ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of adhension molecule CD146 in renal tubular epithelial cells and its clinical significance in IgA nephropathy. METHODS: The expression level of CD146 was measured by immunochemistry method in serial sections of 44 specimens from the patients with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy. The relationship between CD146 expression and clinicopathological changes was analyzed. RESULTS: CD146 was mainly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells, also slightly in the endothelial cells of peritubular capillary and smooth muscle cells. The expression of CD146 had no relationship with Lee's grade of IgA nephropathy, but positively correlated with 24-hour urine protein(r = 0.381, P = 0.011), hypertention, serum creatinine, triglyceride (Z = -2.738, -2.166, - 2.313, P = 0.006, 0.030, 0.021), index of glomerular sclerosis (r = 0 410, P = 0.006), degree of interstitial fibrosi s (r = 0.311, P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: CD146 might play an important role in the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.
