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Glomerular cell apoptosis in human lupus nephritis
Hirofumi Makino1, Hitoshi Sugiyama, Yasushi Yamasaki
1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, 700-8558 Okayama, Japan. makino@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Summary
Glomerular cell apoptosis is increased in lupus nephritis, correlating with disease activity and proliferation. Further research is needed to identify the specific signals inducing this apoptosis in lupus nephritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Disturbed apoptosis is implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.
- The specific role of renal cell apoptosis in lupus nephritis remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate glomerular cell apoptosis in lupus nephritis.
- To correlate apoptosis with clinicopathological, immunoserological, and histological findings.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method were used.
- 22 patients with lupus nephritis were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic resident glomerular cells and infiltrating neutrophils were observed in 12/20 patients.
- TUNEL-positive cells were found in 93% of class IV vs. 20% of class V lupus nephritis.
- Glomerular apoptosis correlated significantly with lupus immunoserological activity (anti-dsDNA, complement consumption) and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is increased, not decreased, in glomeruli of lupus nephritis patients.
- Glomerular cell apoptosis is linked to lupus nephritis activity and progression.
- Identifying inducers of glomerular apoptosis in lupus nephritis is crucial.