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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 18, 2016
Myeloid-related protein 8 expression on macrophages is a useful prognostic marker for renal dysfunction in children
Yukihiko Kawasaki1, Mitsuaki Hosoya, Ai Takahashi
1Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan. tomo@fmu.ac.jp
Background:
To clarify the role of subclasses of macrophages in chronic glomerulonephritis, we evaluated the relationship between myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14 expression on macrophages and the progression of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN).
Methods:
We enrolled 35 patients with MPGN type 1 who had a normal creatinine clearance at the time of their first renal biopsy and divided them into 2 groups based on clinical status at the time of their most recent examination: 12 patients with normal urine test results and 12 patients with minor urinary abnormalities at the latest observation (group 1) and 7 patients with persistent nephropathy and 4 patients with renal insufficiency (group 2). The first and second renal biopsy findings and MRP8 and MRP14 expression on macrophages were investigated in both groups.
Results:
Mean scores for positive glomerular and interstitial MRP8 and CD68 staining at the time of the first and second biopsies were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. At the time of the second biopsy, mean scores for interstitial CD68-positive (CD68 +) staining were higher in group 2 than group 1. Mean scores for glomerular and interstitial MRP8 + and CD68 + staining at the time of the first biopsy correlated with the chronicity index at the time of second biopsy in both groups.
Conclusion:
Results suggest that MRP8 expression on macrophages in glomeruli and interstitial lesions at the first biopsy can be a useful prognostic marker for renal dysfunction in children with MPGN type 1.
Insights
Myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) expression on macrophages in children with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type 1 indicates a higher risk of developing renal dysfunction. Higher MRP8 and CD68 staining in early biopsies predict worse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic glomerulonephritis, specifically membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), involves complex macrophage roles.
- Myeloid-related proteins (MRP8 and MRP14) are key macrophage markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between macrophage expression of MRP8 and MRP14 and the progression of MPGN.
- To determine if MRP8 expression can serve as a prognostic marker in pediatric MPGN type 1.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 MPGN type 1 patients with initial normal creatinine clearance.
- Patients were grouped based on clinical status at follow-up (normal/minor urinary abnormalities vs. persistent nephropathy/renal insufficiency).
- Evaluated MRP8, MRP14, and CD68 expression on macrophages in initial and follow-up renal biopsies.
Main Results:
- Higher mean scores for glomerular and interstitial MRP8 and CD68 staining were observed in patients with poorer renal outcomes (group 2).
- Interstitial CD68+ staining was significantly higher in group 2 at the second biopsy.
- Early MRP8 and CD68 expression correlated with the chronicity index at the second biopsy.
Conclusions:
- MRP8 expression on macrophages within glomeruli and interstitial lesions at the time of the first biopsy is a potential prognostic indicator for renal dysfunction in pediatric MPGN type 1.
- These findings highlight MRP8 as a valuable marker for predicting disease progression in MPGN.
