Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in IgA Nephropathy and Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

IgA nephropathy is recognized as the most common primary glomerular disease， with up to 20%-40% of patients developing end-stage kidney disease within 20 years of onset. The deposition of IgA1-containing immune complexes targeting glycosylation defects in the mesangial region and the subsequent inflammation caused by T lymphocyte activation are considered as the main causes of IgA nephropathy， and innate immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain （NOD）-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） is a newly discovered pattern recognition receptor expressed in renal intrinsic cells such as renal tubular epithelial cells， mesangial cells， and podocytes. Activated by external stimuli， NLRP3 can form NLRP3 inflammasomes with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain （ASC）. The NLRP3 inflammasome can activate cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）， causing the maturation and release of interleukin-18 （IL-18） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） involved in inflammation. Increasing evidence has suggested that NLRP3 inflammasomes are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy and associated with the damage of renal intrinsic cells such as podocytes， mesangial cells， endothelial cells， and renal tubular epithelial cells. Chinese medicine can regulate inflammatory cytokines and their signaling pathways by acting on NLRP3 inflammasomes and related molecules， exerting therapeutic effects on IgA nephropathy. This article introduces the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in IgA nephropathy and reviews the clinical and experimental research progress of Chinese medicine intervention in IgA nephropathy via NLRP3 inflammasomes， aiming to provide a reference for further research and application of Chinese medicine intervention in the NLRP3 inflammasome as a new therapeutic target.

TCM Treatment of Podocyte Injury in IgA Nephropathy Based on Multiple TCM Theories： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

IgA nephropathy is the most common primary glomerular disease in China. Its clinical manifestations are mainly proteinuria， hematuria， hypertension， edema， hyperuricemia， etc. Most patients have hidden onset. 30%-40% of patients develop into end stage renal disease 10-20 years after diagnosis and rely on dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain their lives， which is extremely harmful. Proteinuria is a common clinical manifestation of this disease， and most patients have small-to-moderate amounts of proteinuria， while 10%-24% of patients have large amounts of proteinuria. Proteinuria is the main risk factor affecting the progression of renal function in IgA nephropathy. Podocytes are the terminal part of the glomerular filtration barrier， and various factors can affect the fusion and detachment of podocyte processes that occur after podocyte injury. They are common histological lesions in IgA nephropathy and are key factors leading to proteinuria and the continuous progression of the disease. At present， Western medicine lacks targeted treatment for podocyte injury， with limited intervention methods. Drugs such as glucocorticoids are often used for treatment， and there are many adverse reactions. Based on the physiological function of podocytes， pathological and physiological changes after injury， and histological morphology of this disease， it is believed that it is closely related to traditional Chinese medicine's "Xuanfu Theory" "Kidney Collateral Syndrome" "Collateral Disease Theory"， and "Dry Blood Theory". More and more studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine， which has the characteristics of multiple links， pathways， and targets， has a significant therapeutic effect on podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy. It can protect podocytes and reduce proteinuria and has good application and research prospects. This article systematically summarizes the mechanism and morphological changes of podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy， the understanding of podocyte injury in traditional Chinese medicine theory， and the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine treatment of podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy， so as to provide a reference for further research and application of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy.

Population pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid in pediatric patients with primary IgA nephropathy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To develop a population pharmacokinetic （PPK） model for mycophenolate mofetil active metabolite mycophenolic acid （MPA） in children with primary IgA nephropathy， explore the factors affecting the pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA， and provide a basis for clinical individualized therapy. METHODS Retrospective collection was conducted on 636 concentrations and clinical data from 47 pediatric patients with primary IgA nephropathy. PPK analysis was carried out by using the nonlinear mixed-effects model； the covariates were tested with a stepwise method. Goodness-of-fit plots， Bootstrap and visual predictive check were employed to evaluate the final model. RESULTS The pharmacokinetics of MPA in children with IgA nephropathy in vivo conformed to the first-order absorption and elimination two-compartment model （objective function value of 3 276.31）. Covariate analysis suggested that body weight and albumin （ALB） levels were significant influencing factors on apparent clearance rate and apparent distribution volume. The typical values of PPK parameters of MPA in the final model were as follows： the central room had a distributed volume of 5.79 L， the clearance rate was 4.06 L/h， the volume of peripheral ventricular distribution was 430.93 L， the clearance rate between compartments was 15.40 L/h， the oral absorption rate constant was 1.29 h－1. After verification， most of the predicted corrected observed concentration points were within the 90% confidence interval of the predicted corrected simulated concentration， indicating that the MPA final model had good predictive performance. CONCLUSIONS The PPK model of MPA in children with primary IgA nephropathy is established in this study， identifying body weight and ALB levels are significant factors affecting MPA metabolism.

Vasculitis por IgA del adulto. Caso clínico

La vasculitis por IgA, es la vasculitis más frecuente en pediatría. Puede presentarse en adultos, con una clínica y evolución diferente y un pronóstico más grave que en los niños, incluida la progresión a enfermedad renal terminal. La historia natural de la enfermedad y de la nefritis, ha sido poco estudiada en adultos; no se dispone de criterios diagnósticos universalmente aceptados y el tratamiento es controvertido, dada la ausencia de estudios controlados, randomizados que lo avalen. Se reporta el caso de un paciente que presentó un síndrome purpúrico petequial, microhematuria, proteinuria y una evolución rápida a la insuficiencia renal, de cuyo estudio etiológico surge el diagnóstico de vasculitis por IgA del adulto.

The IgA vasculitis is the most common vasculitis in Pediatrics. It can also present in adults but with a different clinical course and a worse prognosis, including the possibility of progression to end stage renal disease. The natural history of the disease and its nephritis have been scarcely studied in adults. There is no universal agreement in diagnostic criteria and the treatment is controversial given the absence of controlled randomized trials. We report the case of a patient who presented clinically with a petechial purpuric rash, microhematuria, proteinuria and rapid progression to renal failure that was diagnosed with IgA vasculitis in adult.

A vasculite por IgA é a vasculite mais comum em pediatria. Pode ocorrer em adultos, com apresentação e evolução clínica diferentes e prognóstico mais grave do que em crianças, incluindo progressão para doença renal terminal. A história natural da doença e da nefrite tem sido pouco estudada em adultos; Não existem critérios diagnósticos universalmente aceitos e o tratamento é controverso, dada a ausência de estudos controlados e randomizados que o apoiem. É relatado o caso de um paciente que apresentou síndrome purpúrica petequial, microhematúria, proteinúria e rápida evolução para insuficiência renal, de cujo estudo etiológico surge o diagnóstico de vasculite por IgA do adulto.

Prevalence of IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody in a cohort of iranians patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background and Aims: Some studies have reported the coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (CD). However, the prevalence of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA and IgG) and their screening value in patients with IBD is not yet clear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IgA anti-tTG and its potential correlation with disease status in patients with IBD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 patients with confirmed IBD diagnosis at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. For each patient, all demographic and clinical data including age, extra intestinal manifestations, underlying diseases, types of diseases, and surgical history were collected. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase titers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: None of the patients with IBD were positive for IgA anti-tTG antibodies, with a mean titer of 3.31 ± 1.3 AU/mL. Also, the mean titers were not associated with age, gender and various disease clinical features including the disease history, underlying disease, diagnosis type, extraintestinal manifestations, and surgery history. Conclusion: No significant prevalence pattern of IgA anti-tTG antibody was observed in patients with IBD. Accordingly, serological screening for CeD is not recommended in IBD patients, unless in a relevant clinical CeD suspicion. (AU)

IgA deficiente / IgA deficiency

El déficit selectivo de IgA se define como la ausencia parcial o total de IgA en el suero, con cifras normales en el resto de las inmunoglobulinas. Se presentó una paciente femenina de 1 año y 7 meses, de padres no consanguíneos, con antecedentes familiares negativos para enfermedades genéticas o defectos congénitos, e IgA deficiente. Los estudios inmunológicos mostraron un gran déficit de IgA, de ahí que el diagnóstico se definió como una inmunodeficiencia congénita, por déficit selectiva de IgA o inmunodeficiencia variable común (trastorno genético producto de una herencia monogénica); para lo cual se le realiza una cuantificación de la subclase de IgG y así determinar si es una mutación en un mismo gen defectuoso. La paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente con los tratamientos recibidos; los valores de IgA permanecieron nulos, no siendo así con el resto de las inmunoglobulinas.

Selective IgA deficiency is defined as the partial or total absence of IgA in the serum, but normal levels in the rest of the immunoglobulins. We present a female patient aged 1 year and 7 months, of non-consanguineous parents, who had a negative family pathological history for genetic diseases or congenital defects and IgA deficiency. Immunological studies showed a high IgA deficiency, hence the diagnosis was defined as congenital immunodeficiency due to selective IgA deficiency or common variable immunodeficiency (genetic disorder resulting from monogenic inheritance); a quantification of the IgG subclass was also performed in order to determine if it was a mutation in the same defective gene. The patient evolved satisfactorily with the treatments received; the IgA values remained null, but this was not the case with the rest of the immunoglobulins.

Immunological and bacteriological monitoring of periodontal tissue in pregnancy

We determine periodontal pathogens in periodontal pockets from pregnant women with periodontitis and associate it to the C reactive protein (CRP), nitrates, immunoglobulin A and G (Ig A and G), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in saliva to identify some biomarkers as tools to predict the periodontal status from pregnant. The samples were obtained from periodontal pockets and saliva from 100 pregnant women (PW) and 50 non-pregnant women (NPW). Every patient was evaluated by: 1) probing depth (PD) and loss of clinical attachment level (CAL); 2) in saliva; CRP, MPO, Ig A and G) and nitrite concentrations, 3) in periodontal pockets: P.gingivalis, T.forsythia, T.denticola, P.intermedia, A.actinomycetemcomitans. InfoStat/P 2008 software was used with a p-value <0.05. Clinical parameters showed stages I and II of PD in both groups. P.intermedia and A.actinomycetemcomitans were observed only in periodontal pockets from PW. The CAL was higher in pregnant of the 3rd trimester than in the other stages and was associated with low levels of IgA and the presence of P.intermedia and T. forsythia in the same trimester. The levels of IgA in saliva would reflect the immunological situation in pregnant women. This could be used to monitor the immune status of the gingival tissues during pregnancy.

Determinamos patógenos periodontales en bolsas periodontales de gestantes con periodontitis y lo asociamos a los niveles de proteína C reactiva (PCR), nitratos, inmunoglobulina A y G (Ig A y G) y mieloperoxidasa (MPO) en saliva para identificar biomarcadores como herramientas para predecir el estado periodontal de la gestante. Las muestras se obtuvieron de bolsas periodontales y saliva de 100 mujeres embarazadas (ME) y 50 mujeres no embarazadas (NoE). Cada paciente fue evaluado por: 1) profundidad de sondaje(PD) y pérdida del nivel de inserción clínica (NIC); 2) en saliva; PCR, MPO, Ig A y G y concentraciones de nitritos, 3) en bolsas periodontales: P.gingivalis, T.forsythia, T.denticola, P.intermedia, A.actinomycetemcomitans. Se utilizó el software InfoStat/P 2008 con un valor de p<0,05. Los parámetros clínicos mostraron estadios I y II de EP en ambos grupos. P.intermedia y A.actinomycetemcomitans se observaron solo en bolsas periodontales de ME. El NIC fue mayor en gestantes del 3er trimestre que en las demás etapas y se asoció con niveles bajos de IgA y presencia de P.intermedia y T.forsythia en el mismo trimestre. Los niveles de IgA en saliva reflejarían la situación inmunológica en la mujer embarazada. Esto podría usarse para monitorear el estado inmunológico de los tejidos gingivales durante el embarazo.

Crescentic IgA nephropathy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Report of a case / Nefropatía por IgA extracapilar luego de la vacunación contra el SARS-CoV-2. Reporte de un caso

ABSTRACT Introduction: Studies have shown that the frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) increases in patients with COVID-19. Acute tubular necrosis has been reported to be the most common damage in these patients, probably due to impaired renal perfusion. On the other hand, different complex pathophysiological processes may be involved due to viral infection's direct effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the activation of coagulopathy, the cytokine storm, and the activation of the immune system. Many glomerular diseases may be seen in these patients, like anca-associated vasculitis, membranous glomerulonephritis, and IgA nephropathy. Clinical case: We present a newly diagnosed crescentic IgA nephropathy (IgAN) case after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. A 31-year-old man with no medical history presented with gross hematuria 24 hours after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Hematuria regressed spontaneously within three days. He was vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac (Sinovac) three months after he had been infected by SARS-CoV-2. Then he was vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine one month after the second dose of CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccine. He presented with gross hematuria and subnephrotic proteinuria 24 hours after the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. A kidney biopsy was performed and showed crescentic IgA nephropathy (IgAN). He was started on methylprednisolone and angiotensin receptor blocker. Patients who receive mRNA-based vaccines demonstrate robust antibody production against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 protein. Similar to natural infection, due to the intense stimulation of immune response from mRNA-based vaccines compared to other vaccines, the patients may produce de novo antibodies, leading to IgA-containing immune-complex deposits. Conclusions: This case highlights the immunological effects of the novel mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Nephrologists should be aware of new-onset hematuria or proteinuria after SARS-CoV-2 infection or mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los estudios han demostrado que la frecuencia de insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) aumenta en pacientes con COVID-19. Se ha informado que la necrosis tubular aguda es el daño más común en estos pacientes, probablemente debido a la alteración de la perfusión renal. Por otro lado, pueden estar involucrados diferentes procesos fisiopatológicos complejos, debido a los efectos directos de la infección viral sobre el sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona, la activación de la coagulopatía, la tormenta de citoquinas y la activación del sistema inmunológico. En estos pacientes se pueden observar muchas enfermedades glomerulares, como vasculitis asociada a anca, glomerulonefritis membranosa y nefropatía por IgA. Caso clínico: Presentamos un caso de nefropatía IgA extracapilar (NIgA) de nuevo diagnóstico tras una infección por SARS-CoV-2 y vacunación. Un hombre de 31 años sin antecedentes médicos presentó hematuria macroscópica 24 horas después de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. La hematuria remitió espontáneamente en 3 días. Fue vacunado con dos dosis de CoronaVac (Sinovac) tres meses después de haber sido infectado por el SARS-CoV-2. Luego fue vacunado con la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19, un mes después de la segunda dosis de la vacuna CoronaVac (Sinovac). Presentó hematuria macroscópica y proteinuria no nefrótica 24 horas después de la primera dosis de la vacuna Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19. Se realizó una biopsia renal que mostró NIgA extracapilar. Comenzó con metilprednisolona y bloqueador del receptor de angiotensina. Los pacientes que reciben vacunas basadas en ARNm demuestran anticuerpos contra el dominio de unión al receptor (RBD) de la proteína S1. De manera similar a la infección natural, debido a la fuerte estimulación de la respuesta inmunitaria de las vacunas basadas en ARNm en comparación con otras vacunas, los pacientes pueden producir anticuerpos de novo, lo que lleva a depósitos de complejos inmunitarios que contienen IgA. Conclusiones: Este caso destaca los efectos inmunológicos de las nuevas vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2 basadas en ARNm. Los nefrólogos deben estar al tanto de la aparición de hematuria o proteinuria luego de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 o la vacuna contra el SARS CoV-2 basada en ARNm.

Nefropatía por IgA en una adolescente con lupus eritematoso sistémico juvenil. Reporte de caso

Introducción: El lupus eritematoso sistémico juvenil (LESJ) es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria, multisistémica, caracterizada por la producción de autoanticuerpos y el desarrollo frecuente de glomerulonefritis mediada por inmunocomplejos. La nefritis lúpica es una complicación frecuente y grave del LESJ, con alta morbilidad, siendo causa de insuficiencia renal terminal en muchos de estos pacientes. La nefropatía por IgA representa la etiología más común en la población general y raramente se asocia con LESJ. Caso clínico: adolescente femenino con LESJ en quien se diagnosticó nefritis no lúpica (nefropatía por IgA). Conclusiones: El diagnóstico anatomopatológico es clave para establecer el pronóstico y planificar el tratamiento.

Introduction: Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies and the frequent development of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Lupus nephritis is a frequent and serious complication of JSLE, has a high associated morbidity rate, and is the cause of end-stage renal failure in many of these patients. IgA Nephropathy represents the most common etiology in the general population and is rarely associated with JSLE. Clinical case: a female adolescent with JSLE who was diagnosed with non-lupus nephritis (IgA nephropathy). Conclusions: The anatomopathological diagnosis is key to establish the prognosis and plan the treatment.

Gastrointestinal tract involvement in patients with potential celiac disease beyond the small intestine: An early proof with IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 antibody deposits

Background: IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 antibody (anti-TG2Ab) deposits in intestinal and extraintestinal organs have been used to link the respective pathological changes in these organs with celiac disease (CeD). Aims: To know if parts of intestine other than the duodenum, such as esophagus, stomach, and colon, have any pathology related to potential CeD or have mucosal IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits. Settings and Design: A prospective case–control study conducted from April 2018 to December 2019. Materials and Methods: Nine patients with potential CeD and 27 age- and gender-matched patients with irritable bowel syndrome were recruited as cases and controls, respectively. Mucosal biopsies were collected from esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and rectosigmoid regions, histological changes were evaluated, and IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits were analyzed in these regions by two-color immunohistochemical staining. Statistics: Data were analyzed using statistical software Stata 14.0. Results: No distinct difference in mucosal lymphocytosis were identified between biopsies of patients with potential CeD and controls at the following sites: esophagus (11.1% vs 0%, P = 0.079), stomach (14.3% vs 7.7%, P = 0.590), and rectum (20% vs 0%, P = 0.067). Co-localized IgA anti-TG2Ab deposits were observed more in potential CeD than in controls at esophagus 22.2% (2/9) vs 0%, P = 0.012; stomach 66.7% (6/9) vs 11.5% (3/26), P < 0.001; and duodenum 66.7% (6/9) vs 0%, P < 0.001 but not at rectum 0% (0/4) vs 0% (0/25). Conclusion: Although histological changes are not distinct, a subset of subjects with potential CeD has pan-intestinal involvement other than in the duodenum.

Celiaquía: Aprovechar el poder diagnóstico de los anticuerpos

La celiaquía es un trastorno mediado por la respuesta inmune al gluten ingerido en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. La enfermedad celíaca afecta al 1 % de la población mundial, y su incidencia se ha incrementado sustancialmente en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, aún la enfermedad celíaca es pobremente reconocida por la comunidad médica y por la población, tanto a nivel internacional, como nacional, muchos casos permanecen subdiagnosticados. Para mejorar el diagnóstico y manejo del paciente celíaco se recomienda el uso oportuno de la serología específica de la enfermedad celíaca. De los distintos anticuerpos asociados con la enfermedad celíaca, los anticuerpos anti-transglutaminasa tisular (anti-TGt IgA) representan la primera opción diagnóstica por su elevada sensibilidad y especificidad. La prueba de anti-TGt IgA no solo permite descartar de modo confiable la celiaquía, sino funciona como filtro para la selección de pacientes tributarios de biopsia intestinal para la confirmación diagnóstica. El desarrollo de la serología ha posibilitado la aplicación de nuevas estrategias diagnósticas que obvian la biopsia intestinal al menos en algunos grupos de pacientes.

Celiac disease is a disorder mediated by the immune response to ingested gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Celiac disease affects 1% of the world population, and its incidence has increased substantially in recent decades. However, celiac disease is still poorly recognized by the medical community and by the population, both domestic and international, many cases remain underdiagnosed. Improving the diagnosis and management of the celiac patient, the timely use of specific serology for celiac disease is recommended. Different antibodies associated with celiac disease, however, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-TGt IgA) represent the first diagnostic option due to their high sensitivity and specificity. The anti-TGt IgA test not only constantly rules out celiac disease, but also functions as a filter for the selection of patients eligible for intestinal biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. The development of serology has enabled the use of new diagnostic strategies that avoid intestinal biopsy, at least in some groups of patients.

Warm Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia due to IgA and IgG � A Rare Clinical Scenario

Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) is a decompensated acquired haemolysis caused by the host immune system producing autoantibodies that bind to the antigens on the surface of circulating erythrocytes, leading to haemolysis and decreased red cell survival. It requires efficient and advanced immunohaematological and transfusion support. Despite advances in medical field, simple test like Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) still remains the diagnostic hallmark. The sensitive column gel technology further helps to characterise these antibodies according to class, subclass and titre of antibodies. It is very important to characterize these autoantibodies as there is a relation between strength of DAT and in vivo haemolysis. Serologically, cases are divided into warm (mainly due to IgG), cold (mainly due to IgM) or mixed depending upon the thermal amplitude of the antibody. IgA and IgG antibodies causing warm type of AIHA are rare as monospecific gel cards are not available in all centres. We here report rare case series of warm AIHA caused by dual antibodies IgA and IgG.

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.

Severe bilateral visual loss as the first sign of IgA nephropathy / Perda visual bilateral grave como o primeiro sinal da nefropatia por IgA

ABSTRACT We describe a case of a 33-years-old woman who presents with severe acute bilateral visual loss secondary to massive exudative hypertensive maculopathy as the first sign of immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The patient's ophthalmic examination showed bilateral cotton-wool spots, flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, diffuse narrow arterioles, optic disk edema, and exudative maculopathy. Systemic workup demonstrated a systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 240 mmHg and 160 mmHg, respectively, proteinuria, and hematuria, suggesting kidney disease as the causative condition. A kidney biopsy confirmed immunoglobulin A nephropathy. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and a single bilateral intravitreal injection of aflibercept. There was a prompt resolution of macular edema and vision improvement. Our case draws attention to the fact that severe bilateral visual loss can be the first sign of severe hypertension. Secondary causes, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy, should be ruled out.

RESUMO Nosso objetivo é descrever uma paciente de 33 anos de idade, com perda visual bilateral grave por maculopatia hipertensiva exsudativa como o primeiro sinal da nefropatia por imunoglobulina A. A fundoscopia revelou a presença de manchas algodonosas, hemorragias em chama-de-vela, estreitamento arteriolar difuso, edema de disco óptico e maculopatia exsudativa bilateral. A pressão arterial sistólica foi de 240mmHg e a diastólica de 160 mmHg associado a proteinúria e hematúria, sugerindo a presença de doença renal. A biópsia renal confirmou a nefropatia por imunoglobulina A. A paciente foi tratada como corticoide sistêmico, drogas anti-hipertensivas e uma única dose intravítrea de Aflibercept em ambos os olhos. Houve rápida melhora do edema macular e da acuidade visual. Nosso caso chama a atenção para o fato de que a perda visual bilateral grave pode ser a primeira apresentação de uma doença hipertensiva sistêmica. Causas secundárias como a nefropatia por imunoglobulina A devem ser afastadas.

Expression optimization and preliminary identification of recombinant monoclonal antibody IgA against SARS-CoV-2 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare monoclonal antibody IgA against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2),optimize relevant expression conditions to increase the expression level,and preliminarily explore the effect of IgA antibody on anti-SARS-CoV-2.Methods The plasmid encoding IgAl-F61 antibody sequence was mixed with polyethyleneimine(PEI) transfection reagent and then transfected into EXPi293F~(TM) cells to transiently express antibody protein;The optimal culture conditions and expression levels of monomeric IgAl(mIgAl)-F61 and dimeric IgAl(dIgAl)-F61 in EXPi293F~(TM) cells were determined by optimizing the ratio of heavy chain(Hc),light chain(Lc) and joining chain(Jc),the proportion of plasmid and PEI,and the harvest time after transfection.The supernatant after transfection was purified by affinity chromatography,and then determined for the concentration by BCA,analyzed for the expression integrity and purity of antibody by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography(SEC-HPLC),and detected for the neutralizing activity of antibody by pseudovirus neutralization assay.Results The optimal expression level of mIgAl-F61 was 123.45 μg/mL and the purity of purified antibody was over 95% when the ratio of Hc to Lc was 1:2,the ratio of plasmid to PEI was 1:3,and the supernatant was harvested 5 d after transfection;The highest purity of dIgAlF61 was more than 90% when the ratio of Hc:Lc:Jc was 1:2:1.The results of pseudovirus neutrali-zation assay against Omicron BA.4/5 showed that dIgAl-F61 exhibited better neutralizing activity than IgG-F61,and the value of half maximum inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) was reduced by about 4 times.Conclusion Recombinant monoclonal antibodies mIgAl-F61 and dIgAl-F61 against SARS-CoV-2 were successfully expressed with high purity and dIgAl showed better neutralizing activity than IgG in vitro.

Expression optimization and preliminary identification of recombinant monoclonal antibody IgA against SARS-CoV-2 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare monoclonal antibody IgA against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2),optimize relevant expression conditions to increase the expression level,and preliminarily explore the effect of IgA antibody on anti-SARS-CoV-2.Methods The plasmid encoding IgAl-F61 antibody sequence was mixed with polyethyleneimine(PEI) transfection reagent and then transfected into EXPi293F~(TM) cells to transiently express antibody protein;The optimal culture conditions and expression levels of monomeric IgAl(mIgAl)-F61 and dimeric IgAl(dIgAl)-F61 in EXPi293F~(TM) cells were determined by optimizing the ratio of heavy chain(Hc),light chain(Lc) and joining chain(Jc),the proportion of plasmid and PEI,and the harvest time after transfection.The supernatant after transfection was purified by affinity chromatography,and then determined for the concentration by BCA,analyzed for the expression integrity and purity of antibody by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography(SEC-HPLC),and detected for the neutralizing activity of antibody by pseudovirus neutralization assay.Results The optimal expression level of mIgAl-F61 was 123.45 μg/mL and the purity of purified antibody was over 95% when the ratio of Hc to Lc was 1:2,the ratio of plasmid to PEI was 1:3,and the supernatant was harvested 5 d after transfection;The highest purity of dIgAlF61 was more than 90% when the ratio of Hc:Lc:Jc was 1:2:1.The results of pseudovirus neutrali-zation assay against Omicron BA.4/5 showed that dIgAl-F61 exhibited better neutralizing activity than IgG-F61,and the value of half maximum inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) was reduced by about 4 times.Conclusion Recombinant monoclonal antibodies mIgAl-F61 and dIgAl-F61 against SARS-CoV-2 were successfully expressed with high purity and dIgAl showed better neutralizing activity than IgG in vitro.

Alkaptonuria with IgA nephropathy: a case report and literature review / 中华肾脏病杂志

The paper reports a rare case of alkaptonuria (AKU) with IgA nephropathy, and analyzes its clinical manifestations, imaging findings, pathological features, gene diagnosis and treatment process, so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The clinical symptoms of the patient were mainly black urine, microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. Renal pathology showed mild mesangial hyperplasia IgA nephropathy, and renal tubular epithelial cytochrome deposition. Genetic analysis indicated that a pathogenic mutation was detected on the AKU-related homogentisate 1, 2-dioxygenase gene possibly associated with the phenotype of the patient. Genetic testing and renal pathology were effective methods to make a definite diagnosis for the case.

Long-term prognostic analysis of IgA nephropathy with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in children / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To analyze the long-term prognosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and the risk factors related to renal prognosis in children with IgAN-FSGS.Methods:A retrospective study was concluded in IgAN-FSGS children who were followed up for more than 5 years and diagnosed by renal biopsy for the first time in the Eastern Theater General Hospital from January, 2004 to December, 2018. The end-point events of the study were entering end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by ≥50% from baseline, which were defined as poor renal prognosis. Baseline clinicopathologic data of IgAN-FSGS children were compared between the end-point event group and the non-end-point event group. The cumulative renal survival rate of IgAN-FSGS children was calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The influencing factors of poor renal prognosis in IgAN-FSGS children were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model, and the diagnostic value was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) and area under the curve (AUC). The diagnostic value was verified by time dependent-ROC and time dependent-AUC.Results:A total of 204 IgAN-FSGS children were enrolled in this study, of whom 132 cases were males (64.7%). The median age of renal biopsy was 16 (14, 17) years old. During a median follow-up time of 90.7 (71.7, 114.8) months, 57 cases (27.9%) reached the end-point events. Compared with the non-end-point event group ( n=147), the end-point event group ( n=57) had higher proportions of males and hypertension, higher levels of 24-hour urinary protein, serum creatinine, serum uric acid, urinary N-acetyl-β- D-glucosaminidase, urinary retinol binding protein, higher proportions of glomerular segmental sclerosis (S1) ≥25% and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1/T2), and lower levels of serum albumin, serum IgA, and serum IgG (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in treatment (all P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that with entry of ESKD or eGFR decreased by ≥50% from baseline as the end-point events, the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year cumulative renal survival rates in IgAN-FSGS children were 88.7%, 67.6%, and 50.7%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that proteinuria >1 g/24 h ( HR=3.702, 95% CI 1.657-8.272, P=0.001), hyperuricemia ( HR=3.066, 95% CI 1.793-5.245, P<0.001), S1≥25% ( HR=2.017, 95% CI 1.050-3.874, P=0.035), T1/T2 ( HR=1.863, 95% CI 1.021-3.158, P=0.016) were the independent related factors for poor renal prognosis. ROC curve analysis showed that S1≥25% ( AUC=0.605, P=0.021, sensitivity 26.3%, specificity 94.6%), T1/T2 ( AUC=0.624, P=0.006, sensitivity 43.9%, specificity 81.0%), hyperuricemia ( AUC=0.658, P<0.001, sensitivity 52.6%, specificity 78.9%), proteinuria>1 g/24 h ( AUC=0.670, P<0.001, sensitivity 87.7%, specificity 46.3%) could accurately predict the renal outcome of IgAN-FSGS. Time dependent-ROC curve validation showed that the combined diagnosis of S1≥25%, T1/T2, hyperuricemia and proteinuria>1 g/24 h had a good predictive value for renal prognosis (3-year AUC=0.846 and 5-year AUC=0.777, respectively). Conclusions:During a median follow-up of 90.7 months, 27.9% of IgAN-FSGS children have poor renal prognosis, and the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year cumulative renal survival rates are 88.7%, 67.6%, and 50.7%, respectively. Urinary protein >1 g/24 h, hyperuricemia, T1/T2, and S1 ≥25% are the risk factors for renal prognosis in IgAN-FSGS children.

Association of serum complement C3, C4 with renal pathological lesion degree in IgA nephropathy patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between the levels of serum complement C3 and C4 and the degree of renal pathological injury in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).Methods:It was a retrospective study. The clinical and pathological data of patients with primary IgAN diagnosed by renal biopsy in the Department of Nephrology of the Second People's Hospital of Qujing City, Yunnan Province from December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 were collected. According to the IgAN Oxford classification criteria, the patients were divided into mild renal pathological injury group (mild group, <3 pathologic types) and severe renal pathological injury group (severe group, ≥3 pathological types). The levels of serum C3 and C4 and other clinical data were compared between the two groups. Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the correlation between serum C3, C4 levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during renal biopsy.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the pathological injury degree in IgAN patients and the forest map depicted the effect of risk factors.Results:A total of 164 IgAN patients were included in the study, including 77 males (47.0%), aged (35.5±12.9) years old. There were 60 patients in the mild group and 104 patients in the severe group. Compared with the mild group, the patients in the severe group were older, had higher levels of serum C4, serum uric acid, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and 24 h urinary protein, higher proportions of hypertension, glucocorticoids/immunosuppressant therapy, C3 deposition in renal tissues and microscopic hematuria, and had lower hemoglobin and serum C3 level (all P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of serum C3 was positively correlated with eGFR ( r=0.303, P<0.001), and the level of serum C4 was negatively correlated with eGFR ( r=-0.238, P=0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that serum C3 (every 0.01 g/L increase, OR=0.976, 95% CI 0.957-0.996, P=0.018), serum C4 (every 0.01 g/L increase, OR=1.091, 95% CI 1.020-1.166, P=0.011), hemoglobin ( OR=0.969, 95% CI 0.950-0.988, P=0.002), and serum uric acid ( OR=1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.009, P=0.012) were independent related factors of renal pathological damage (severe injury /mild injury) in IgAN patients. Conclusions:Serum C3 and C4 are independent related factors of the severity of renal pathological injury in IgAN patients.

Urinary sediment findings and clinicopathologic features of IgA nephropathy patients with acute kidney injury / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the urinary sediment findings and the clinicopathologic features of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods:It was a retrospective study. The patients with renal biopsy-proven primary IgAN in Peking University First Hospital from January 31, 2013 to July 31, 2015 were selected. According to whether AKI occurred at renal biopsy or not, the patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group. Morning urine samples were obtained on the day of renal biopsy. Urine sediments, including various cells and casts, were examined. The clinical data, urinary sediments, and renal pathological changes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between clinical pathological changes, urinary sediment indicators and AKI, or clinical pathological changes and urinary sediment indicators.Results:There were 502 IgAN patients enrolled in this study, with age of (36.1±12.1) years old and 261 males (52.0%). The incidence of AKI was 11.4% (57/502) among the enrolled patients at the time of renal biopsy. Common causes of AKI included gross hematuria-induced AKI (10 cases), acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (10 cases), crescentic IgAN (9 cases), malignant hypertensive renal damage (6 cases), and multiple etioloqy or unknown etiology (22 cases). Compared with non-AKI group, AKI group had higher proportions of males and malignant hypertension, higher levels of proteinuria and urinary erythrocyte counts, and higher frequencies of gross hematuria, leukocyturia, renal tubular epithelial cells, and granular casts (all P<0.05). AKI group also had higher proportions of severe tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T2) and cellular/cellular fibrous crescent formation (C2) than non-AKI group (both P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis results showed that, there were statistically significant differences in the correlation between AKI and gender, 24 h urinary protein, urinary erythrocyte counts, granular casts and renal tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T) scores (all P<0.05). Hematuria, leukocyturia, red blood cell casts, white blood cell casts, granular casts, and fatty casts were correlated with endothelial hypercellularity (E) and cellular/cellular fibrous crescent formation (C) scores, respectively (all P<0.05). Hematuria was correlated with mesangial hypercellularity (M) scores ( OR=2.613, 95% CI 1.520-4.493, P=0.001). Hematuria ( OR=1.723, 95% CI 1.017-2.919, P=0.043) and fatty casts ( OR=2.646, 95% CI 1.122-6.238, P=0.026) were correlated with segmental sclerosis or adhesion (S) scores. Leukocyturia ( OR=1.645, 95% CI 1.154-2.347, P=0.006) and fatty casts ( OR=2.344, 95% CI 1.202-4.572, P=0.012) were correlated with T scores. Epithelial cell cast was correlated with C scores ( OR=1.857, 95% CI 1.174-2.939, P=0.008). Conclusions:AKI is a common complication among IgAN patients with diverse etiology and more severe clinicopathological features. Urinary sediment findings can reflect renal pathological changes to some extent, and therefore assist in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IgAN patients with AKI.