Abstract
Background:
The
state of Aguascalientes,
Mexico, has been recognized as a
chronic kidney disease hotspot.
Screening studies have revealed a high
prevalence of persistent
albuminuria (pA), histologically characterized by glomerulomegaly, and incomplete
podocyte fusion, probably associated with oligonephrony. To date, urinary
biomarkers have not been explored in this
population.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to identify the presence of potential
biomarkers of early renal
injury in
patients with pA (pACR) and that correspond with the characteristic nephropathy profile that prevails in this entity.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and
comparative study. Four groups were recruited
adolescents aged 10-17 years with pACR, isolated
albuminuria (
iACR), no
albuminuria (negative control), and
adults with
biopsy-confirmed glomerulopathy (positive control). Urinary excretion of SerpinA3,
heat-shock protein-72 (HSP-72), podocalyxin (PCX), and nephrin was evaluated in
urine samples. SerpinA3 and HSP-72 were analyzed by
Western blot, and PCX and nephrin were quantified by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
The mean GFR in the pACR group was 113.4 mL/min/1.73m2 and differed significantly only from that of the positive
control group (65.1 mL/min/1.73m2). The mean
albuminuria value in the pACR group was 48.9 mg/g. SerpinA3 concentration differed between groups (0.08 vs. 0.25 ng/mL, p < 0.001) it was significantly higher in the pACR group compared to the negative controls (p = 0.037).
Conclusion:
SerpinA3 was significantly associated with pA and could become a
biomarker of early
kidney injury. Further investigations are required to determine whether SerpinA3 precedes the development of
albuminuria and its pathogenic
role.