The predictive value of peritubular capillaries C3d deposition in IgA glomerulonephritis

The IgA glomerulonephritis (IgAGN) is one of the most common primary glomerulonephritis and has a variable and difficult to predict evolution toward the end-stage nephrosclerosis. The deposition of C3d complement component in peritubular capillaries (PTCs) indicates a variant type of acute rejection while C3d deposition in primary glomerulonephritis (GN) is poorly documented. The aim of this study is to examine C3d expression in peritubular capillaries (PTCs) as a predictive marker and its correlation with the severity of renal injury in IgA glomerulonephritis. Polyclonal FITC conjugated rabbit anti-human C3c and C3d antibodies were used for direct immunofluorescent evaluation of the C3c and C3d deposits in 24 kidney biopsies with IgA glomerulonephritis. The study revealed that the C3d deposits in peritubular capillaries were associated with known predictors for rapid progression of IgAGN: glomerular sclerosis (63.6%), atrophic tubules (90.9%) and interstitial sclerosis (81.8%). The intensity of the C3c glomerular immunofluorescent deposits was related with active lesions. Thus, the predictive value of C3d deposition on PTCs in IgAGN is worth to be taken into consideration as an unfavorable outcome of the disease and request further long run investigations.