kidney. The curative effect is better than that of basic treatment.

Study on improvement effects and mechanism of rhein on immunoglobulin A nephropathy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effects and mechanism of rhein on immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN） model rat based on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into normal control group， IgAN model group and rhein treatment group， with 10 rats in each group. IgAN model group and rhein treatment group were given combination of bovine serum albumin+lipopolysaccharide+carbon tetrachloride to induce IgAN model. Since the 7th week， rhein treatment group rats were intragastrically given relevant medicine， and normal control group and model group rats were given equal amount of normal saline intragastrically， for consecutive 4 weeks. After the last administration， the count of urine sediment erythrocyte， 24 h-urine total protein （UTP）， the levels of immunoglobulin A （IgA） in serum and secretory immunoglobulin A （sIgA） in intestinal mucosa were detected. The pathological changes of Peyer’s patch in renal cortex and intestinal mucosa and IgA deposition in renal cortex were observed. The expressions of interleukin-17 （IL-17）， IL- 6 and transforming growth factor β （TGF-β） in Peyer’s patch of intestinal mucosa in rats were detected. The expressions of STAT3 and related orphan receptor γt （RORγt） mRNA in Peyer’s patch were detected. The expressions of p-STAT3 and RORγt proteins in Peyer’s patch were detected. RESULTS Compared with normal control group， the count of urine sediment erythrocyte， 24 h-UTP， the levels of IgA in serum and sIgA in intestinal mucosa were increased significantly in IgAN model group （P＜0.01）； enlarged renal corpuscles， dilated renal sacs， obvious intratubular mesangial hyperplasia and fibrosis were observed in renal cortex； the volume and germinal center of Peyer’s patch in intestinal mucosa increased； IgA deposition of renal cortex zxyylxk20220103） was obvious； the expressions of IL-17， IL-6 and TGF-β in Peyer’s patch， mRNA expressions of STAT3 and RORγt， protein expressions of p-STAT3 and RORγt were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with IgAN model group，above indexes were decreased significantly in rhein treatment group （P＜0.01）， pathological damage of renal cortex was improved， the volume of Peyer’s patch and germinal center of intestinal mucosa were reduced， and IgA deposition in renal cortex was weakened. CONCLUSIONS Rhein can improve IgAN model rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating immune function of Peyer’s patch in intestinal mucosa.

Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan Formula Regulates Homing-associated Cell Adhesion Molecules in Rat Model of IgA Nephropathy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula on the expression of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 （α4 β1）， vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1）， stromal-derived factor-1 （SDF-1）， and chemokine receptor-4 （CXCR4） in the small intestine and bone marrow of the rat model of immunoglobulin A（IgA） nephropathy. MethodA total of 120 male SD rats were used to establish the IgA nephropathy model by intragastric administration of bovine serum albumin （BSA）， subcutaneous injection of CCl4， and tail vein injection of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into blank， model， lotensin （63 mg·kg-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （10.4， 20.81， 41.62 g·kg-1， respectively） Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula groups （n=16）. The rats were treated with corresponding drugs according to their body weight. After 7 weeks of administration， the rats were sacrificed for the collection of samples， and the protein and mRNA levels of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the small intestine and bone marrow were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction， respectively. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased red blood cell count in the urine at the 10th， 12th， 14th， 16th weeks （P<0.01）， and such increases were reduced in the drug intervention groups （P<0.05）， especially in the medium-dose Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the blank group， the protein levels of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria in the model group were up-regulated （P<0.05）， and such un-regulations were inhibited in the drug intervention groups （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， medium-dose Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula down-regulated the protein levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of α4 β1 and SDF-1 and up-regulated mRNA levels of VCAM-1 and CXCR4 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the drug intervention groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of SDF-1 and CXCR4 （P<0.05）. ConclusionBushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula regulates the expression of α4 β1， VCAM-1， SDF-1， and CXCR4 in the intestinal lamina propria to inhibit the homing effect of plasma cells， which may be associated with the Toll-like receptor-mediated activation of immune response. Bushen Jianpi Jiedu Liyan formula can down-regulate the expression of adhesion molecules to inhibit the proliferation of plasmocytes in circulation， so as to reduce the renal injury of IgA nephropathy.

Clinical outcomes for kidney transplantation in 81 adults with IgA nephropathy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common types of kidney disease, and kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. This study aims to analyze the clinical curative effect of renal transplantation for adults with IgAN and to discuss the efficacy and safety of kidney transplantation for IgAN at the perioperative period and medium- and long-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study included the clinical and follow-up data of 81 adult patients with IgAN who underwent kidney transplantation at the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2018 to January 2022. Of the 81 patients whose age at (34.1±9.9) years old, 47 (58.0％) were male. The body mass index was (20.8±3.2) kg/m2, and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch number was 3.5±1.2. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and daily 24-hour urine output for the recipients on the 1st, 5th, and 7th day after kidney transplantation and when they were discharged were analyzed. The recovery of the transplanted kidney and occurrence of complications were comprehensively evaluated. The eGFR, urinary protein, and occult blood were evaluated at the 6th, 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th month and at the last follow-up. Results: The follow-up time was (25.7±15.8) months. No primary non-function occurred in any patient during the perioperative period time. Fifty-one (63.0％) patients had immediate graft function recovery, and 16 (19.8％) patients had slow graft function recovery. Delayed recovery of graft function was observed in 14 (17.3％) patients. A total of 19 perioperative complications occurred, including 9 patients with acute rejection, 5 patients with urinary fistula, 1 thrombosis in both lower limbs, and 4 lymphatic fistula. The eGFR at 6th, 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th month of follow-up were (65.3±22.9), (67.6±23.0), (64.3±21.8), (65.9± 24.7), and (68.7±31.2) mL/(min·1.73 m2), respectively. The eGFR remained high during the medium- and long-term follow-ups. At the longest follow-up of 56 months, eGFR fluctuation was still mild, and the positive rate of urine protein and occult blood was low. IgAN recurred in 4 transplanted kidneys, accounting for 4.94％ of the total patients, without severe renal insufficiency. Three patients had kidney dysfunction due to severe pneumonia, rejection, and stone in the transplanted kidney. The overall survival rate of the transplanted kidney was higher than 95％, and the survival rate of all patients was 100％ till Januray 2022. Conclusion: Renal transplantation for adults with IgAN had a remarkable short-term effect. The recipients can be beneficial significantly to favorable midium- and long-term outcomes. IgAN recurrence is infrequent and rarely causes severe renal function damage.

Autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases characterized by annular erythema and blisters: a retrospective analysis of 25 cases / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To summarize clinical, histopathological, immunoserological, and therapeutic features of patients with autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases characterized by annular erythema and blisters.Methods:Clinical data were collected from patients with autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases characterized by annular erythema and blisters in the Hospital of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from 2015 to 2022, and their clinical, pathological, immunoserological and therapeutic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 25 patients were enrolled, including 10 males and 15 females, aged 39.21 ± 24.65 years; there were 9 patients with linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), 7 with bullous pemphigoid (BP), 5 with anti-P200 pemphigoid and 4 with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and 20 (80%) patients suffered from pruritus to different extents. Dermal eosinophil infiltration was observed in 15 (60%) patients, elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts in 11 (44%), and both were observed in 7 (28%). Indirect immunofluorescence on salt-split skin and Western blot analysis showed that both IgG and IgA anti-basement membrane zone antibodies were present in 9 patients, including 4 with BP, 1 with LABD, 2 with anti-P200 pemphigoid, and 2 with EBA; and multiple antibodies against different basement membrane zone antigens were present in 5. All the 7 BP patients were treated with systemic glucocorticoids, including 5 (71.4%) receiving combined immunosuppressive agents, and 2 receiving combined minocycline; the patients with LABD, anti-P200 pemphigoid or EBA were sensitive to anti-inflammatory drugs and dapsone.Conclusion:Multiple types of autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases may manifest as annular erythema and blisters, and it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis based on immunoserological tests.

Effects of timing of chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery on patient's immune function and quality of life / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of the timing of chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery on patient's immune function and quality of life.Methods:A total of 100 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer from January 2017 to January 2019 in Jining No. 1 People's Hospital were included in this study. These patients were randomly divided into a control group and an early chemotherapy group ( n = 50/group). Patients in the control group underwent chemotherapy 4-6 weeks after surgery. Patients in the early chemotherapy group received chemotherapy 2 weeks after surgery. The chemotherapy regimens were the same in the two groups. The levels of CD 4+, CD 8+, CD 4+/CD 8+, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured before and after chemotherapy in each group. Chemotherapy-related reverse reactions and infections were recorded. The quality of life was evaluated in each group at the last follow-up. Results:Before chemotherapy, there were no significant differences in CD 4+, CD 8+, CD 4+/CD 8+, IgA, and IgG levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After chemotherapy, CD 4+ and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels in the early chemotherapy group were (51.76 ± 5.21)% and (2.00 ± 0.25), respectively, which were significantly higher than (48.21 ± 4.78)% and (1.70 ± 0.21) in the control group ( t = 3.55, 4.98, both P < 0.05). After chemotherapy, the CD 8+ level in the early chemotherapy group was (25.93±2.43)%, which was significantly lower than (28.29 ± 2.31)% in the control group ( t = 6.50, P < 0.05). Serum IgA and IgG levels in the early chemotherapy group were (3.24 ± 0.38) g/L and (9.27 ± 1.04) g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (2.75 ± 0.37) g/L and (8.43 ± 0.97) g/L in the control group ( t = 6.53, 4.18, both P < 0.05). During chemotherapy, there was no significant difference in the incidence of reverse reactions between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The incidence of infections was significantly lower in the early chemotherapy group than the control group ( P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, generic quality of life inventory-74 scores in the early chemotherapy group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Early chemotherapy can markedly reduce the effects of chemotherapy on the immune function of patients after breast cancer surgery, decrease the incidence of infections, and improve quality of life.

Research advances in the etiology and pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A vasculitis / 中国当代儿科杂志

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, has complex etiology and pathogenesis which have not been fully clarified. The latest research shows that SARS-CoV-2 and related vaccines, human papilloma vaccine, and certain biological agents can also induce IgAV. Most studies believe that the formation of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and Gd-IgA1-containing immune complex plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IgAV. It is hypothesized that the pathogenesis of IgAV is associated with the binding of IgA1 to anti-endothelial cell antibodies. In addition, genetics also constitutes a major focus of IgAV research. This article reviews the new advances in the etiology of IgAV and summarizes the role of Gd-IgA1, Gd-IgA1-containing immune complex, anti-endothelial antibody, IgA1 conjugates, T lymphocyte immunity, and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of IgAV.

Stability of human immunoglobulin(pH 4) for intravenous injection after process optimization / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the stability of human immunoglobulin(pH 4)for intravenous injection(IGIV)after process optimization.Methods A filter plate and B filter membrane were used to filter the protein components in different separation stages to reduce the residue of immunoglobulin A(IgA)in the product in multi-batch large-scale production. The finished product was examined for the physical properties(appearance,visible foreign body,insoluble particle examination and thermal stability test)and the chemical properties[protein content,purity,molecular size distribution,titers of antiHBs,diphtheria antibody,prokallikrein activator(PKA),anti-complement activity(ACA),anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinin,and IgA residue]. The accelerated and long-term stability tests were performed.Results There was no significant difference in the key quality indicators between IGIV batches produced by the optimized process and the normal process,while the IgA residue decreased significantly(t = 3. 992 and 11. 215 respectively,each P < 0. 05). In the accelerated stability and long-term stability tests,all the test results of IGIV after process optimization were qualified,which met the relevant regulations in the third part of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition).Conclusion IGIV after process optimization can effectively reduce IgA residue with good stability,which is of great significance for blood product manufacturers to improve the quality of IGIV products.

Reference intervals for serum immunoglobulin A levels in Brazilian children aged 1 to 10 years: a population-based study

Abstract Objective: To determine reference intervals (Rl) for serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in healthy children aged 1 to 1 0 years residing in the central region of Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,743 healthy children randomly selected from kindergartens and public schools in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. The IgA RIs were defined using the statistical methods postulated by the guidelines of the United States Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the nonparametric bootstrap method, and Horn's robust method after the correction of discrepancies by Tukey's, Dixon's, and Horn's methods, respectively. The results were defined based on the values contained between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: Partition by sex was not necessary to determine the IgA Rl of the studied children. Homogeneous subgroups were identified among children aged 1-<2, 2-<5, and 5-<11 years, whose IgA-specific RIs were determined. Conclusion: The serum IgA RIs were established for three groups of Brazilian children aged 1-11 years, which differed from those currently applied in Brazilian pediatric practice and from those defined by international studies. This definition will help Brazilian pediatricians formulate an accurate diagnosis and facilitate decision-making.

Dermatosis ampollar por IgA lineal inducida por Vancomicina: reporte de un caso / Vancomycin-induced linear igabollous dermatosis: a case report

RESUMEN La dermatosis ampollar por IgA lineal del adulto (DLA) es una enfermedad autoinmune adquirida infrecuente, caracterizada por el depósito lineal de anticuerpos IgA en la membrana basal. La mayoría de los casos reportados son de causa idiopática, pero esta entidad también se ha visto asociada a ciertos fármacos, siendo la vancomicina el más frecuente. Se presenta un caso de DLA asociada a vancomicina, con extensa afectación cutánea y compromiso mucoso, tratado con dapsona y corticoides sistémicos con buena respuesta.

ABSTRACT Adult linear IgA bollous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare acquired autoimmune disease characterized by linear deposition of IgA antibodies on the basement membrane. Most of the reported cases are of idiopathic cause, but this entity has also been associated with certain drugs, vancomycin being the most frequent. We present a case of LABD associated with vancomycine, with extensive skin and mucosal involvement, treated with dapsone and systemic corticosteroids with a good response.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion as a Presenting Feature Caused by Hypertensive Crisis Secondary to IgA Nephropathy

We present a case of Ischemic Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) caused by hypertension secondary to renal failure in IgA nephropathy. A 17 year old male came with chief complaints of sudden painless diminution of vision in RE since 15 days. On examination the Right eye showed multiple superficial retinal haemorrhages in all 4 quadrents with dilated veins and cystoid macular edema suggestive of CRVO and Left eye showed superficial flame shaped haemorrhage suggestive of grade 3 hypertensive changes.

Algoritmo para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hipoplasia del timo pediátrica, asociada o no a inmunodeficiencia / Algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of thymus hypoplasia in childhood, associated or not with immune deficiency

Hace aproximadamente 20 años un grupo de médicos investigadores de Cuba reportaron el empleo de las mediciones del timo por ultrasonografía, como un arma valedera en la evaluación inmunológica de los niños menores de 7 años con cuadros de infecciones frecuentes, fundamentalmente respiratorias. El rango de normalidad propuesto del área de la silueta tímica, es entre 1010,6 - 1425,4 mm2, o sea, 1 218 ± 207,4 mm2. Por debajo y por encima de estos valores se hablaría de hipoplasia e hiperplasia, respectivamente. Se considera hipoplasia grave cuando el área tímica es menor de 500 mm2; moderada cuando se encuentra entre 500 y 799 mm2 y leve cuando se halla entre 800 y 999 mm2. Se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico y tratamiento que engloba la experiencia clínica de 12 años de trabajo en inmunología clínica pediátrica en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Este puede constituir una herramienta útil en las manos de los inmunólogos clínicos pediátricos que adecuarían el tratamiento idóneo para llevar el órgano a su tamaño estándar con la consecuente disminución de los procesos infecciosos y la elevación de los niveles de inmunoglobulina A en los pacientes(AU)

About 20 years ago, a group of Cuban medical researchers reported to the literature the use of measurements of the thymus by ultrasonography, as a valid weapon in the immunological evaluation of children under 7 years of age with frequent infections, mainly respiratory. The range of normality proposed for the area of the thymic silhouette is between 1010.6 - 1425.4 mm2, that is, 1 218 ± 207.4 mm2. Below and above these values, we would speak of hypoplasia and hyperplasia, respectively. Severe hypoplasia is considered when the thymic area is less than 500 mm2; moderate when it is between 500 and 799 mm2 and mild when it is between 800 and 999 mm2. A diagnosis and treatment algorithm is proposed that encompasses the clinical experience of 12 years of work in pediatric clinical immunology at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology. It can be a useful tool in the hands of pediatric clinical immunologists who would adapt the ideal treatment to bring the organ to its standard size with the consequent decrease in infectious processes and the elevation of immunoglobulin A levels in patients(AU)