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Chang Z, Hu H, Cheng Y, Xu R, Wan Q. Correlation between serum complement component 4 levels and tubular atrophy in patients with lupus nephritis. Ren Fail 2025; 47:2477833. [PMID: 40097340 PMCID: PMC11915727 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2025.2477833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/02/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between serum complement component 4 (C4) levels and tubular atrophy in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS Patients diagnosed with LN through renal biopsy were retrospectively analyzed and categorized into two groups: the tubular atrophy group (TA group) and the non-tubular atrophy group (non-TA group). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and pathological findings were compared between the groups. Logistic regression and spline smoothing plot analysis, utilizing the generalized additive mixed model, were employed to investigate the relationship between serum C4 levels and the occurrence of tubular atrophy. RESULTS A total of 129 patients were included in the study, with 57 (44.2%) identified as having tubular atrophy (TA group), while the remaining 72 patients did not present with tubular atrophy (non-TA group). Patients in the TA group exhibited higher serum C4 levels (p = 0.008) and lower eGFR (p = 0.001) compared to those in the non-TA group. Pathological findings revealed that the TA group had a higher incidence of mesangial hypercellularity (p = 0.041), endocapillary hypercellularity (85.96% vs. 68.06%, p = 0.018), interstitial inflammation (p < 0.018), karyorrhexis (78.95% vs. 59.72%, p = 0.02), and arteriole hypertrophy (66.67% vs. 38.89%, p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated serum C4 levels were associated with tubular atrophy in patients with LN (OR = 1.069, 95% CI 1.001 - 1.141, p = 0.048). Furthermore, spline smoothing analysis using the generalized additive mixed model indicated a linear relationship between serum C4 levels and the occurrence of tubular atrophy events. This linear relationship remained consistent across various stratifications, including age, hypertension, leukocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CONCLUSION Serum C4 levels demonstrate a significant correlation with the presence of tubular atrophy in patients diagnosed with LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheyi Chang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Haofei Hu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Ricong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Qijun Wan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
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Qin S, Wang X, Wang J, Wu H. Complement C4d as a biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. Lupus 2024; 33:111-120. [PMID: 38227433 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231226351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Background: Increasing studies in the last decade have led to the widespread understanding that C4d, a split product of complement component 4 (C4), is a potential biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).Purpose: The aim of this review is to summarize the highlights of studies investigating the use of C4d as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring SLE and LN patients.Data collection: we searched PubMed/Medline and Wanfang databases using the terms "C4d and systemic lupus erythematosus", "C4d and lupus nephritis", and "Complement C4d".Results: The deposition of C4d on circulating blood cells has been shown in several clinical studies to be a potential diagnostic marker that can be used to monitor patients with SLE. In addition, C4d deposits on circulating blood cells may be a helpful diagnostic marker for LN, one of the most severe complications of SLE. Meanwhile, studies utilizing renal biopsy specimens have indicated that C4d deposition in the renal peritubular capillaries of LN patients may predict more severe LN or a worse patient prognosis. Generally, a high plasma C4d level and a high plasma C4d/C4 ratio may also be promising indicators that can be used to monitor patients with SLE and LN.Conclusions: C4d detection may be a novel strategy for further clinical prediction and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Alduraibi FK, Tsokos GC. Lupus Nephritis Biomarkers: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:805. [PMID: 38255879 PMCID: PMC10815779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN), a major complication in individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, substantially increases morbidity and mortality. Despite marked improvements in the survival of patients with severe LN over the past 50 years, complete clinical remission after immunosuppressive therapy is achieved in only half of the patients. Therefore, timely detection of LN is vital for initiating prompt therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes. Biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools for LN detection and monitoring; however, the complex role of these biomarkers in LN pathogenesis remains unclear. Renal biopsy remains the gold standard for the identification of the histological phenotypes of LN and guides disease management. However, the molecular pathophysiology of specific renal lesions remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a critical, up-to-date overview of the latest developments in the field of LN biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima K. Alduraibi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Teaching Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - George C. Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Teaching Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Messias N. Immunofluorescence Use and Techniques in Glomerular Diseases: A Review. GLOMERULAR DISEASES 2024; 4:227-240. [PMID: 39678627 PMCID: PMC11644094 DOI: 10.1159/000542497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Immunofluorescence (IF) studies play an essential role in the evaluation of medical renal biopsies. Particularly, in the study of renal glomerular diseases, where it provides fundamental data for the diagnosis, classification, and etiology of the glomerular pathologies. Diverse techniques may be used to optimize the utilization of IF studies, from variations on the test methodologies to expertise on the interpretation of the results and knowledge of potential pitfalls. Summary This manuscript presents a brief review on the history of IF and its utilization in kidney pathology, followed by a description of the IF methods, including the use of IF on paraffin-embedded tissue (paraffin IF), and other novel techniques. Guidelines on how to best report IF findings are reviewed, along with a description of antibodies commonly used in glomerular diseases, highlighting their distribution within the normal kidney and potential pitfalls in interpretation. Finally, the use and interpretation of IF are discussed in more detail in individual entities on a range of glomerular diseases. Key Messages IF is crucial for interpretation of renal biopsies and diagnosis of glomerular diseases. Knowledge of IF techniques, alternative procedures, its use and proper interpretation is essential for optimal utilization of IF in renal pathology, and this review proposes to serve as a simplified and practical guide on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidia Messias
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Ding H, Shen Y, Hong SM, Xiang C, Shen N. Biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus - a focus on organ damage. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:39-58. [PMID: 37712757 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2260098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex autoimmune disease with heterogenous manifestations, unpredictable disease course and response to treatment. One of the critical needs in SLE management is the identification of reliable biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, accurate monitoring of disease activity, and assessment of treatment response. AREAS COVERED In the current review, we focus on the commonly affected organs (skin, kidney, and nervous system) in SLE to summarize the emerging biomarkers that show promise in disease diagnosis, monitoring and treatment response assessment. The subtitles within each organ domain were determined based on the most relevant and promising biomarkers for that specific organ damage. EXPERT OPINION Biomarkers have the potential to significantly benefit the management of SLE by aiding in diagnosis, disease activity monitoring, prognosis, and treatment response assessment. However, despite decades of research, none has been validated and implemented for routine clinical use. Novel biomarkers could lead to the development of precision medicine for SLE, guide personalized treatment, and improve patient outcomes. Challenges in biomarker research in SLE include defining clear and clinically relevant questions, accounting for the heterogeneity of SLE, and confirming initial findings in larger, multi-center, multi-ethnic, independent cohorts that reflect real-world clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihua Ding
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Soon-Min Hong
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- China-Australia Centre for Personalized Immunology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
The complement cascade comprises soluble and cell surface proteins and is an important arm of the innate immune system. Once activated, the complement system rapidly generates large quantities of protein fragments that are potent mediators of inflammatory, vasoactive and metabolic responses. Although complement is crucial to host defence and homeostasis, its inappropriate or uncontrolled activation can also drive tissue injury. For example, the complement system has been known for more than 50 years to be activated by glomerular immune complexes and to contribute to autoimmune kidney disease. Notably, the latest research shows that complement is also activated in kidney diseases that are not traditionally thought of as immune-mediated, including haemolytic-uraemic syndrome, diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Several complement-targeted drugs have been approved for the treatment of kidney disease, and additional anti-complement agents are being investigated in clinical trials. These drugs are categorically different from other immunosuppressive agents and target pathological processes that are not effectively inhibited by other classes of immunosuppressants. The development of these new drugs might therefore have considerable benefits in the treatment of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Petr
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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Wang X, Fu S, Yu J, Tang D, Wu H, Xu Z. Renal C4d is a potential biomarker of disease activity and severity in pediatric lupus nephritis patients. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1193917. [PMID: 37325343 PMCID: PMC10268246 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1193917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multisystemic autoimmune disease, is very aggressive in pediatric-onset patients as they are prone to develop lupus nephritis (LN). Although renal C4d positivity is correlated with the activity of renal disease and SLE in adult-onset LN patients, available information for pediatric-onset patients is limited. Methods To evaluate the potential diagnostic significance of renal C4d staining in pediatric LN patients, we retrospectively detected C4d staining by immunohistochemistry on renal biopsy specimens from 58 pediatric LN patients. The clinical and laboratory data at the time of the kidney biopsy and the renal disease activity of histological injury were analyzed according to the C4d staining status. Results Glomerular C4d (G-C4d)-positive staining was detected in all 58 cases of LN. Patients with a G-C4d score of 2 displayed more severe proteinuria than those with a G-C4d score of 1 (24-h urinary protein: 3.40 ± 3.55 g vs. 1.36 ± 1.24 g, P < 0.05). Peritubular capillary C4d (PTC-C4d) positivity was found in 34 of 58 LN patients (58.62%). The PTC-C4d-positive patient groups (patients with a PTC-C4d score of 1 or 2) had higher serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels as well as renal pathological activity index (AI) and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores; however, they had lower serum complement C3 and C4 levels compared to PTC-C4d-negative patients (P < 0.05). In addition, there was positive tubular basement membrane C4d (TBM-C4d) staining in 11 of 58 LN patients (18.96%), and a higher proportion of TBM-C4d-positive patients than TBM-C4d-negative patients (63.63% vs. 21.27%) had hypertension. Conclusion Our study revealed that G-C4d, PTC-C4d, and TMB-C4d were positively correlated with proteinuria, disease activity and severity, and hypertension, respectively, in pediatric LN patients. These data suggest that renal C4d is a potential biomarker for disease activity and severity in pediatric LN patients, providing insights into the development of novel identification and therapeutic approaches for pediatric-onset SLE with LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shaojie Fu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinyu Yu
- Department of Renal Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Daru Tang
- Medical Student, Bethune Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhonggao Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Ayano M, Horiuchi T. Complement as a Biomarker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomolecules 2023; 13:367. [PMID: 36830735 PMCID: PMC9953581 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of immune complex deposition; therefore, complement plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In general, complement levels in blood and complement deposition in histological tests are used for the management of SLE. Thus, the evaluation of complement status can be useful in the diagnosis of SLE, assessment of disease activity, and prediction of treatment response and prognosis. In addition, novel complement biomarkers, such as split products and cell-bound complement activation products, are considered to be more sensitive than traditional complement markers, such as serum C3 and C4 levels and total complement activity (CH50), which become more widely used. In this review, we report the complement testing in the management of SLE over the last decade and summarize their utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ayano
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiko Horiuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumibaru, Tsurumi, Beppu 874-0838, Japan
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Zhang B, Xing G. Thrombotic microangiopathy mediates poor prognosis among lupus nephritis via complement lectin and alternative pathway activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1081942. [PMID: 36582241 PMCID: PMC9792970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in lupus nephritis (LN) remains complicated. This study aimed to detect the deposition of complement lectin pathway (LP) and alternative pathway (AP) components in renal tissues, then evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors for renal survival between patients with or without TMA in LN cohorts. Methods We included 79 patients with biopsy-proven LN-associated TMA and matched the same number of LN patients without TMA as the control group. The deposition of mannose binding lectin (MBL), MBL-associated serine proteases 1/3 (MASP1/3), complement factor B (CFB), complement factor D (CFD), C4d, and von Willebrand factor (VWF) in renal tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Besides, co-localization of C5b-9 and CD34 was detected by confocal microscopy. Results In our retrospective cohort, the incidence of acute kidney injury (30% vs. 14%, p = 0.013), acute hemodialysis (35% vs. 5%, p < 0.001), and interstitial fibrosis (43% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) is higher in the TMA, compared with the control group. Despite aggressive steroids pulse, plasma exchange, and immunosuppressive therapy among TMA group, they still had significantly inferior 3-year renal survival rates (68% vs. 89%, p = 0.002) than those in the non-TMA group. COX regression analysis identified that TMA (HR 4.807, 95% CI [2.052, 11.263], p < 0.001) is a risk factor in LN. MBL, MASP1/3, CFB, CFD, C4d, and VWF deposited along the glomerulus among LN, while TMA had stronger staining intensity and deposition. The co-localized expression of CD34 and C5b-9 in the endothelial cells was also observed in the renal tissues. Conclusions TMA is an independent risk factor for renal survival in LN patients. Moreover, LP and AP activation are involved in the pathogenesis of LN-associated TMA.
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Hurler L, Toonen EJM, Kajdácsi E, van Bree B, Brandwijk RJMGE, de Bruin W, Lyons PA, Bergamaschi L, Sinkovits G, Cervenak L, Würzner R, Prohászka Z. Distinction of early complement classical and lectin pathway activation via quantification of C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complexes using novel ELISAs. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1039765. [PMID: 36420270 PMCID: PMC9677118 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The most commonly used markers to assess complement activation are split products that are produced through activation of all three pathways and are located downstream of C3. In contrast, C4d derives from the cleavage of C4 and indicates either classical (CP) or lectin pathway (LP) activation. Although C4d is perfectly able to distinguish between CP/LP and alternative pathway (AP) activation, no well-established markers are available to differentiate between early CP and LP activation. Active enzymes of both pathways (C1s/C1r for the CP, MASP-1/MASP-2 for the LP) are regulated by C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) through the formation of covalent complexes. Aim of this study was to develop validated immunoassays detecting C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complex levels. Measurement of the complexes reveals information about the involvement of the respective pathways in complement-mediated diseases. Two sandwich ELISAs detecting C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complex were developed and tested thoroughly, and it was investigated whether C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complexes could serve as markers for either early CP or LP activation. In addition, a reference range for these complexes in healthy adults was defined, and the assays were clinically validated utilizing samples of 414 COVID-19 patients and 96 healthy controls. The immunoassays can reliably measure C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complex concentrations in EDTA plasma from healthy and diseased individuals. Both complex levels are increased in serum when activated with zymosan, making them suitable markers for early classical and early lectin pathway activation. Furthermore, measurements of C1-INH complexes in 96 healthy adults showed normally distributed C1s/C1-INH complex levels with a physiological concentration of 1846 ± 1060 ng/mL (mean ± 2SD) and right-skewed distribution of MASP-1/C1-INH complex levels with a median concentration of 36.9 (13.18 - 87.89) ng/mL (2.5-97.5 percentile range), while levels of both complexes were increased in COVID-19 patients (p<0.0001). The newly developed assays measure C1-INH complex levels in an accurate way. C1s/C1-INH and MASP-1/C1-INH complexes are suitable markers to assess early classical and lectin pathway activation. An initial reference range was set and first studies showed that these markers have added value for investigating and unraveling complement activation in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hurler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erik J. M. Toonen
- Research and Development Department, Hycult Biotech, Uden, Netherlands
| | - Erika Kajdácsi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bregje van Bree
- Research and Development Department, Hycult Biotech, Uden, Netherlands
| | | | - Wieke de Bruin
- Research and Development Department, Hycult Biotech, Uden, Netherlands
| | - Paul A. Lyons
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - György Sinkovits
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University – Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
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Palazzo L, Lindblom J, Mohan C, Parodis I. Current Insights on Biomarkers in Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2022; 11:5759. [PMID: 36233628 PMCID: PMC9570701 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, promising emerging biomarkers pave the way toward an improved management of patients with LN. We have reviewed the literature over the past decade, and we herein summarise the most relevant biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis in LN. An initial systematic search of Medline was conducted to identify pertinent articles. A total of 104 studies were selected to be included in this review. Several diagnostic biomarkers, including MCP-1, TWEAK, NGAL, and uric acid, exhibited good ability to differentiate LN patients from non-renal SLE patients. Several cytokines and chemokines, including IL-10, IL-17, MCP-1, and IP-10, hold promise for assessing LN disease activity, as do cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Angiogenesis-related and haemostasis-related proteins have also displayed potential for monitoring disease activity. Biomarkers of responses to therapy include Axl, CD163, and BAFF, whereas VCAM-1, ALCAM, and ANCAs have been reported as prognostic markers, along with traditional markers. In addition, novel renal tissue biomarkers may prove to be a useful complement to histological evaluations. The overall heterogeneity of the inclusion criteria and outcome measures across different studies, along with a lack of validation in multi-centre cohorts, call for future collaborative efforts. Nevertheless, we foresee that several biomarkers hold promise toward optimisation of the management of LN, with the use of integrated omics and panels of less invasive biomarkers paving the way towards personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Palazzo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Unit of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Unit of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chandra Mohan
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Unit of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Fernandez-Ruiz R, Belmont HM. The role of anticomplement therapy in lupus nephritis. Transl Res 2022; 245:1-17. [PMID: 35158097 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The complement system plays crucial roles in homeostasis and host defense against microbes. Deficiency of early complement cascade components has been associated with increased susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas excessive complement consumption is a hallmark of this disease. Although enhanced classical pathway activation by immune complexes was initially thought to be the main contributor to lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis, an increasing body of evidence has suggested the alternative and the lectin pathways are also involved. Therapeutic agents targeting complement activation have been used in LN patients and clinical trials are ongoing. We review the mechanisms by which complement system dysregulation contributes to renal injury in SLE and summarize the latest evidence on the use of anticomplement agents to manage this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fernandez-Ruiz
- Division of Rheumatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Yang X, Yuan Y, Shao X, Pang H, Che X, Cao L, Zhang M, Xu Y, Ni Z, Qi C, Wang Q, Mou S. C4d as a Screening Tool and an Independent Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Lupus Nephritis and IgA Nephropathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832998. [PMID: 35174193 PMCID: PMC8841560 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As an indispensable marker of complement cascades activation, C4d was confirmed of its crucial role in the pathogenesis of both lupus nephritis (LN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). While the studies directly comparing the diagnostic value, and outcomes predicting function of C4d between LN and IgAN are still absent. Methods A cohort of 120 LN patients, 120 IgAN patients who were diagnosed by renal biopsy between January 2015 and December 2017 and 24 healthy age matched controls were prospectively analyzed. The patients were followed till December 2020. The outcomes were adverse disease treatment response (disease relapse) and kidney disease progression event (decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate by more than 20% or end-stage kidney disease). The renal C4d deposition proportion and pattern were compared between IgAN and LN patients. In addition, the relationship between renal C4d deposition and disease subtypes, disease relapse as well as disease progression for LN and IgAN patients were also analyzed. Results The LN, IgAN patients and healthy controls were well matched in ages. The follow-up period was 38.5 (30.3–60.8) months for LN patients and 45.0 (30.5–57.0) months for IgAN patients. 78 patients (65.0%) with LN had renal C4d deposition, compared with only 39 IgAN patients (32.5%) with C4d deposition in renal tissues (P < 0.001). The LN patients shared different renal C4d distribution patterns with IgAN patients. Compared with IgAN patients, the C4d deposition in LN patients was significantly more in renal glomerulus (P < 0.001) and less in renal tubules (P = 0.003). For disease subtypes, renal C4d deposition was especially strong in class V membranous LN and IgAN with tubulointerstitial fibrosis (T1/T2) lesions. Renal C4d deposition was independently correlated with the disease relapse of LN patients (HR = 1.007, P = 0.040), and acted as an independent predictor of disease progression during the follow-up period for IgAN patients (HR = 1.821, P = 0.040). Conclusions Renal C4d distribution proportion and pattern differed between LN and IgAN patients. The presence of C4d in renal tissue acted as an independent predictor of relapse for LN patients and disease progression for IgAN patients.
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