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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicinal Active Dioscin in Treating IgA Nephropathy
Published on: October 13, 2023
The role of phosphorylcholine-specific immune responses in the tonsils and peripheral blood on IgA nephropathy
Junichiro Ohori1, Tomohiro Jimura1, Yuichi Kurono1
1a Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery , Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences , Kagoshima , Japan.
Background:
Tonsillectomy combined with steroid pulse therapy was reported to be effective for patients with IgA nephropathy. However, the mechanisms of the effect of tonsillectomy on IgA nephropathy are unknown.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the phosphorylcholine (PC)-specific immune response in the tonsils and peripheral blood of patients with IgA nephropathy.
Material And Methods:
Tonsillar lymphocytes were isolated and the number of PC-specific immunoglobulin-producing cells was measured. Additionally, serum PC-specific immunoglobulin levels were quantified and compared with laboratory findings.
Results:
The number of PC-specific IgA-producing cells was increased in the tonsils of patients with IgA nephropathy. The value was significantly elevated in the group with a higher risk of initiating dialysis. In contrast, PC-specific IgM levels in the serum were significantly elevated in the group with a lower risk of initiating dialysis.
Conclusions And Significance:
PC-specific immune responses in the tonsils and peripheral blood may be related to the pathological mechanism and progression of IgA nephropathy.
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