RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Macrophages in renal transplants have been shown to participate in antibody-mediated rejection and are associated with impaired renal function. We calculated the glomerular macrophage index (GMI) in a large transplant biopsy cohort, studied its quantity in different diagnostic groups, to clarify its possible impact on graft survival. METHODS: GMI, defined as the mean number of macrophages in 10 glomeruli, was prospectively quantified in 1440 renal transplant biopsies over a 10-year period. The main histopathological diagnoses were grouped into eight disease entities, and GMI was compared to normal transplant biopsies as the reference group. The impact of GMI on graft survival was analyzed. RESULTS: GMI was highest in chronic (mean 9.4) and active (9.7) antibody mediated rejections (ABMR), mixed rejections (7.6), and recurrent or de novo glomerulonephritis (7.5) and differed significantly from normal transplants (1.3) in almost all diagnostic groups. Hazard ratios for graft loss were significantly increased for all biopsies with GMI ≥1.9 compared to GMI < .5 (reference group) in an adjusted Cox regression model and increased with higher GMI levels. Biopsies with GMI ≥ 4.6 had < 60% 10-year graft-survival, compared to > 80% with GMI ≤ 1.8. CONCLUSION: GMI levels were predictive of graft loss independent of histological diagnoses and may guide clinicians to decide follow-up and therapy.
Assuntos
Nefropatias , Transplante de Rim , Humanos , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Rejeição de Enxerto/diagnóstico , Rejeição de Enxerto/etiologia , Glomérulos Renais , Nefropatias/patologia , Biópsia , Anticorpos , Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Macrófagos , RimRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Xenogenic activation of hemostasis (XAH) represents a major hurdle for the transplantation of discordant animal organs into humans as it results in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We have previously shown that recombinant human-activated protein C (rhAPC) mitigates XAH and TMA in an ex vivo model of pig-to-human kidney transplantation. However, the use of rhAPC may not be feasible in a perioperative setting due to possible bleeding complications. METHODS: Here, we explored the effects of another natural inhibitor of coagulation, human recombinant antithrombin (rhAT), in comparison with rhAPC. Unmodified porcine kidneys (n = 25) were perfused ex vivo with porcine blood, human blood, or human blood supplemented with rhAPC or rhAT. Surrogate parameters of organ survival, markers of XAH (D- Dimer, thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT], fibrinogen, antithrombin activity, plasminogen), endothelial cell and platelet activation (E-selectin, P-selectin), platelet function tests and histological signs of TMA were evaluated. RESULTS: Perfusion was feasible for > 240 min in all experiments with autologous porcine blood, but limited to 126 ± 78 min with human blood due to increased vascular resistance. Addition of rhAT protected from TMA and allowed for perfusion times > 240 min. In addition, there were less signs of XAH with reduced release of P-selectin and overexpression of E-selectin, whereas the progressive loss of platelet function, observed during discordant perfusion, was prevented. The effect of rhAT was dose-dependent with maximum protection obtained at 3 IU/ml. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in this ex vivo model of discordant xenotransplantation, rhAT reduced XAH and prevented TMA in doses that appear feasible for use in clinical or preclinical transplantation settings.
Assuntos
Proteínas Antitrombina/administração & dosagem , Hemostasia/efeitos dos fármacos , Transplante de Rim/métodos , Transplante Heterólogo/métodos , Animais , Coagulação Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Selectina E/genética , Selectina E/metabolismo , Humanos , Rim/irrigação sanguínea , Rim/patologia , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Modelos Biológicos , Perfusão , Ativação Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteína C/administração & dosagem , Proteínas Recombinantes/administração & dosagem , Sus scrofa , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/sangue , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/etiologia , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/prevenção & controle , Transplante Heterólogo/efeitos adversos , Resistência Vascular/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
ABO-compatible as well as ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation are well established in the pediatric population. There are particularities in the histopathological evaluation of pediatric kidney transplant biopsies as for example the recurrence of certain diseases different from the adult population. Furthermore, the challenging transition of pediatric renal transplant recipients to adulthood is associated with an increased rate of non-adherence triggered rejection episodes. With modern immunosuppressive drugs, T-cell-mediated rejection of renal allografts is well controlled. In contrast, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is increasingly recognized as one of the major reasons for allograft loss. However, the 2001 diagnostic Banff criteria for antibody-mediated rejection require further refinement, as the morphological spectrum of AMR expands while effective therapeutic strategies are lacking. For example, endarteritis, which traditionally has been attributed to T-cell-mediated rejection, has recently been shown to be part of the AMR spectrum in some cases. Many findings in transplant renal biopsies are not specific for a certain disease but need consideration of differential diagnoses. To use the term "chronic allograft nephropathy" as a diagnostic entity is no longer appropriate. Therefore, the precise identification of specific diseases is paramount in the assessment of transplant renal biopsies in order to enable tailored therapeutic management.
Assuntos
Rejeição de Enxerto/diagnóstico , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Criança , Rejeição de Enxerto/imunologia , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (caAMR) in kidney transplants is associated with irreversible tissue damage and a leading cause of graft loss in the long-term. However, the treatment for caAMR remains a challenge to date. Recently, tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the human interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, has shown promise in the treatment of caAMR. However, it has not been systematically investigated so far underscoring the need for randomized controlled studies in this area. METHODS: The INTERCEPT study is an investigator-driven randomized controlled open-label multi-center trial in kidney transplant recipients to assess the efficacy of tocilizumab in the treatment of biopsy-proven caAMR. A total of 50 recipients with biopsy-proven caAMR at least 12 months after transplantation will be randomized to receive either tocilizumab (n = 25) added to our standard of care (SOC) maintenance treatment or SOC alone (n = 25) for a period of 24 months. Patients will be followed for an additional 12 months after cessation of study medication. After the inclusion biopsies at baseline, protocol kidney graft biopsies will be performed at 12 and 24 months. The sample size calculation assumed a difference of 5 ml/year in slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between the two groups for 80% power at an alpha of 0.05. The primary endpoint is the slope of eGFR at 24 months after start of treatment. The secondary endpoints include assessment of the following at 12, 24, and 36 months: composite risk score iBox, safety, evolution and characteristics of donor-specific antibodies (DSA), graft histology, proteinuria, kidney function assessed by measured GFR (mGFR), patient- and death-censored graft survival, and patient-reported outcomes that include transplant-specific well-being, adherence to immunosuppressive medications and perceived threat of the risk of graft rejection. DISCUSSION: No effective treatment exists for caAMR at present. Based on the hypothesis that inhibition of IL-6 receptor by tocilizumab will reduce antibody production and reduce antibody-mediated damage, our randomized trial has a potential to provide evidence for a novel treatment strategy for caAMR, therewith slowing the decline in graft function in the long-term. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04561986. Registered on September 24, 2020.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados , Transplante de Rim , Humanos , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados/uso terapêutico , Rejeição de Enxerto , Rim , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Estudos Multicêntricos como Assunto , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Fibrinogen storage disease (FSD) is a rare autosomal-dominant hereditary disorder characterized by hypofibrinogenemia and accumulation of fibrinogen aggregates within the hepatocellular endoplasmatic reticulum (ER). Some FSD patients present with elevated amino-transferases and fibrosis/cirrhosis similar to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (ATD), also an ER storage disease. Pharmacological stimulation of autophagy has been shown to mediate clearance of protein aggregates and halt progression of liver fibrosis in in vivo models of ATD. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of autophagy and a possible response to autophagy-enhancing therapy in patients with FSD. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography in 2 newly identified FSD families with fibrinogen Aguadilla and Brescia mutations, encompassing 8 affected members. Available liver biopsies were assessed for autophagy. Two patients, who had had elevated alanine amino-transaminase levels (2-5 above upper limit of normal), were treated with the autophagy enhancer carbamazepine (CBZ). Transient elastography did not show evidence of significant fibrosis in any affected family members. Quantitative electron microscopy of one patient showed a 5.15-fold increase of late stage autophagocytic vacuoles compared to control livers. CBZ at low anticonvulsive treatment levels led to rapid normalization of alanine-aminotransferase and decrease of caspase-cleaved and uncleaved cytokeratin-18 fragments (M30 and M65). These effects reversed after discontinuation of treatment. Response to CBZ may be mediated by pharmacologically enhanced autophagy resulting in reduction of aggregate-related toxicity in FSD. These results suggest clinical applicability of pharmacological stimulation of autophagy in FSD, but potentially also in other related disorders.
Assuntos
Afibrinogenemia/tratamento farmacológico , Carbamazepina/uso terapêutico , Fibrinogênio/metabolismo , Afibrinogenemia/metabolismo , Afibrinogenemia/patologia , Autofagia/efeitos dos fármacos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Técnicas de Imagem por Elasticidade , Retículo Endoplasmático/metabolismo , Retículo Endoplasmático/ultraestrutura , Feminino , Fibrinogênio/genética , Humanos , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Linhagem , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/tratamento farmacológico , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/metabolismo , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/patologiaRESUMO
Arteriolar hyalinosis in kidney transplants is considered the histopathologic hallmark of chronic calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity. However, the lesion is not specific. We assessed prevalence, progression, and clinical significance of arteriolar lesions in 1239 renal transplant sequential protocol biopsy samples and 408 biopsy for cause samples in 526 patients. Associations between arteriolar lesions and presumed risk factors, concomitant histopathologic lesions, demographic factors, and graft function were evaluated. The frequency of arteriolar lesions was stable during the first 2 years after transplantation, and increased thereafter (14.8% at 6 months versus 48.6% at >2 years; P < 0.0001). We were unable to find associations with diabetes, hypertension, or CNI therapy. However, patients with early arteriolar lesions received grafts from older donors (mean ± SD age, 54.4 ± 13.4 years versus 43.1 ± 16.6 years; P < 0.0001), and had inferior graft function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 55 ± 21 mL/min versus 63 ± 24 mL/min at 6 weeks, 53 ± 19 mL/min versus 60 ± 23 mL/min at 1 year, and 49 ± 19 mL/min versus 59 ± 22 mL/min at 2 years; P < 0.05). Evaluation of late biopsy samples from patients not receiving CNI therapy revealed a high prevalence of AH without clear-cut identifiable underlying cause. Reproducibility of arteriolar lesions was at best moderate (κ ≤ 0.62). Sampling error in sequential biopsy samples was frequent. In conclusion, in samples from sequential protocol biopsies and biopsies for cause in individual patients, arteriolar lesions in renal transplants not only increase over time without being specific for CNI toxicity but are affected by sampling error and limited reproducibility.
Assuntos
Transplante de Rim/patologia , Rim/irrigação sanguínea , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Arteríolas/patologia , Biópsia , Ciclosporina/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus/patologia , Diabetes Mellitus/fisiopatologia , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular , Humanos , Hialina/metabolismo , Hipertensão/patologia , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Imunossupressores/sangue , Rim/patologia , Rim/fisiopatologia , Transplante de Rim/fisiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Variações Dependentes do Observador , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tacrolimo/sangue , Doadores de TecidosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: ABO incompatibility is no longer a barrier in kidney transplantation. C4d is frequently positive in ABO-incompatible (iABO) biopsies without further signs of microcirculation injury. This phenomenon is assumed to represent graft accommodation. However, ultrastructural examination of glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelium might reveal subtle endothelial damage. METHODS: We studied the ultrastructural appearance of the endothelium in 67 biopsies from 21 patients with iABO allografts and compared it with 20 patients (29 biopsies) with ABO-compatible (cABO) grafts with C4d positivity and 25 ABO-compatible control patients (25 biopsies) without serological or histological evidence of humoral rejection (C4d negative). Ten ultrastructural parameters indicative of chronic and acute glomerular and peritubular capillary damage in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were semi-quantitatively graded and expressed in a sum score. Clinico-pathological data were compared as well as graft function at the time of biopsy and follow-up. RESULTS: Ultrastructural parameters did not significantly differ between iABO and controls. In contrast, C4d-positive cABO had the highest TEM sum score (P = 0.001 versus iABO, P = 0.002 versus controls). The sum score did not differ between C4d-positive and C4d-negative iABO but did differ between patients with and without anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA). Graft function in iABO at the time of biopsy and at follow-up was similar to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our ultrastructural observations support the concept of endothelial accommodation in iABO renal transplants. C4d positivity in the ABO-incompatible situation does not indicate injurious activation of the complement cascade and does not seem to impact on the graft function, in contrast to C4d deposition in cABO with antibody-mediated rejection.
Assuntos
Sistema ABO de Grupos Sanguíneos/imunologia , Complemento C4b/imunologia , Endotélio/patologia , Rejeição de Enxerto/imunologia , Nefropatias/patologia , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/imunologia , Adulto , Idoso , Aloenxertos , Incompatibilidade de Grupos Sanguíneos/imunologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Ativação do Complemento , Feminino , Seguimentos , Antígenos HLA/imunologia , Humanos , Nefropatias/terapia , Transplante de Rim , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transplante HomólogoRESUMO
A key event in the progression of glomerular disease is podocyte loss that leads to focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Because adult podocytes are postmitotic cells, podocyte replacement by bone marrow-derived progenitors could prevent podocytopenia and FSGS. This study uses double immunofluorescence for Wilms' tumor-1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) to examine whether an eGFP-positive bone marrow transplant can replace podocytes under normal circumstances and in 3 different rat models of FSGS: puromycin aminoglycoside nephropathy, subtotal nephrectomy, and uninephrectomy. Bone marrow engraftment was successful, with more than 70% eGFP-positive cells and virtually normal histologic findings. No bone marrow transplant-derived podocytes were found in four control rats after transplantation, in nine rats at up to 10 weeks after puromycin aminoglycoside nephropathy induction, in three rats 23 days after subtotal nephrectomy, and in six rats up to 21 days after uninephrectomy. A total of 2200 glomeruli with 14,474 podocytes were evaluated in all groups. Thus, podocyte replacement by bone marrow-derived cells does not contribute to podocyte turnover in rats, even in models of podocyte damage. This is in contrast to previous studies in mice, in which bone marrow-derived podocytes were found. Further studies will address this discrepancy, which could be explained by species differences or by predominant podocyte regeneration from a parietal epithelial cell niche.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Ablação , Células da Medula Óssea/citologia , Nefropatias/patologia , Nefropatias/cirurgia , Rim/cirurgia , Podócitos/citologia , Células-Tronco/citologia , Animais , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Imunofluorescência , Glomerulosclerose Segmentar e Focal/patologia , Glomerulosclerose Segmentar e Focal/cirurgia , Rim/patologia , Podócitos/metabolismo , Puromicina , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Células-Tronco/metabolismoRESUMO
Transplant glomerulopathy (TxG) can show secondary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS in native kidneys is caused by podocytopenia. This study examines podocytopenia and the role of decreased paracrine Met activation on podocytes by decreased glomerular hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in the development of podocytopenia in TxG. Podocytes were counted in 10 zero-hour biopsies and 10 specimens each with and without TxG. HGF/Met was examined with immunostains and quantitative RT-PCR in a set of three consecutive biopsies from 10 patients with TxG, including the diagnostic biopsy (DiagnBx) and the two previous biopsies (1stPrevBx and 2ndPrevBx). Antiapoptotic effects of HGF on podocytes were examined in vitro. Mean podocyte numbers per glomerulus were lower and glomerular volume higher in TxG. Fewer of the two preceding biopsies of the patients than of the controls contained phospho-Met(Tyr1349)-positive podocytes (2 of 8 versus 7 of 7, P = 0.0070; 4 of 9 versus 9 of 9, P = 0.0294). Glomerular HGF mRNA levels were lower in the 1stPrevBx of the patients (0.049 ± 0.083 versus 0.284 ± 0.331; P = 0.0155). In vitro, HGF stimulation of podocytes resulted in antiapoptotic phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and induction of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Decreased antiapoptotic Met signaling in podocytes, probably due to decreased HGF secretion by glomerular epithelial cells, could contribute to podocyte loss and FSGS in TxG.
Assuntos
Glomerulosclerose Segmentar e Focal/metabolismo , Glomerulosclerose Segmentar e Focal/patologia , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Podócitos/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-met/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Western Blotting , Feminino , Fator de Crescimento de Hepatócito/metabolismo , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Marcação In Situ das Extremidades Cortadas , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Podócitos/patologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase ReversaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Benign nephrosclerosis (bN) is the most prevalent form of hypertensive damage in kidney biopsies. It is defined by early hyalinosis and later fibrosis of renal arterioles. Despite its high prevalence, very little is known about the contribution of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to bN. We examined classical and novel candidate markers of the normal contractile and the pro-fibrotic secretory phenotype of VSMCs in arterioles in bN. METHODS: Sixty-three renal tissue specimens with bN and eight control specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry for the contractile markers caldesmon, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), JunB, smoothelin and the secretory marker S100A4 and by double stains for caldesmon or smoothelin with S100A4. RESULTS: Smoothelin immunostaining showed an inverse correlation with hyalinosis and fibrosis scores, while S100A4 correlated with fibrosis scores only. Neither caldesmon, alpha-SMA nor JunB correlated with hyalinosis or fibrosis scores. Cells in the arteriolar wall were exclusively positive either for caldesmon/smoothelin or S100A4. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic analysis of VSMC differentiation in bN. The results suggest that smoothelin is the most sensitive marker for the contractile phenotype and that S100A4 could be a novel marker for the secretory phenotype in vivo. The other markers did not seem to differentiate these phenotypes in bN. Thus, VSMC phenotype markers should be defined in the context of the vessel segment and disease under examination. S100A4 could not only be a marker of pro-fibrotic secretory VSMCs in bN but also an important mediator of arteriolar fibrosis.
Assuntos
Arteríolas/patologia , Diferenciação Celular , Músculo Liso Vascular/patologia , Miócitos de Músculo Liso/patologia , Nefroesclerose/patologia , Adulto , Arteríolas/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , Técnicas Imunoenzimáticas , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteínas Musculares/metabolismo , Músculo Liso Vascular/metabolismo , Miócitos de Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Nefroesclerose/metabolismo , Prognóstico , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Post-transplant haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a rare but serious disease with a high mortality rate, when left untreated. Immunosuppressive drugs like calcineurin inhibitors as well as mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have been reported as causative agents for post-transplant HUS. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed in lung transplant recipients, who took part in an interventional study, in two centres. Haemoglobin, platelets, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase levels were monitored during routine follow-up and patients with deteriorating kidney function were screened for post-transplant HUS. All cases of post-transplant HUS were identified by clinical and laboratory findings. Outcome was recorded until 6 months after diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 2188 visits in 512 lung transplant recipients (outpatients) were analysed. Out of those, 126 patients took part in an interventional study. In this study, 67 were switched to everolimus in combination with calcineurin inhibitors 4 weeks after transplantation, 59 patients remained on standard immunosuppression (calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone). Five cases of post-transplant HUS were identified in the everolimus group. None of the patients had evidence of gastrointestinal infection or preexisting renal disease. Post-transplant HUS was treated with therapeutic plasma exchange and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Everolimus was discontinued in all five patients. This treatment regimen led to normalization of haemoglobin, platelets and improved renal function. Two patients developed end-stage renal failure and were maintained on haemodialysis. One patient died due to multiorgan failure. Improvement of renal function was seen in two patients. No further cases were recorded in patients without everolimus during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our data should raise the awareness of post-transplant HUS in lung transplant recipients. Post-transplant HUS is a rare disease, but it is a serious cause of acute renal failure in lung transplant recipients treated with a combination of everolimus and calcineurin inhibitors.
Assuntos
Ciclosporina/uso terapêutico , Síndrome Hemolítico-Urêmica/etiologia , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Pneumopatias/terapia , Transplante de Pulmão/efeitos adversos , Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Sirolimo/análogos & derivados , Adulto , Inibidores de Calcineurina , Everolimo , Feminino , Seguimentos , Rejeição de Enxerto/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Pneumopatias/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sirolimo/uso terapêutico , Taxa de SobrevidaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hypertensive nephrosclerosis alone and in combination with other renal diseases is a leading cause of terminal renal insufficiency. Histologic lesions manifest as benign nephrosclerosis (bN) with arteriolar hyalinosis and later fibrosis. Procoagulant micromilieus have been implicated in fibrosis. Hyalinosis is considered to consist of plasma insudation possibly containing procoagulant factors like von Willebrand factor (VWF). Therefore, it is hypothesized that VWF cleaving protease ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type-1 motif, 13) is normally expressed by arteriolar vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and diminished in bN and that this reduction contributes to fibrosis in bN. METHODS: ADAMTS13 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in VSMCs of various human organs. Fifty-four specimens with and seven without bN were immunostained for ADAMTS13, VWF, CD61 and VSMC differentiation markers in arteriolar walls. RESULTS: Expression of ADAMTS13 is confirmed in VSMCs. In bN, ADAMTS13 immunostaining of arterial VSMCs correlated inversely with fibrotic but not hyalinotic lesions. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chain showed an inverse correlation with hyalinotic, as opposed to fibrotic lesions of bN. Smoothelin showed an inverse correlation with both hyalinotic and fibrotic lesions of bN. VWF was absent in normal controls and hyalinotic lesions, but present exclusively in fibrotic lesions in 7/54 (13%) bN cases. CD61 was absent in all arteriolar walls. CONCLUSIONS: The present results establish ADAMTS13 as a novel marker of contractile VSMCs that is retained in early hyalinotic bN but partially lost later in fibrotic bN. Loss of ADAMTS13 and accumulation of VWF in fibrotic but not hyalinotic arteriolar walls could further propagate fibrosis in bN.
Assuntos
Proteínas ADAM/metabolismo , Artérias/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Integrina beta3/metabolismo , Miócitos de Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Nefroesclerose/metabolismo , Fator de von Willebrand/metabolismo , Proteínas ADAM/genética , Proteína ADAMTS13 , Artérias/citologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Humanos , Técnicas Imunoenzimáticas , Integrina beta3/genética , Contração Muscular , Nefroesclerose/diagnóstico , Nefroesclerose/genética , Prognóstico , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase Reversa , Fator de von Willebrand/genéticaRESUMO
Acute antibody-mediated rejections (aAMR) after renal transplantation are defined by rapidly deteriorating graft function, detection of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and characteristic histological features. In adults, anti-rejection strategies comprise intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroid pulses, plasmapheresis and rituximab. Data of children with aAMR are scarce. We report four episodes of aAMR in three children (aged 10, 10 and 11 years respectively) occurring early after renal transplantation. Pre-transplant complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatches were negative; in the case of re-transplantation repeated antigens were excluded. Basic immunosuppression comprised cyclosporine A, MMF and steroids. All four rejection episodes were histologically proven and associated with acute renal failure. De novo DSAs were detected in two aAMRs; one patient was additionally tested positive for AT1-receptor antibodies. All aAMRs were treated with steroid pulses, tacrolimus, MMF, IVIG, plasmapheresis and one single dose of rituximab. Despite therapy one graft was lost; in the remaining three cases kidney function re-established within 1-8 weeks. At follow-up, 14, 15 and 22 months' post-rejection their GFRs were 65, 88 and 105 ml/min/1.73 m(2) respectively. A combined therapy of steroid pulses, IVIG, plasmapheresis and rituximab is potentially effective in the treatment of aAMR in children.
Assuntos
Injúria Renal Aguda/imunologia , Rejeição de Enxerto/imunologia , Isoanticorpos/sangue , Transplante de Rim/imunologia , Injúria Renal Aguda/diagnóstico , Injúria Renal Aguda/terapia , Anticorpos Monoclonais Murinos/uso terapêutico , Biópsia , Criança , Quimioterapia Combinada , Feminino , Rejeição de Enxerto/diagnóstico , Rejeição de Enxerto/terapia , Humanos , Imunoglobulinas Intravenosas/uso terapêutico , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Doadores Vivos , Plasmaferese , Diálise Renal , Rituximab , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do TratamentoAssuntos
Transplante de Rim/métodos , Transplante de Fígado/métodos , Metanol/intoxicação , Obtenção de Tecidos e Órgãos , Adolescente , Biópsia por Agulha , Morte Encefálica , Rejeição de Enxerto , Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Transplante de Fígado/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Cuidados Pré-Operatórios , Prognóstico , Medição de Risco , Estudos de Amostragem , Taxa de Sobrevida , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The most common cause of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children and younger adults is the minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). In the elderly MCNS is relatively uncommon. Over the last decade some reports suggest a rare but possible association with the administration of various vaccines. CASE PRESENTATION: A 82-year old Caucasian female presented with pronounced nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria of 7.1 g/d, hypoproteinemia of 47 g/l). About six weeks prior to admission, she had received a combination vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis as a booster-vaccination from her general practitioner. The renal biopsy revealed typical minimal change lesions. She responded well to the initiated steroid treatment. As through physical examination as well as extensive laboratory and imaging studies did neither find any evidence for malignancies nor infections we suggest that the minimal change nephrotic syndrome in this patient might be related to the activation of the immune system triggered by the vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our case as well as previous anecdotal reports suggests that vaccination and the resulting stimulations of the immune system might cause MCNS and other severe immune-reactions. Increased awareness in that regard might help to expand the database of those cases.
Assuntos
Toxoide Diftérico/efeitos adversos , Nefrose Lipoide/induzido quimicamente , Nefrose Lipoide/prevenção & controle , Vacina Antipólio de Vírus Inativado/efeitos adversos , Toxoide Tetânico/efeitos adversos , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Vacina Antipólio Oral , Vacinas Combinadas/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Complement activation plays a key role in mediating apoptosis, inflammation, and transplant rejection. In this study, the role of the complement 5a receptor (C5aR) was examined in human renal allografts and in an allogenic mouse model of renal transplant rejection. In human kidney transplants with acute rejection, C5aR expression was increased in renal tissue and in cells infiltrating the tubulointerstitium. Similar findings were observed in mice. When recipient mice were treated once daily with a C5aR antagonist before transplantation, long-term renal allograft survival was markedly improved compared with vehicle-treatment (75 versus 0%), and apoptosis was reduced. Furthermore, treatment with a C5aR antagonist significantly attenuated monocyte/macrophage infiltration, perhaps a result of reduced levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and the intercellular adhesion molecule 1. In vitro, C5aR antagonism inhibited intercellular adhesion molecule 1 upregulation in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells and reduced adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, C5aR blockade markedly reduced alloreactive T cell priming. These results demonstrate that C5aR plays an important role in mediating acute kidney allograft rejection, suggesting that pharmaceutical targeting of C5aR may have potential in transplantation medicine.
Assuntos
Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Transplante de Rim/métodos , Receptor da Anafilatoxina C5a/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Apoptose , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Molécula 1 de Adesão Intercelular/metabolismo , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Monócitos/metabolismo , Linfócitos T/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLR) modulate the immune response. We analyzed the relationships between TLR expression in renal tissue with infection, rejection and graft function after kidney transplantation. METHODS: TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 257 protocol biopsies obtained 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after transplantation, and in 108 indication biopsies. We correlated TLR expression in different renal tissue compartments with kidney transplant function 6, 12 and 24 months after transplantation, acute cellular rejection in renal grafts (according to the Banff classification), and urinary tract and cytomegalovirus infections. RESULTS: We found a highly consistent correlation of TLR-2 expression in proximal and distal tubules, and in renal vessels (p < 0.001 for all compartments), but not for TLR-4 expression. This holds true for all protocol biopsy time points as well as for indication biopsies. Positive TLR-2 expression in renal tubules was associated with significantly (p < 0.05) better initial graft function as well as graft function 6, 12 and 24 months after transplantation. We also found a significant (p < 0.05) association between TLR-2 expression and lower incidence of acute cellular rejection in early protocol biopsies (6 weeks). In contrast, positive TLR-4 expression was not related to kidney function or acute cellular rejection. Further, the two different TLR subtypes were not related to episodes of urinary tract or cytomegalovirus infections. CONCLUSION: TLR-2 expression in renal tissue is associated with superior graft function up to 2 years after kidney transplantation. The role of TLR-2 in the immune response against human kidney transplants warrants further investigation.
Assuntos
Transplante de Rim , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/análise , Biópsia , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/metabolismo , Feminino , Rejeição de Enxerto , Humanos , Rim/química , Túbulos Renais Distais/química , Túbulos Renais Proximais/química , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Tempo , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/fisiologia , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/análise , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/fisiologia , Transplante Homólogo , Infecções Urinárias/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the assessment of renal perfusion parameters after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in an experimental murine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balb/cJ wildtype mice were subjected to 45 minutes (AKI45) or 60 minutes (AKI60) of unilateral warm I/R injury by clamping the pedicle of the right kidney. Two, 7, and 18 days after right I/R injury, renal blood flow (RBF), renal volume of distribution (RVD), and mean transit time were quantitatively assessed in the cortex of both kidneys by dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. Acute tubular injury (ATI) was assessed by histologic analysis using a semiquantitative sum score (score, 0-18) and correlated with RBF, RVD, and mean transit time. RESULTS: Histologic signs of ATI could be detected in the clamped kidneys in both groups already at day 2. Pathologic features of ATI worsened in AKI60 until day 18 (score, 7 ± 0), whereas mice in AKI45 group showed amelioration over time (score, 4 ± 2). Renal blood flow was significantly reduced in ischemic kidneys in AKI45 (287 ± 32 mL/100 mL per minute; P < 0.01) and AKI60 group (249 ± 73 mL/100 mL per minute; P < 0.01) as compared with that in healthy kidneys (402 ± 49 mL/100 mL per minute) on day 2. It decreased further at day 7 in both groups (AKI45: 165 ± 44 mL/100 mL per minute, P < 0.01; AKI60: 151 ± 72 mL/100 mL per minute, P < 0.05) and improved at day 18 in AKI45 (261 ± 11 mL/100 mL per minute, P < 0.05) and to a lesser degree in AKI60 (197 ± 52 mL/100 mL per minute, P > 0.05). Values of RVD paralleled RBF at all time points. Renal blood flow (r = -0.79; P < 0.01) and RVD (r = -0.8; P < 0.01) significantly correlated with the histological damage score (Spearman rank correlation). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT is a noninvasive method to determine renal perfusion changes in acute kidney injury. It might be a valuable diagnostic tool to predict outcome or monitor treatment effects of renal I/R injury.
Assuntos
Injúria Renal Aguda/diagnóstico por imagem , Rim/irrigação sanguínea , Rim/diagnóstico por imagem , Traumatismo por Reperfusão/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Injúria Renal Aguda/patologia , Animais , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Rim/patologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Circulação Renal , Traumatismo por Reperfusão/patologiaRESUMO
Telomere shortening in the kidney explains the impaired regenerative capacity, but may not drive the ageing phenotype itself. We investigated kidneys from young and old Terc(+/+) and Terc(-/-) mice of early (G1) and late (G4, G5) generations. Functional parameters declined and age-related morphological changes increased in late generation Terc(-/-) mice and with further age. Podocyte loss was only seen in old G4 Terc(-/-). Whereas p21(CIP1/WAF1) was highest in old G1 and G4 Terc(-/-), telomere shortening and p16(INK4a) expression, also significantly associated with later generation young Terc(-/-), were not further induced in old Terc(-/-) mice. Both, young and old late generation Terc(-/-), showed increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Young late generation Terc(-/-) animals show mild functional and histological abnormalities, the presence of cellular senescence explains their kidneys' limited regenerative capacity. While these aspects resemble the situation seen in aged human kidneys, the lack of telomere shortening and p16(INK4a) induction in older Terc(-/-) animals differs from observations in old human kidneys and may result from clearance of senescent cells. This animal model is well suited to investigate the mechanisms of impaired renal regeneration in aged human kidney, but may not fully explain the natural course of the human renal ageing phenotype.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/metabolismo , Rim/metabolismo , Regeneração , Telomerase/deficiência , Envelhecimento/genética , Animais , Inibidor p16 de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina/biossíntese , Inibidor p16 de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina/genética , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p21/biossíntese , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p21/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Rim/patologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , RNARESUMO
According to the Banff guidelines for renal transplants, pure endothelialitis without any tubulointerstitial infiltrates (with the Banff components v ≥ 1, i0, t0) has to be called acute cellular rejection (ACR). The pathophysiology of this rare lesion abbreviated as v_only is currently unclear, as well as its clinical, serological, and prognostic implications. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective comparative study. We compared all 23 biopsies with v_only from Hannover Medical School between 2003 and 2010 with 23 matched biopsies with the Banff components v ≥ 1, i ≥ 1, and t ≥ 1 (v_plus) and 23 biopsies with v0, i0, and t0 (v0i0t0). Serological (available in 10, 11, and 14 patients, respectively), histological, and clinical data were compared. Of all biopsies, 0.4 % had findings of v_only. v_only, v_plus, and v0i0t0 only showed minimal differences in the Banff components apart from the cohort-defining components. Endothelialitis in v_only more frequently involved the arcuate arteries than the smaller preglomerular vessels compared to v_plus and vice versa. Combining histopathological data and serological data, v_only more frequently showed criteria for acute humoral rejection than v0i0t0 (albeit not persistent after the Bonferroni-Holm correction in pairwise comparisons), while there was no difference between v_only and v_plus. No difference could be demonstrated regarding clinical presentation at biopsy or outcome. Our results show minimal differences regarding clinical presentation, outcome, and histological features between v_only and v_plus. Patients with v_only should be thoroughly investigated for evidence of acute humoral rejection.