Clinical manifestations and pathological characteristics of lipoprotein glomerulopathy / 中华肾脏病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To further elucidate the clinical manifestations and pathological characteristics of lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) . Methods Data of 7 LPG patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestations were recorded on the day of renal biopsy. Biochemical profiles of lipid and lipoproteins were examined. Plasma concentration of apoE was determined with radial immunodiffusion assay. Biopsy specimens were processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy. Glomerular deposition of apoA, apoB and apoE were detected using monoclonal antibodies on cryostatic sections in all patients. Results All the seven patients presented with edema, microscopic hematuria, heavy proteinuria, anemia and enlarged kidney size. Most of them, the levels of serum creatinine were normal. Biochemical profile revealed that the levels of triglyceride, apoB and apoE were elevated markedly. In all cases, increments of glomerular size and lipoprotein thrombi that occupied capillary lumica in the glomeruli were observed. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the thrombi were strongly positive for apoA, apoB and apoE. Granules and various size of vacuoles in the thrombi were observed under electronic microscopy. Conclusion Compared with the previous reports of LPG from other countries, some unique clinical and pathological features are found in this group of Chinese LPG patients.