Detection of Inflammatory Signaling in Individuals with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Presenting Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Context: Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with variable prevalence rates across populations, characterized by symptoms such as retinal degeneration and intellectual disability. In this study, researchers investigated renal cystic epithelia from patients with PKD1 mutations. This study identified the upregulation of genes related to the Jak-STAT pathway and NF-κB signaling in these renal cells. These pathways appear to be crucial in regulating immune responses within cystic epithelial and renal cell types in PKD-affected kidneys. Evidence Acquisition: This study was carried out through a literature search with the keywords of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Newborn, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), combined with Drug Therapy in Scopes, PubMed, and Web of Science. This study included relevant articles (i.e., randomized controlled trials, observational studies, guidelines, and reviews) written in English and published between 2000 and 2023. Results: Recent genome-wide expression analyses have provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms associated with PKD. The Jak-STAT system, essential for immune signaling, can be activated by cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Conclusions: Promising developments in the treatment of PKD have emerged from studies involving immune-modulating drugs in animal models. Glucocorticoids and rosmarinic acid exhibited positive effects, reducing cystic indices and preserving renal function in PKD mice and rats. Mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug, showed effectiveness in reducing cyst area, inflammation, and fibrosis in rat models. Additionally, COX-2 inhibitors, PPARγ agonists, and vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists demonstrated potential in slowing cystic disease progression.