Increased Lymphatic Vessels: A Risk Factor for Severe Renal Function Loss in Obstructive Nephropathy Patients

Background: Obstructive nephropathy (ON), resulting from hindered urine flow, significantly contributes to both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Research has consistently highlighted increased lymphatic vessels (LVs) density in diverse kidney diseases. However, the precise involvement of LVs in ON remains unclear. Methods: Patients diagnosed with ON were enrolled in this study from January 2020 to December 2023. LVs and histological pathology in renal biopsy tissues were detected through immunohistochemistry and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining. Patients were categorized into two cohorts based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels: one cohort included patients with eGFR < 90, while the other encompassed those with eGFR ≥ 90. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between the two cohorts. Results: 239 patients were enrolled in the study. The density of LVs was elevated in ON, with even higher densities observed in patients with severe renal impairment. Additionally, several risk factors contributing to the deterioration of renal function in ON patients have been identified, including age, ureteral calculi (UC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and uric acid (UA). Furthermore, by leveraging LVs density, multiple robust models have been established to predict severe renal impairment in ON. Conclusions: Lymphatic vessels density is significantly elevated in ON, serving as an independent risk factor for the decline in renal function.