Severe Proteinuria Research Articles

Chinese medicine Linggui Zhugan formula protects against diabetic kidney disease in close association with inhibition of proteinase 3-mediated podocyte apoptosis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLinggui-Zhugan (LGZG) comprises four herbs and is a classic formula in traditional Chinese medicine. There is strong clinical evidence of its pleiotropic effects in the prevention of diabetes and its related complications. Although several classes of drugs are currently available for clinical management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), tight glycemic and/or hypertension control may not prevent disease progression. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of the ethnopharmacological agent LGZG on DKD. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the effects of LGZG formula with standard quality control on experimental DKD and its related metabolic disorders in animal model. Meanwhile, the present study aimed to investigate regulatory effects of LGZG on renal proteinase 3 (PR3) to reveal mechanisms underlying renoprotective benefits of LGZG. Materials and methodsLGZG decoction was fingerprinted by high-performance liquid chromatography for quality control. An experimental model of DKD was induced in C57 BL/6J mice by a combination of high-fat diet feeding, uninephrectomy, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. The LGZG decoction was administrated by daily oral gavage. ResultsTreatment with LGZG formula significantly attenuated DKD-like traits (including severe albuminuria, mesangial matrix expansion, and podocyte loss) and metabolic dysfunction (disordered body composition and dyslipidemia) in mice. RNA sequencing data revealed a close association of LGZG treatment with marked modulation of signaling pathways related to podocyte injury and cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LGZG suppressed the DKD-triggered increase in renal PR3 and podocyte apoptosis. In-vitro incubation of mouse immortalized podocytes with LGZG-medicated serum attenuated PR3-mediated apoptosis. ConclusionOur data demonstrated that the LGZG formula protected against DKD in mice and was closely associated with its inhibitory effects on PR3-mediated podocyte apoptosis.

Environmental Cadmium Exposure Induces an Increase in Systolic Blood Pressure by Its Effect on GFR

Chronic exposure to the nephrotoxic metal pollutant, cadmium (Cd), has been associated with hypertension, but the mechanism by which it raises blood pressure is not understood. We hypothesize that exposure to Cd reduces the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which in turn causes a rise in blood pressure. Data were collected from 447 Thai subjects with a mean age of 51.1 years, of which 48.8% had hypertension, 15.4% had diabetes, and 6.9% had an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR). More than half (58.8%) and 23.9% had moderate and severe tubular proteinuria, respectively. The mean blood and urinary Cd concentrations were 2.75 and 4.23 µg/L, respectively. Doubling of body burden of Cd increased the prevalence odds ratios (POR) for low eGFR and severe tubular proteinuria 41% and 48%, respectively. The POR for hypertension rose twofold in those with blood Cd levels of 0.61–1.69 µg/L or urinary Cd excretion levels ≥ 0.98 µg/g creatinine. In the hypertensive group, the eGFR was inversely associated with age (β = −0.517), the Cd excretion rate (β = −0.177), and diabetes (β = −0.175). By mediation analysis, an increase in SBP was attributable totally to the effect of Cd on GFR. Thus, blood pressure appeared to rise as GFR fell. This finding is consistent with the well-known role of the kidney in long-term blood pressure regulation, and explains a universally high prevalence of hypertension among patients with low eGFR.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy with focal segmental sclerosis

To evaluate the clinical and pathological features and prognosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with focal segmental sclerosis (FSGS) in a group of Russian patients. 101 patients with morphologically verified IMN were enrolled in our single-center cohort retrospective study. The patients were divided into IMN group and IMN+FSGS group. The primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed in 59 patients, which had follow-up data for period more than 6 months. At the time of renal biopsy the median age was 46.0 (33.0; 55.0) years and the median follow-up was 6.8 (4.0; 15.6) months. Secondary FSGS was revealed in 15 (14.9%) patients with IMN. The IMN and IMN+FSGS groups did not differ in gender, age of onset IMN and age of renal biopsy. In the IMN+FSGS group proteinuria was higher and estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower than that in the IMN group (p<0.05). The systolic arterial pressure and creatinine levels in the IMN+FSGS group were slightly higher than in the IMN group, but the difference was not significant. Anti-PLA2R positivity was similar in both groups. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression was observed in 10/52 (19.2%) and 5/7 (71.4%) patients in IMN and IMN+FSGS groups, respectively. In a multivariate Cox regression model, age of renal biopsy (odds ratio - OR 1.12, 95% confidence interval - CI 1.03-1.22; р=0.07), FSGS (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.34; р=0.002) и response to initial course of immunosuppression (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.95; р=0.039) were associated with the CKD progression. In patients with IMN secondary FSGS is associated with a greater severity of proteinuria and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate, and is also an independent factor of the CKD progression.

An Increasing Triglyceride-Glucose Index Is Associated with a Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Oxidant Phenotype.

Background/Objectives: Insulin resistance is crucial in the pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), a validated measure of insulin resistance, also predicts MetS, T2DM, the severity of albuminuria and ASCVD. There are scant data providing mechanistic insights into these sequalae. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between the TyG index and biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, free fatty acid (FFA) levels and adipokine dysregulation in a cohort comprising both controls and patients with nascent MetS. Methods: Participants (n = 102) included 59 patients with MetS and 43 controls. People with diabetes, ASCVD, smoking and macro-inflammation were excluded. Fasting blood was obtained for both plasma and monocyte isolation. Results: Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the TyG index was an excellent predictor of MetS with an area under the curve of 0.87, and it correlated with both hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance. Both serum RBP-4 levels and non-HDL cholesterol increased significantly over tertiles of the TyG index. Based on the TyG index tertiles and/or correlations, oxidized LDL, nitrotyrosine, C-reactive protein, endotoxin, chemerin, interleukin-6 levels and monocyte toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and TLR-2 and their cellular signaling were significantly associated with the TyG index. Conclusions: Increased non-HDL-C and, most importantly, a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant state could be advanced as potential mechanisms explaining the increased risk for T2DM and ASCVD with an increasing TyG index.

Effect of tonsillectomy combined with steroid pulse therapy upon IgA nephropathy depending on proteinuria status at diagnosis: a nationwide multicenter cohort study in Japan.

The effects of tonsillectomy combined with steroid pulse (TSP) therapy for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are little known. Therefore, we examined the effects of TSP therapy on the kidney outcomes of IgAN in a large, nationwide cohort study in Japan. Between 2002 and 2004, 632 IgAN patients with ≥ 0.5g/day proteinuria at diagnosis were divided into three groups with mild (0.50-0.99g/day; n = 264), moderate (1.00-1.99g/day, n = 216), or severe (≥ 2.00g/day; n = 153). Decline in kidney function and urinary remission were compared among the three groups after TSP therapy, corticosteroid (ST) therapy, or conservative therapy during a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 3.3years. 10.6% and 5.9% of patients in the ST and conservative therapy group underwent tonsillectomy. The rate of urinary remission at the final observation was significantly higher in the TSP therapy group than in the ST or conservative therapy groups (mild proteinuria: 64%, 43%, and 41%; moderate proteinuria: 51%, 45%, and 28%; severe proteinuria: 48%, 30%, and 22%, respectively). In contrast, the rate of a 50% increase in serum creatinine was lower in groups TSP therapy, than ST or conservative therapy (mild proteinuria: 2.1%, 10.1% and 16.7%; moderate proteinuria: 4.8%, 8.8% and 27.7%; severe proteinuria: 12.0%, 28.9% and 43.1%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, TSP therapy significantly prevented a 50% increase in serum creatinine levels compared with conservative therapy in groups with moderate and severe proteinuria (hazard ratio, 0.12 and 0.22, respectively). TSP significantly increased the rate of proteinuria disappearance and urinary remission in IgAN patients with mild-to-moderate urinary protein levels. It may also reduce the decline in kidney function in patients with moderate-to-severe urinary protein levels.

Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes of Non-Diabetic CKD by Albuminuria Severity: Findings From the CRIC Study

The clinical trajectory of normoalbuminuric chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in the absence of diabetes, has not yet been well-studied. This study evaluated the association of kidney and cardiovascular outcomes with levels of albuminuria in a cohort of patients with nondiabetic CKD. Prospective cohort study. 1,463 adults with nondiabetic CKD without known glomerulonephritis and diagnosed with hypertensive nephrosclerosis or unknown cause of CKD participating in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study. Albuminuria stage at study entry. Primary outcome: Composite kidney (halving of estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], kidney transplantation, or dialysis), Secondary outcomes: (1) eGFR slope, (2) composite cardiovascular disease events (hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause death), (3) all-cause death. Linear mixed effects and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Lower levels of albuminuria were associated with female sex and older age. For the primary outcome, compared with normoalbuminuria, those with moderate and severe albuminuria had higher rates of kidney outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 3.3 [95% CI, 2.4-4.6], and AHR, 8.6 [95% CI, 6.0-12.0], respectively) and cardiovascular outcomes (AHR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2-1.9], and AHR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.1-2.0], respectively). Those with normoalbuminuria (<30μg/mg; n=863) had a slower decline in eGFR (-0.46mL/min/1.73m2 per year) compared with those with moderate (30-300μg/mg, n=372; 1.41mL/min/1.73m2 per year) or severe albuminuria (>300μg/mg, n=274; 2.63mL/min/1.73m2 per year). In adjusted analyses, kidney outcomes occurred, on average, sooner among those with moderate (8.6 years) and severe (7.3 years) albuminuria compared with those with normoalbuminuria (9.3 years) whereas the average times to cardiovascular outcomes were similar across albuminuria groups (8.2, 8.1, and 8.6 years, respectively). Self-report of CKD etiology without confirmatory kidney biopsies; residual confounding. Participants with normoalbuminuric nondiabetic CKD experienced substantially slower CKD progression but only modestly lower cardiovascular risk than those with high levels of albuminuria. These findings inform the design of future studies investigating interventions among individuals with lower levels of albuminuria. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Urine albumin levels are associated with cardiovascular and kidney disease outcomes among individuals with CKD. However, previous studies of long-term clinical outcomes in CKD largely included patients with diabetes. As well, few studies have evaluated long-term outcomes across different levels of urine albumin among people without diabetes. In this study, we found individuals with nondiabetic CKD and low urine albumin had much slower decline of kidney function but only a modestly lower risk of a cardiovascular events compared with those with high levels of urine albumin. Individuals with low urine albumin were much more likely to have a cardiovascular event than progression of their kidney disease. These findings inform the design of future studies investigating treatments among individuals with lower levels of albuminuria.

Association of podocyte ultrastructural changes with proteinuria and pathological classification in type 2 diabetic nephropathy

AimsPodocyte injury plays an essential role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The associations between the ultrastructural changes of podocyte with proteinuria and the pathological classification of DN proposed by Renal Pathology Society (RPS) have not been clarified in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN). MethodsWe collected 110 patients with kidney biopsy-confirmed T2DN at Peking University First Hospital from 2017 to 2022. The morphometric analysis on the podocyte foot process width (FPW) and podocyte detachment (PD) as markers of podocyte injury was performed, and the correlations between the ultrastructural changes of podocytes with severity of proteinuria and the RPS pathological classification of DN were analyzed. ResultsMean FPW was significantly broader in the group of T2DN patients with nephrotic proteinuria (565.1 nm) than those with microalbuminuria (437.4 nm) or overt proteinuria (494.6 nm). The cut-off value of FPW (> 506 nm) could differentiate nephrotic proteinuria from non-nephrotic proteinuria with a sensitivity of 75.3% and a specificity of 75.8%. Percentage of PD was significantly higher in group of nephrotic proteinuria (3.2%) than that in microalbuminuria (0%) or overt proteinuria (0.2%). FPW and PD significantly correlated with proteinuria in T2DN (r = 0.473, p < 0.001 and r = 0.656, P < 0.001). FPW and PD correlated with RPS pathological classification of T2DN (r = 0.179, P = 0.014 and r = 0.250, P = 0.001). FPW value was increased significantly with more severe DN classification (P for trend =0.007). The percentage of PD tended to increase with more severe DN classification (P for trend = 0.017). ConclusionsPodocyte injury, characterized by FPW broadening and PD, was associated with the severity of proteinuria and the pathological classification of DN.

Edukasi Kesehatan Dukungan dan Peran Suami pada Ibu Hamil Hipertensi Gestasional Mencegah Terjadinya Preeklampsia di Desa Bangun Rejo Tahun 2024

Hypertension is a disease that can harm pregnant women. Hypertension associated with pregnancy is referred to as gestational hypertension. Pregnancy-related hypertension is defined as hypertension that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a mother who is known to have normal blood pressure, or has normal blood pressure, and does not exhibit severe proteinuria or other symptoms of preeclampsia. If the mother's blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg at least twice a week after resting, then it is certain that she is suffering from hypertension. 18 When blood pressure increases to 140/90 mmHg during pregnancy, or when systolic and diastolic pressure increase by 30 and 15 mmHg, respectively, above the normal limit, this is called hypertension. Preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension with preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension are the four forms of hypertension known to occur during pregnancy. Husband's support has a significant impact on fulfilling her physical and emotional needs. This is especially true for first-time mothers because their experience and understanding of pregnancy is different from adult pregnant women. When compared with adult pregnancies, teenage mothers tend to be more aggressive, depressed and anxious. In addition to psychological and emotional states that are influenced by physical changes, mothers who experience a lack of family attention also experience fear, anxiety and anxiety related to childbirth.

Herpes Zoster Infection in A Case of Nephrotic Syndrome (On Alternate Day Prednisolone Therapy) - A Case Report

Herpes Zoster infection is caused by Varicella Zoster virus. Its characteristic feature is the appearance of unilateral clustered vesicles on an erythematous base. The vesicles heals within two weeks from appearance of vesicles. The symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome include severe proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia. Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome is the most prevalent type of nephrotic syndrome in children, for which prednisolone is the preferred medication. Administration of prolonged corticosteroid causes decreased cell mediated immunity which causes immunosuppression and therefore chance of infection increases. Herpes zoster infection is usually a self-limiting disease. It is usually diagnosed clinically on the basis of characteristic appearance of the rash. Treatment is mainly by administration of oral acyclovir for 7 days. Severe illness may require hospitalization for intravenous acyclovir. In individuals with nephrotic syndrome on corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications, complication arising from varicella infections can be life-threatening. Keywords: Herpes zoster, Nephrotic syndrome, Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome, Prednisolone, Acyclovir, Cell mediated immunity

#2679 Prediction of acute eGFR decline after first initiation of RASI inhibitors and its impact on clinical outcomes

Abstract Background and Aims The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between acute eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) decline after initiation of ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)/ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) medications and clinical outcomes in a real-world setting. Additionally, we aim to establish a risk prediction model to identify high-risk individuals who are more likely to experience a rapid decline in eGFR after drug initiation. Method A total of 2026 adult new users of ACEI/ARB were selected from the China Renal Data System (CRDS). Patients in acute clinical states and those using nephrotoxic drugs were excluded, and it was required that patients had at least one creatinine measurement during the baseline period and one week to four weeks after drug initiation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the relative risks of adverse long-term outcomes in patients with different degrees of acute eGFR decline. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors influencing acute eGFR decline. Lasso regression was used to select predictive factors, resulting in a logistic regression model with 18 predictive factors. Results Among the 2026 patients, 1148 (57%), 473 (23%), and 405 (20%) experienced eGFR decline &amp;lt;5% or increase, 5-20% decline, and ≥20% decline, respectively, after initiation of RASI (renin-angiotensin system inhibitor). Following adjustment for multiple variables, an eGFR decline ≥20% was found to be associated with a higher risk of long-term renal disease progression, with a hazard ratio of 1.84 (95% confidence interval 1.19-2.85), but not significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Factors associated with an eGFR decline ≥20% after RASI initiation included higher BMI and Charlson index, more severe proteinuria, lower hemoglobin levels, presence of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, arrhythmias, and concomitant use of thiazide diuretics or loop diuretics. The predictive model had a C-statistic of 0.75. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a short-term eGFR decline after RASI initiation is associated with a higher risk of long-term renal disease progression but not significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. We have developed a prediction model to estimate the risk of eGFR decline ≥20% after the initial use of RASI, which can aid clinicians in identifying patients with poorer renal outcomes following RASI initiation and facilitate timely intervention.

#2724 Renal amyloidosis cohort registry in our health area

Abstract Background and Aims Renal amyloidosis is the pathological phenomenon of amyloid deposition in the kidney with marked differences in renal function impairment, proteinuria, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and exitus, depending on the protein involved. Light chain amyloidosis (AL) and serum protein A (AA) amyloidosis are the most common. Typical symptoms are severe proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and end-stage chronic kidney disease (ESRD). Method Retrospective study of a cohort of patients with renal amyloidosis. Data extracted from the biopsy registry of the HUVM Nephrology Service (2013-2022). We collected demographic, clinical, analytical, histological and clinical outcome variables (RTT, Exitus). Results are analyzed using Mayo Clinic staging criteria. Results 19 patients with a mean age of 63.4a; 57.9% male. Mean laboratory values at diagnosis: creatinine (Cr) 1.56 mg/dl and proteinuria 3.9 g/24 h. Abdominal fat biopsy in 13 cases; 3 (23%) tested positive. Comparative analysis of AL vs non-AL forms, Cr values (1.14 vs 2.27 mg/dl respectively) (p=0.57) differed. Proteinuria according to the histological location of the amyloid: 4.6 g/24 h in glomerular involvement vs. 0.3 g/24 h in those who did not present it (p&amp;lt;0.05). 31.6% required RTT with a mean onset time of 250.6 d from biopsy. Exitus of 21.1%: average time of 426.5 d. (See analysis in attached table). Conclusion We did not observe significant deterioration of renal function, which is greater in non-AL forms of amyloidosis. Fat biopsy was less cost-effective than reported in the literature. Significantly lower levels of proteinuria were found in the amyloidosis group without glomerular involvement. In our series, the prognostic capacity associated with the MAYO staging was confirmed.

#2388 Relevance of anti-PLA2R levels in therapy decision and prediction of therapy outcome in patients with membranous nephropathy

Abstract Background and Aims Detection of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN) supports diagnosis as well as disease monitoring. An individualised therapy approach was introduced for anti-PLA2R positive MN patients at the Radboud University Medical Center. Immunosuppressive treatment (cyclophosphamide combined with steroids) was stopped when anti-PLA2R results by indirect immunofluorescence testing (IIFT) became negative. Here, we evaluated the relevance of anti-PLA2R levels for therapeutic decisions and the outcome of MN, comparing qualitative and quantitative detection methods. Method Stored serum samples were retrieved for beginning of treatment (baseline), decision point, and follow-up. Anti-PLA2R levels were determined qualitatively by IIFT as well as quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (ChLIA) at baseline as well as after treatment and correlated to immunological remission and persistence. Results For an evaluation of the relevance of anti-PLA2R levels at the start of therapy, serum samples of 60 patients were available. Patients sampled at the beginning of the therapy were grouped according to tertiles of anti-PLA2R levels determined by ChLIA (n[lowest tertile] = 20, n[middle tertile] = 20, n[highest tertile] = 20). Lower anti-PLA2R levels were seen in patients with relapsing disease. Higher anti-PLA2R levels were associated with more severe proteinuria. Patients in the lowest tertile of anti-PLA2R were more likely to develop immunological remission after 8 weeks of therapy. In total, 90% vs 75% vs 45% of patients in the tertiles turned anti-PLA2R negative after being treated for 8 weeks. Moreover, in this subgroup of patients who showed immunological remission after 8 weeks of therapy, only 11% of the patients in the lowest tertile needed renewed immunosuppressive therapy, while this percentage increased in the middle and highest tertiles (11% vs 53% vs 33%, p=0.033). For the assessment of anti-PLA2R levels before and after therapy, samples at baseline and week 8 of treatment were examined. At baseline, 50/50 (100%) tested positive in IIFT and ChLIA as well as 48/50 (94%) in ELISA. After 8 weeks on treatment, immunological remission based on IIFT was found in 37/51 (73%) patients. At this point, the overall agreement compared to IIFT was 92% for ChLIA and 82% for ELISA. Yet the availability of quantitative levels provided further insight into this group of patients in whom treatment was discontinued. With ChLIA, anti-PLA2R titers &amp;gt;5 RU/mL after 8 weeks of therapy were found in 4% of IIFT negative patients with persistent remission, vs 55% of IIFT negative patients with early relapse (p=0.006). Conclusion Individualised treatment of MN patients with cyclophosphamide and steroids has been recently introduced. In this respect, the quantitative determination of anti-PLA2R levels adds further value. Of the examined quantitative methods, ChLIA demonstrated the highest agreement with IIFT. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact on clinical decision making and outcome.

#1052 Associations of new-onset proteinuria during hospitalization with all-cause mortality and kidney outcome

Abstract Background and Aims Proteinuria has been routinely screened in hospitalized patients at admission, but the changes in urinary protein during hospitalization is usually neglected. The epidemiology and clinical implication of new-onset proteinuria during hospitalization remains unclear. We aim to examine the associations between new-onset proteinuria during hospitalization with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and composite kidney outcomes after discharge. Method We conducted a multicenter cohort of hospitalized adults without proteinuria at admission and with at least one repeated urinary protein test before discharge from the China Renal Data System. New-onset proteinuria was defined as a change in the urine dipstick protein test from negative to 1+ or more during hospitalization. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality after discharge. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular mortality and composite kidney outcomes of sustained new-onset eGFR&amp;lt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2, &amp;gt;40% decline in eGFR, maintain dialysis, kidney transplant, or end stage renal disease. The associations between new-onset proteinuria and study outcomes were assessed by Cox proportional hazard models. Results Among 219,669 inpatients with mean age of 54 years, new-onset proteinuria occurred in 7.3% of the study population during hospitalization. After a mean follow-up of 4.9 years, patients with new-onset proteinuria during hospitalization was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.25), cardiovascular deaths (HR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.46), and adverse kidney outcomes (HR 1.51; 95% CI, 1.14-2.01), compared to those without proteinuria. These associations were independent of the occurrence of AKI and remained consistent across subgroups and multiple sensitivity analyses, regardless of the severity and recovery status of new-onset proteinuria. Conclusion The presence of new-onset proteinuria during hospitalization demonstrated significant prognostic value and should be carefully monitored to improve patient care.

#1118 Direct delivery of novel gene therapy to podocytes enables pathway to clinical translation for the treatment of glomerular diseases

Abstract Background and Aims Adeno associated vector (AAV) gene therapy has the potential to treat a wide range of kidney diseases via the targeted delivery of genes to kidney cells to repair cellular and renal function. Despite the potential to impact many kidney conditions, kidney AAV gene therapy has proven challenging due to technical and physiological hurdles limiting the ability of AAV to be effectively delivered to podocytes. We have developed a novel AAV gene therapy, PS-001, and local method of administration, to effectively and safely deliver the podocin gene NPHS2 to podocytes. Biallelic NPHS2 mutations are the most common cause of monogenic childhood nephrotic syndrome. Curative efficacy and resolution of disease phenotype was demonstrated in transgenic murine models following PS-001 gene therapy treatment. The potential for translation of this approach to NPHS2 nephropathy patients in the clinic was also demonstrated in pre-clinical studies in Gottingen Minipigs. Method Transgenic murine models representative of NPHS2-driven nephropathy were treated with an AAV gene therapy encoding NPHS2, including a knock in mouse model (Nphs2R140Q/−) which introduces a R140Q mutation in the podocin gene. Mice were assessed for improvement in disease phenotype via analysis of proteinuria, serum albumin, renal histopathology and survival. Mice were treated with an analogue of PS-001, as the PS-001 capsid is not permissive in rodents. Gottingen minipigs were treated with PS-001 and followed for 4 weeks. Clinically relevant doses and a procedure for local administration specifically to the kidney were established. In-life safety assessments from blood and urine were monitored and at study end pig tissues were assessed for podocin biodistribution using multiple assays (qPCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, RNAScope and IF) and for toxicological effects via histopathological analysis. Results Using our AAV gene therapy platform, which includes a capsid that is highly effective at transducing human podocytes and promoter that drives gene expression specifically in the podocyte, the gene therapy product PS-001 encoding NPHS2 was generated. Using a murine analogue of PS-001, in vivo proof of concept studies in a translationally relevant murine disease model (Nphs2R140Q/−) showed NPHS2 delivery and podocin expression in glomeruli and efficacy in terms of renal function rescue. This was demonstrated by resolution of severe proteinuria (mean ACR ug/mg 6049 ± 2803 vs 192 ± 51 in PS-001 treated animals, n = 11), improved serum albumin (g/L 27.50 ± 3.33 g/L vs 30.75 ± 2.46 in PS-001 treated animals, P = .021) and reduction in glomerulosclerosis (mean sclerosed glomeruli 81% ± 19 vs 18.75% ± 12 in PS-001 treated animals, P &amp;lt; .0001). The methods to translate the approach to the clinical setting using a local administration were established in pigs. Administration of PS-001 resulted in transgene mRNA expression across 89% ± 11% of kidney glomeruli as assessed by RNAScope (n = 3 pigs), and transgene derived podocin could be specifically detected in podocytes as assessed by IF analysis. Using qPCR, RT-PCR and ELISA it was shown that using local administration, podocin gene expression was restricted exclusively to the kidney glomerulus, with gene expression undetectable in off-target organs including the liver. Additional toxicological assessments of renal and other organ function from urine and blood, and post-study histopathological assessments revealed no pre-clinical treatment-related safety concerns. Conclusion We present data showing development of an AAV gene therapy and method of administration for the delivery of transgenes specifically to podocytes. We have shown transgenes can be efficiently targeted to podocytes to replace defective genes or to use the podocyte as a protein factory to modulate glomerular biology. This technology therefore provides an important novel modality for potentially treating a broad range of glomerular disease. PS-001 is being developed as a novel approach to treat steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome caused by mutated NPHS2, and may become the first podocyte targeted gene therapy to enter clinical development.

#1639 Nephrotic syndrome with anti-nephrin antibodies—case report of minimal change glomerulonephritis

Abstract Background and Aims Minimal change disease (MCD) in adults is one of the causes of nephrotic syndrome. Recently, anti-nephrin antibodies localized in glomerular podocytes have been described in a certain subset of patients with MCD, supporting the autoimmune etiology of the disease. Method A 79-year-old man with arterial hypertension, hypothirosis and mild dementia presented with new-onset nephrotic syndrome. Peripheral and periocular edema, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin 17 g/l), proteinuria 15 g/day and hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol 6.7 mmol/l) were noted. Blood pressure was 133/85 mmHg. Creatinine was 165 mcmol/l on admission and increased to 361 mcmol/l in the following days. Immunologic tests were negative, including antibodies against phospholipase A2-receptor (anti-PLA2R) and thrombospondin-7A (anti-THSD7A). Anti-HBc was positive, HBV DNA was below 15 IU/ml. Liver tests and abdominal ultrasound were normal, with no signs of liver disease. Results Renal biopsy revealed 18 glomeruli with global sclerosis of one glomerulus (1/18) and 5% interstitial fibrosis. Tubular damage was noted, which could be attributed to severe proteinuria. Immunofluorescence showed discrete IgG podocyte deposits with a uniform kappa/lambda distribution and a high probability of idiopathic minimal change disease due to anti-nephrin antibodies. Electron microscopy showed diffuse effacement of the podocyte foot processes without deposits. The serum taken after the biopsy and before the start of immunosuppressive therapy was positive for anti-nephrin antibodies. Due to a possible pharmacokinetic interaction with tenofovir, which the patient was receiving because of his anti-HBc positivity, we decided not to use cyclosporine. In addition to standard therapy with angiotensin convertase inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and furosemide, the patient was treated with low-dose oral glucocorticoids and mycophenolic acid. In addition, he received rituximab. After a few weeks, the oral glucocorticoids and mycophenolic acid were discontinued. The nephrotic syndrome regressed completely and renal function improved. Conclusion Anti-nephrin antibodies have contributed to a subgroup of patients with MCD, they can be found in a renal biopsy and are also detected in the serum of these patients. Targeted anti-B-cell therapy should be introduced to improve the prognosis of patients.

Insights into Nephrotic Syndrome in Pediarics: Case Series Analysis

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common childhood kidney diseases. NS can affect children of any age from infancy to adolescence and predominantly occurs in the age group of 1–6 years. It is an illness caused by idiopathic diseases like minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membrane proliferative Glomerulonephritis, membranous Glomerulonephritis and is characterized by increased permeability across the glomerular filtration barrier. NS is classified as primary, secondary, and congenital. It consists of four clinical features like severe proteinuria, edema, hyperlipidaemia, hypoalbuminemia. The main cause of nephrotic syndrome are diseases associated with drugs and rarely genetic disorders. The pathogenesis of the disease affects various biological functions linked to loss of proteins negatively, which results in systemic complications which may be disease and drug-associated complications. Using drugs to treat NS leads to several complications which include improper growth, metabolism, behavior change inpatient. Itis a chronic relapsing disease for most of the steroid response drugs for treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and biological agents are used for the treatment of the diseases. In this case series, we presented a case series of nephrotic syndrome in pediatrics. Total 4 patients were taken into considerations. The patients came with a chief complaints of swelling of face, foamy urine, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine with decreased urine output, joint pains. The laboratory investigations for all the 4 patients showed that there were decrease in albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia), decrease in serum creatinine levels and protein in urine, although kidney biopsy couldn’t be perform but the diagnosis was made based on clinical and laboratory findings. The patients were mainly treated with prednisolone, pantoprazole, enalapril, nifedipine, amoxiclav, and even albumin transfusion were done. NS was successfully managed and fortunately the patients recovered.

Renal Lymphangiectasia: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Renal lymphangiectasia, a rare lymphatic disorder, manifests as cystic infiltration in the perirenal and para-pyelic space due to lymphatic drainage defects. Diagnosis hinges on imaging modalities like ultrasound, CT, and MRI. However, lack of awareness can lead to confusion with other renal cystic pathologies. Here, we present a case of renal lymphangiectasia in a child, detailing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The patient, a 2-year-old and 2-month-old girl from a consanguineous marriage, presented with persistent abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed growth retardation and normal blood pressure but abdominal distension with dullness. Lab investigations indicated acute renal failure with non-nephrotic proteinuria. Radiologically, renal lymphangiectasia was confirmed by ultrasound showing microcysts and perirenal cystic lesions with ascites, corroborated by MRI and CT scans. Treatment involved nephroprotective therapy and diuretics for ascites. Surgical intervention was necessitated due to cyst size and compressive nature, involving iterative punctures, marsupialization, and percutaneous drainage. Postoperatively, recurrent ascites temporarily worsened renal function but returned to baseline afterward. renal lymphangiectasia necessitates careful management due to its potential to progress to chronic renal failure. The prognosis depends on factors like initial proteinuria severity, treatment response, and complication management. Personalized approaches are pivotal in its diagnosis and management.

Consumption of red, white, and processed meat and odds of developing kidney damage and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in women: a case control study

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most prevalent and severe complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the associations between red, processed, and white meat consumption and the odds of developing kidney damage and DN in women. We enrolled 105 eligible women with DN and 105 controls (30–65 years). A validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the consumption of red, processed, and white meat. Biochemical variables and anthropometric measurements were assessed for all patients using pre-defined protocols. Binary logistic regression was conducted to examine possible associations. The results of the present study showed that there was a direct significant association between high consumption of red meat and processed meats and odds of microalbuminuria (red meat 2.30, 95% CI 1.25, 4.22; P-value = 0.007, processed meat: OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.18, 3.95; P-value = 0.01), severe albuminuria (red meat OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.38, 7.46; P-value = 0.007, processed meat: OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.01, 5.49; P-value = 0.04), BUN levels (red meat: OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.10, 5.93; P-value = 0.02, processed meat: OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.04, 5.62; P-value = 0.03), and DN (red meat 2.53, 95% CI 1.45, 4.42; P-value = 0.001, processed meat: OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.27, 3.85; P-value = 0.005). In summary, our study suggests that higher consumption of red and processed meat sources may be associated with microalbuminuria, severe albuminuria, higher BUN level, and higher odds of DN.

Serological responses to immunization during nephrosis in infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type.

Pretransplant vaccination is generally recommended to solid organ transplant recipients. In infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), the immune response is hypothetically inferior to other patients due to young age and urinary loss of immunoglobulins, but data on the immunization response in severely nephrotic children remain scarce. If effective, however, early immunization of infants with CNS would clinically be advantageous. We investigated serological vaccine responses in seven children with CNS who were immunized during nephrosis. Antibody responses to measles-mumps-rubella -vaccine (MMR), a pentavalent DTaP-IPV-Hib -vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b), varicella vaccine, combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) were measured after nephrectomy either before or after kidney transplantation. Immunizations were started at a median age of 7 months [interquartile range (IQR) 7-8], with a concurrent median proteinuria of 36,500 mg/L (IQR 30,900-64,250). Bilateral nephrectomy was performed at a median age of 20 months (IQR 14-25), and kidney transplantation 10-88 days after the nephrectomy. Antibody levels were measured at median 18 months (IQR 6-23) after immunization. Protective antibody levels were detected in all examined children for hepatitis B (5/5), Clostridium tetani (7/7), rubella virus (2/2), and mumps virus (1/1); in 5/6 children for varicella; in 4/6 for poliovirus and vaccine-type pneumococcal serotypes; in 4/7 for Haemophilus influenzae type B and Corynebacterium diphtheriae; in 1/2 for measles virus; and in 2/5 for hepatitis A. None of the seven children had protective IgG levels against Bordetella pertussis. Immunization during severe congenital proteinuria resulted in variable serological responses, with both vaccine- and patient-related differences. Nephrosis appears not to be a barrier to successful immunization.

Podocytopathy and Nephrotic Syndrome in Smpdl3b Gene Knockout Mice

Recent clinical studies have shown that downregulation of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3b (SMPDL3b) in podocytes is a hallmark of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children. Meanwhile, there is increasing evidence suggesting that changes of SMPDL3b level in podocytes determine the phenotypes of podocyte injury in glomerular diseases. However, it remains unknown whether SMPDL3b exclusively plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of podocytopathy and nephrotic syndrome without any other pathogenic stimuli. In the present study, we tested whether Smpdl3b gene knockout induces podocyte injury and nephrotic syndrome in mice. By immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we first confirmed that SMPDL3b was highly expressed in podocytes of wild type (WT) mice but undetectable in these cells of Smpdl3b knockout (KO) mice. Also, Western blot analysis showed that SMPDL3b was not detected in podocytes isolated from Smpdl3b KO mice compared to podocytes of WT mice. Although no significant morphologic changes in glomeruli were observed in Smpdl3b KO mice under light microscope, severe proteinuria and albuminuria were found in Smpdl3b KO mice compared to control littermates. Transmission electron microscopy showed that podocytes of Smpdl3b KO mice had distinctive foot process effacement and moderate microvillus formation and vacuolation. These functional and morphologic changes indicate the development of nephrotic syndrome in mice lacking Smpdl3b gene. In vitro, Smpdl3b gene silencing induced remarkable decrease in podocin levels in podocytes compared to control cells. Phalloidin staining of F-actin showed elevation of cortical actin and reduction of stress fiber in podocytes transfected with Smpdl3b shRNA. Such actin cytoskeleton rearrangement induced by Smpdl3b gene silencing was significantly attenuated by choline but exaggerated by CDP-choline, which are product and substrate of SMPDL3b, respectively. Furthermore, atom force microscopy was used to study mechanical properties of podocytes lacking Smpdl3b gene as the outcome of actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Smpdl3b gene deletion was found to increase podocyte height but decrease cortical elasticity in these cells. Moreover, these pathological changes were markedly inhibited by choline. Taken together, our findings suggest that SMPDL3b is essential for the maintenance of functional and structural integrity of podocytes and that Smpdl3b gene knockout may induce podocytopathy and nephrotic syndrome in mice. This study was supported by NIH grants DK054927 and DK120491. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.