Peroxidasin expression patterns predict fibrosis and kidney function decline in IgA nephropathy

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Molecular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Peroxidasin (PXDN) is a heme peroxidase involved in basement membrane assembly.
• PXDN is implicated in fibrotic processes, but its role in kidney disease is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize PXDN expression in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) kidney biopsies.
• To assess the association of PXDN with fibrosis and kidney function in IgAN.

Main Methods:

• Immunofluorescence staining of kidney biopsies from IgAN patients.
• Correlation analysis of PXDN expression with collagen deposition and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Main Results:

• PXDN expression was altered in a compartment-specific manner in IgAN kidneys.
• PXDN was reduced in proximal tubules and increased in the fibrotic interstitium.
• PXDN correlated with collagen III deposition and was higher in patients with impaired kidney function (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• Glomerular PXDN inversely correlated with eGFR.

Conclusions:

• PXDN expression is altered in IgAN, associated with interstitial fibrosis, collagen III deposition, and reduced kidney function.
• PXDN may play a role in fibrotic remodeling in IgAN.
• PXDN represents a potential therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.