Distribution and significance of B-cell infiltrates in lupus nephritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate B-cell distribution in lupus nephritis and evaluate its significance in pathological classification.Methods Kidney biopsy specimens were obtained consecutively from 119 patients with LN, B lymphocytes distribution were detected using immunohistochemical staining with specific antibodies and were classified into 5 groups.Chi-square test and t test were used for statistical analysis.Results ①B lymphocytes infiltration occurred in 52.1% of the LN patients (62/119), B lymphocytes were mainly distributed in the renal interstitial tissue, which occurred most frequently in class Ⅳ LN but rare in class Ⅴ LN. ②B-cell infiltrating group was associated with active disease presentations and chronic indices P＜0.01). Blood urea nitrogen(BUN)[(12±9) vs (6±3) mmol/L] and serum creatinine(Cr)[(105±84) vs(61±21) μmol/L] were higher in B-cell infiltrates group than non-B-cell infiltration group (all P＜0.01). ③Kidney biopsy specimens showed predominantly IgG deposit in immune-fluorescency intensity examination.The Ig subtype which deposited in B-cell infiltrating group was not statistically different from those deposited in non-B cell infiltrating group (P＞0.05). Conclusion This study has shown that renal B cell infiltration occurs in 52.1% of the LN patients.Patients with renal B cell infiltration have more severe kidney tissue injury and poorer renal outcomes than patients without B cell infiltration. Renal B lymphocytes infiltration may contribute to the pathogenesis of LN in a non-antibody-secreting way.