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Published on: June 21, 2024
Diagnostic Value of Serum Periostin for Cyst Involution in Children with Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney
Agnieszka Szmigielska1, Iwona Kotuła2, Urszula Demkow2
1Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
High serum periostin (sPOSTN) levels indicate active cyst formation in children with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). sPOSTN may serve as a blood marker for cystic kidney diseases, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Renal Cystic Diseases
Background:
- Polycystic kidney diseases are associated with elevated periostin and disease progression.
- Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is characterized by renal atrophy.
- Periostin's role in MCDK pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum periostin (sPOSTN) levels in children diagnosed with MCDK.
- To compare sPOSTN levels in children with active MCDK cysts versus those with cyst involution or post-nephrectomy.
- To explore sPOSTN as a potential biomarker for renal cyst formation.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure sPOSTN levels.
- Sixty-four children (aged 1-5 years) were studied, divided into three groups: MCDK with cysts (n=34), MCDK with cyst involution/post-nephrectomy (n=10), and healthy controls (n=20).
- Statistical analysis compared sPOSTN levels across the groups.
Main Results:
- Children with MCDK and active cysts (Group A) exhibited significantly higher sPOSTN levels (239.1 ng/mL) compared to those with cyst involution (Group B, 77.7 ng/mL) (p < 0.05).
- Median sPOSTN levels were elevated in MCDK patients (Groups A & B combined: 204.4 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (141.1 ng/mL).
- A cut-off value of 133.57 ng/mL for periostin was identified for patients with renal cysts.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum periostin (sPOSTN) levels are associated with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and the presence of cysts on ultrasonography.
- sPOSTN shows potential as a blood biomarker for identifying cyst formation in cystic kidney diseases.
- Further research is necessary to validate these preliminary findings regarding sPOSTN in MCDK.
Abstract:
Background: In polycystic kidney diseases, increased periostin levels and disease progression are observed. Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is characterized by kidney atrophy. The aim of the study is to assess serum periostin activity in children with MCDK and in patients with MCDK and involution of cysts. Methods: We enrolled in the study 64 children aged 1-5 years (mean age 25 +/- 9 months). Serum periostin (sPOSTN) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We divided children into three groups: group A-patients with MCDK and cysts (n = 34); group B-patients with involution of cysts or after nephrectomy (n = 10), and group C-healthy children (n = 20). Results: Blood samples were obtained from 64 children, including 44 children with MCDK (26 boys, 18 girls). sPOSTN levels were significantly higher in group A, 239.1 ± 168.1 [IQR: 62.4, 385.7] ng/mL, compared to group B, 77.7 ± 82.8 [IQR: 31.7, 117.0] ng/mL (p < 0.05). The median level of periostin in patients with MCDK (groups A and B) was 204.4 ± 168.2 [IQR: 34.9, 363.4] ng/mL and 141.1 ± 129.0 [IQR: 30.3, 276.9] ng/mL in group C, respectively. In patients with the renal cysts, the cut-off value of periostin was 133.57 ng/mL. The lowest level of periostin was observed in patients in group B. There were no significant differences in periostin level between groups B and C. Conclusions: The study shows that a high level of sPOSTN was identified in patients with MCDK and cyst presentation in abdominal ultrasonography. The level of sPOSTN could be a promising blood marker of the cyst's formation in cystic kidney diseases. However, this study remains preliminary; further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

