Apolipoprotein E2/E5 variants in lipoprotein glomerulopathy recurred in transplanted kidney

Lipid abnormalities are associated with various disorders ranging from generalized atherosclerosis to renal diseases, including lipoprotein glomerulopathy that is characterized by glomerular lipoprotein thrombi and causes type III hyperlipoproteinemia, proteinuria, and renal failure. This study examines lipoprotein glomerulopathy, which recurred in a transplanted kidney. Molecular biologic analysis of the patient's apolipoprotein (apo) E gene demonstrated E2/E5 type variants. Immunohistochemical analysis of the diseased kidney demonstrated various lipid peroxidation-specific protein adducts, suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in this disorder. Recurrence in the transplanted kidney suggested a pathogenic role of extraglomerular humoral component(s) resulting from abnormal lipoprotein metabolism, presumably linked to apo E and other genetic or acquired factor(s). Furthermore, the finding that the patient showed pathologic abnormalities in the transplanted kidney with no clinical signs or symptoms of renal disease indicated that lipoprotein glomerular damage progresses early before any clinical manifestations.