[Study on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptor expression in glomeruli and corticosteroid therapy...

This study was designed to investigate whether expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor in the glomeruli is correlated with clinicopathological parameters in 42 patients with primary IgA nephropathy. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted using frozen sections from biopsy specimens. The intensity of PDGF beta receptor expression in the glomeruli was correlated with the mesangial cell count, but not with clinical parameters, such as daily excretion of urinary protein and creatinine clearance. Moreover, overexpression of PDGF beta receptor in the glomeruli was observed in the patients who were responsive to corticosteroid therapy. These data suggest that PDGF beta receptor expression in the glomeruli of IgA nephropathy could be a useful marker for predicting the prognosis and effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy.