In dieser Arbeit wurden 8 und 16 Wochen alte, hypertensive "fawn-hooded" Ratten (FHH8, FHH16) mit genetisch ähnlichen 16 Wochen alten "fawn-hooded" Ratten mit nur geringgradiger Blutdruckerhöhung (FHL16, Kontrollgruppe) hinsichtlich der pathologisch-anatomischen Veränderungen der Nierenmorphologie und hinsichtlich der Expression von NO-Synthase-1 (NOS1), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) und Renin am juxtaglomerulären Apparat (JGA) verglichen. Die histopathologischen Veränderungen bei FHH16 umfassten die klassischen Schädigungszeichen der fokal segmentalen Glomerulosklerose (FSGS) mit fokaler Überexpression von Kollagen IV und eine moderate Arteriolopathie. Bei FHH8 ließen sich, wie bei FHL16 keine morphologischen Schädigungen nachweisen. Die NOS1-Aktivität an der Macula densa, untersucht mittels der NADPH-Diaphorasereaktion und die NOS1 mRNA Expression waren bei FHH8 (+153 and +88%; P < 0.05) und FHH16 (+93 and +98%; P < 0.05) im Vergleich zu FHL16 signifikant erhöht. Eine gleichgerichtete signifikante Erhöhung zeigte sich für die COX-2-Expression an der Macula densa von FHH8 (+166%; P < 0.05) und FHH16 (+157%; P < 0.05) im Vergleich zu FHL16. Des weiteren ließ sich eine signifikante, ebenfalls gleichgerichtete Überexpression von Renin in der afferenten Arteriole auf Protein- und mRNA-Ebene bei FHH8 (+51 and +166%; P < 0.05) und FHH16 (+105 and +136%; P < 0.05) im Vergleich zu FHL16 nachweisen. Somit konnte gezeigt werden, dass die gleichgerichtete Überexpression von NOS1, COX-2 und Renin am JGA bei der FHH-Ratte der Entwicklung einer fokal segmentalen Glomerulosklerose vorausgeht und damit möglicherweise pathogenetische Bedeutung für die Entstehung der Nierenschädigung bei diesem Rattenstamm hat. / This study describes elevated histochemical signals for nitric oxide synthase-1 (NOS1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) and adjacent thick ascending limb of the kidney of fawn-hooded hypertensive rats (FHH). Two different age groups of FHH (8 and 16 wk; FHH8 and FHH16, respectively) were compared with genetically related fawn-hooded rats with close to normal blood pressure (FHL) that served as controls. Histopathological changes in FHH16 comprised focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), focal matrix overexpression (mainly of collagen IV), and a moderate arteriolopathy with hypertrophy of the media, enhanced immunoreactivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin, and altered distribution of myofibrils. Macula densa NOS activity, as expressed by NADPH-diaphorase staining, and NOS1 mRNA abundance were significantly elevated in FHH8 (+153 and +88%; P < 0.05) and FHH16 (+93 and +98%; P < 0.05), respectively. Even higher elevations were registered for COX-2 immunoreactivity in FHH8 (+166%; P < 0.05) and FHH16 (+157%; P < 0.05). The intensity of renin immunoreactivity and renin mRNA expression in afferent arterioles was also elevated in FHH8 (+51 and +166%; P < 0.05) and FHH16 (+105 and +136%; P < 0.05), respectively. Thus we show that coordinate upregulation of tubular NOS1, COX-2, and renin expression precedes, and continues after, the manifestation of glomerulosclerotic damage in FHH. These observations may have implications in understanding the role of local paracrine mediators in glomerular disease.

La hyalinose segmentaire et focale (HSF) est une maladie rénale sévère dont la physiopathologie est complexe. La récidive de la maladie après transplantation rénale et l’obtention de sa rémission après un traitement par immunoadsorption (IA) illustre l’implication d’un facteur circulant dans sa physiopathologie, capable de se fixer à la protéine A. Récemment, suPAR a été rapporté comme agent causal et marqueur de la HSF. Le premier objectif de notre travail a été de vérifier si suPAR se fixe à la protéine A. Le deuxième objectif a été d’identifier le facteur circulant responsable de la récidive de la HSF après transplantation rénale, à partir de l’analyse par spectrométrie de masse des protéines liées à la colonne de protéine A après (IA). Premièrement, nous avons mesuré la concentration de suPAR par un test ELISA parmi les protéines fixées à la colonne de protéine A après IA chez 7 patients atteints de HSF récidivantes et dans le sérum de 13 patients atteints de HSF récidivantes et de 11 contrôles sains. Le sérum des patients a été immunoadsorbé in vitro sur bille de protéine A sépharose. Nous avons quantifié suPAR avant et après la procédure et dans l’éluat des protéines fixées à la protéine A. La concentration de suPAR est plus élevée chez les patients atteints de HSF récidivantes par rapport aux groupes contrôles. La concentration de suPAR est très faible dans les proteines éluées à partir de la colonne de protéine A, indiquant que suPAR ne se lie pas à la protéine A et n’est pas le facteur circulant élué par les colonnes de protéines A. Deuxièmement, nous avons identifié le FC à partir des protéines fixées à la colonne de protéine A par une caractérisation des protéines par spectrométrie de masse chez des patients traités pour récidive de HSF et chez un patient contrôle. Nous avons recherché le FC dans le sérum de patient atteint de HSF, de patient ayant une néphropathie diabétique et chez des contrôles sains. L’effet de la protéine recombinante du FC a été testé in vitro sur une culture de podocytes et in vivo chez la souris. Nous avons identifié une forme sérique de CASK (calcium calmoduline sérine thréonine kinase), à partir des protéines fixées à la colonne de protéine A après IA. CASK est présente uniquement dans le sérum de patients atteints de HSF et non dans les groupes contrôles. In vitro, la protéine recombinante de CASK (CASKr) induit une redistribution de l’actine du cytosquelette des podocytes en culture par une interaction avec CD98. CASKr altére la perméabilité des podocytes à l’abumine et induit in vivo une protéinurie chez la souris associé à un effacement des pédicelles.En conclusion, suPAR ne se fixe pas à la protéine A ni in vivo ni in vitro. Une forme sérique de CASK est impliqué dans la récidive de la HSF avec comme cible potentiel CD98 sur le podocyte. / Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a serious disease, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. Its recurrence after transplantation (Tx) and its partial remission after treatment with immunoadsorption (IA) on a protein A column indicate the existence of a circulating factor (CF) responsible for the disease that is able to bind to a protein A column. Recently, the soluble receptor of urokinase (suPAR) was described as the factor responsible for FSGS. The first aim of my work was to test the capacity of suPAR to bind to protein A and to be eliminated by IA. The second aim was to identify the CF responsible of the recurrence of the disease after renal transplantation from the analysis of proteins eluted from protein-A columns from patients with rFSGS who had undergone therapeutic (IA). First, we measured suPAR in eluates of protein A columns from 7 patients with recurrent FSGS after Tx (rFSGS) treated with IA, and in the serum of 13 patients with rFSGS and 11 healthy donors (HD). Additionally, the plasma of these patients was immunoadsorbed in vitro on a protein A Sepharose column and we quantified suPAR in the eluates and in pre- and post-column samples. The concentration of suPAR was higher in the plasma of patients with rFSGS than in the plasma of HD patients. However, the concentration of suPAR was similar before and after IA on protein A for the rFSGS and HD samples. The suPAR concentration was very low in the eluates from protein A columns incubated with plasma from HD or rFSGS patients. However, 85% of rFSGS patients showed a decrease in immunoglobulin G and proteinuria. Secondly, we analyzed proteins eluted from protein-A columns from patients with rFSGS who had undergone therapeutic immunoadsorption. Compared to control a differential band was identified by mass spectrometry. The expression of this protein was tested by immunochemical methods in sera from healthy controls, from patients with proteinuria caused by diabetic nephropathy, and from rFSGS patients. The effect of the recombinant protein was evaluated in vitro (podocytes) and in vivo experiments (mice). A soluble form of calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine kinase (CASK) eluted from protein-A columns was identified by mass spectrometry. CASK was immunoprecipitated only in the sera from patients with rFSGS. Recombinant CASK induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton of cultured podocytes through an interaction with CD98 at the cell surface. In vitro, CASK increased the permeability of podocyte monolayers, and induced proteinuria and foot-process effacement in miceIn conclusion, suPAR does not significantly bind to protein A in vitro or in vivo. Soluble CASK acts as a permeability factor in patients with rFSGS bindinding CD98 on podocytes.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is one of the commonest cause of the nephrotic syndrome in adults patients. It is a damage of glomerulus characterized by leakage of proteins to urine and oedemas which usually develops into the end-stage renal disease within 10 years. Recently have been described familial forms of this disease which arise from injury to proteins making up filtration barrier of kidney. In 2005 non-selective ion channel TRPC6 was assigned among these proteins. In this thesis I focused on summarizing existing knowledge of the nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and involvement of TRPC6 in their origin. Second part of this work is devoted to the screening analysis of TRPC6 gene to discover possible mutations and polymorfisms in 47 patients with histologically proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or minimal change disease. The used methods were high resolution melting and direct sequencing. In the group of patients was detected no pathogenic mutation, only 2 known polymorfisms P15S and A404V and few changes which do not result in alteration of amino acid. So it seems TRPC6 gene mutations are a rare cause of the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adult patients in the Czech Republic.

INTRODUÇÃO: A nefrectomia radical está associada com algum grau de comprometimento da função do rim remanescente em pacientes com câncer renal. A etiologia da insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) nesses casos é complexa, tem prevalência relativamente alta e existem poucas alternativas terapêuticas quando ela se estabelece. Métodos que permitem prever o aparecimento desse quadro e possibilitem condutas terapêuticas que minimizem e retardem a perda de função renal são altamente desejáveis. OBJETIVOS: Em pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical: 1. Objetivo primário: Avaliar o impacto de alterações do parênquima renal não neoplásico, dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais sobre o desenvolvimento de insuficiência renal crônica. 2. Objetivo secundário: Correlacionar alterações do parênquima renal não neoplásico, dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais com a variação da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada pré e pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 65 pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical por quadros de carcinoma de células renais. Nesses casos, procedeu-se a análise histológica do parênquima renal não neoplásico e as alterações encontradas foram correlacionadas com o aparecimento subsequente de IRC. Para avaliação da função renal, foi utilizada a taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (TFGe) por meio da fórmula MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) pré-operatória e última consulta. O estado do parênquima renal não neoplásico foi avaliado por meio de parâmetros histológicos: 1. Presença de glomerulosclerose, calculada pelo número total de glomérulos escleróticos dividido pelo número total de glomérulos avaliados, e expressa em porcentagem e presença de glomérulos hialinizados; 2. Alterações vasculares com a presença de arteriolosclerose. A extensão da oclusão arterial foi quantificada em três grupos: menos de 25%, 26% a 50% e acima de 50%. 3. Presença de fibrose intersticial e atrofia tubular. O impacto destas alterações no comportamento da função renal foi avaliado por meio do desenvolvimento IRC, definida com uma TFGe menor que 60ml/minuto/1,73m2 na avaliação mais recente e de acordo com os protocolos do Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. RESULTADOS: Após um seguimento médio de 49,06 meses, foi observado uma queda média de 26,52% na função renal nos pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical. Trinta e cinco dos 65 pacientes evoluíram para IRC. Em uma análise univariada, presença de glomerulosclerose (OR=3,8), arteriosclerose (OR=3.3), fibrose intersticial (OR=3.8), hipertensão arterial (OR=3.7), Diabetes Mellitus (OR=11.6) e idade maior que 60 anos (OR=3.4) associaram-se à evolução para IRC (p < 0.05). Em uma regressão logística multivariada, índice de comorbidade de Charlson (OR= 2,3), GS (OR= 1,2) e TFGe pré-operatória (OR= 0,96) foram estatisticamente significantes. Para cada 2,5% de aumento de alterações glomérulos, houve uma diminuição percentual de 28% da TFGe. CONCLUSÕES: Alterações histológicas do parênquima renal não neoplásico e parâmetros clínicos podem ser utilizados para predizer pacientes que evoluirão para IRC após uma nefrectomia radical / INTRODUCTION: Radical nephrectomy is inevitably associated with a variable renal function decrease. Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent and there are few options for treatment in end stage CKD. The goal, as urologist, should be on optimizing renal function after surgery and not just avoiding dialysis. OBJECTIVES: In patients submitted to radical nephrectomy: 1. Primary objective: Assess the association of histopathological parameters in non-neoplastic renal parenchyma with new onset chronic kidney disease after surgery. 2. Secondary objective: Assess the association of demographic and clinical parameters with new onset chronic kidney disease after surgery. METHODS: Data were extracted from 65 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy. Using The MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) formula, we calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate preoperatively and at last follow-up. The study end point was development of CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60ml/minute/1,73m2. A renal pathologist assessed three histological features in the nonneoplastic parenchyma, including global glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. For glomerulosclerosis assessment, the percent of affected glomeruli was determined. Arteriosclerosis or the extent of arterial luminal occlusion was graded into three groups, including 1-0% to 25%, 2-26% to 50% and 3-greater than 50%. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were evaluated as absent/present. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 49,06 months, the eGFR rate decreased 26,52% after radical nephrectomy. Thirty five patients developed CKD. In a univariate analysis, the incidence of CKD was associated with glomerulosclerosis (OR=3,8), interstitial fibrosis (OR=3,8), arteriosclerosis (OR=3,3), hypertension (OR=3,7), Diabetes Mellitus (OR=11,6) and age (OR=3,4) after surgery. In a multivariate analysis, Charlson comorbidity index (OR= 2,3), glomerulosclerosis (OR= 1,2) and baseline eGFR(OR= 0,96) were associated with new onset CKD after radical nephrectomy. For each 2,5% increase in glomerular abnormality the eGFR rate decreased 28% from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic findings in the nonneoplasic tissue, in addition to clinical parameters, can be used to predict which patients are more likely to develop CKD after radical nephrectomy

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-10-18T11:17:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 priscyllaaparecidavieiradocarmo.pdf: 1470676 bytes, checksum: fd5e83ad78ccfe4675fb74294a6ad3a6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-25T12:06:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 priscyllaaparecidavieiradocarmo.pdf: 1470676 bytes, checksum: fd5e83ad78ccfe4675fb74294a6ad3a6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-25T12:06:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 priscyllaaparecidavieiradocarmo.pdf: 1470676 bytes, checksum: fd5e83ad78ccfe4675fb74294a6ad3a6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-15 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / As glomerulopatias persistem entre as principais causas de doença renal crônica dialítica em nosso país. Traçar um perfil destas doenças assume importância não só como fonte para investigações clínicas e epidemiológicas, como também constitui-se em importante passo para o conhecimento da história natural das doenças glomerulares. O presente estudo avaliou o perfil das doenças glomerulares na Zona da Mata Mineira, estabelecendo a distribuição e freqüência dos tipos histológicos das glomerulopatias primárias e secundárias, relacionando-os com os achados clínico laboratoriais. Foram realizadas 261 biópsias, sendo que 126 delas correspondiam a rins nativos de adultos e foram consideradas para análise. A síndrome glomerular mais freqüente foi a nefrótica (55,2%), seguida da síndrome de anormalidades urinárias (28,8%). As glomerulopatias primárias e secundárias predominantes foram a glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (40,8%) e a nefrite lúpica (80,7%), respectivamente. Considerando-se toda a população, a GESF foi a glomerulopatia predominante (n=31; 24,6%), seguida pela nefrite lúpica (n=21; 16,6%) e pela nefropatia por IgA (n=16; 12,6%). Dentre as principais causas de síndrome nefrótica, a 10 GESF foi a glomerulopatia mais freqüentemente encontrada (27,5%), seguida pela nefrite lúpica (23,1%). Na síndrome de anormalidades urinárias, os diagnósticos mais freqüentes foram o rim normal (27,7%) e a nefropatia por IgA (22,2%). A maioria dos pacientes avaliados apresentavam algum grau de cronicidade à biópsia renal (56,3%), que se relacionou com menores valores de filtração glomerular. Este estudo forneceu informações importantes sobre as glomerulopatias na nossa região, contribuindo não só para uma adequada documentação da distribuição destas doenças entre nós, mas sobretudo para definição de melhores condutas visando terapêuticas cada vez mais específicas para diferentes tipos histológicos. / Glomerulopathies are still among the main causes of chronic kidney diseases requiring dialysis in our country. It is important to establish a profile of these diseases not only as a source for clinical and epidemiological investigations, but also because this is an important step for the knowledge of the natural history of glomerular diseases. This study assessed the profile of glomerular diseases in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, and established the distribution and frequency of the histological types of primary and secondary glomerulopathies, comparing them to clinical-laboratorial results. 261 biopsies were carried out, 126 of which were native adult kidneys and which were submitted to analysis. The most common glomerular syndrome was nephrotic syndrome (55.2%), followed by urinary abnormality syndrome (28.8%). The predominant primary and secondary glomerulopathies were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (40.8%) and lupus nephritis (80.7%), respectively. Considering the whole population, FSGS was the predominant glomerulopathy (n=31; 24.6%), followed by lupus nephritis (n=21; 16.6%) and IgA nephropathy (n=16; 12.6%). Among the main causes of nephrotic syndrome, FSGS was the most frequently found glomerulopathy (27.5%), followed by lupus nephritis (23.1%). In the urinary abnormality syndrome, the most common diagnoses 12 were normal kidney (27.7%) and IgA nephropathy (22.2%). The majority of the patients presented some degree of chronicity at the renal biopsy (56,3%), which correlated with lower values of glomerular filtration rate. This study supplied important information about glomerulopathies in our region, contributing not only to suitable documentation on the distribution of these diseases among us, but particularly to a definition of more appropriate conduct, aiming at therapies that are more and more specific for different histological types.

INTRODUÇÃO: A nefrectomia radical está associada com algum grau de comprometimento da função do rim remanescente em pacientes com câncer renal. A etiologia da insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) nesses casos é complexa, tem prevalência relativamente alta e existem poucas alternativas terapêuticas quando ela se estabelece. Métodos que permitem prever o aparecimento desse quadro e possibilitem condutas terapêuticas que minimizem e retardem a perda de função renal são altamente desejáveis. OBJETIVOS: Em pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical: 1. Objetivo primário: Avaliar o impacto de alterações do parênquima renal não neoplásico, dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais sobre o desenvolvimento de insuficiência renal crônica. 2. Objetivo secundário: Correlacionar alterações do parênquima renal não neoplásico, dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais com a variação da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada pré e pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 65 pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical por quadros de carcinoma de células renais. Nesses casos, procedeu-se a análise histológica do parênquima renal não neoplásico e as alterações encontradas foram correlacionadas com o aparecimento subsequente de IRC. Para avaliação da função renal, foi utilizada a taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (TFGe) por meio da fórmula MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) pré-operatória e última consulta. O estado do parênquima renal não neoplásico foi avaliado por meio de parâmetros histológicos: 1. Presença de glomerulosclerose, calculada pelo número total de glomérulos escleróticos dividido pelo número total de glomérulos avaliados, e expressa em porcentagem e presença de glomérulos hialinizados; 2. Alterações vasculares com a presença de arteriolosclerose. A extensão da oclusão arterial foi quantificada em três grupos: menos de 25%, 26% a 50% e acima de 50%. 3. Presença de fibrose intersticial e atrofia tubular. O impacto destas alterações no comportamento da função renal foi avaliado por meio do desenvolvimento IRC, definida com uma TFGe menor que 60ml/minuto/1,73m2 na avaliação mais recente e de acordo com os protocolos do Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. RESULTADOS: Após um seguimento médio de 49,06 meses, foi observado uma queda média de 26,52% na função renal nos pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia radical. Trinta e cinco dos 65 pacientes evoluíram para IRC. Em uma análise univariada, presença de glomerulosclerose (OR=3,8), arteriosclerose (OR=3.3), fibrose intersticial (OR=3.8), hipertensão arterial (OR=3.7), Diabetes Mellitus (OR=11.6) e idade maior que 60 anos (OR=3.4) associaram-se à evolução para IRC (p < 0.05). Em uma regressão logística multivariada, índice de comorbidade de Charlson (OR= 2,3), GS (OR= 1,2) e TFGe pré-operatória (OR= 0,96) foram estatisticamente significantes. Para cada 2,5% de aumento de alterações glomérulos, houve uma diminuição percentual de 28% da TFGe. CONCLUSÕES: Alterações histológicas do parênquima renal não neoplásico e parâmetros clínicos podem ser utilizados para predizer pacientes que evoluirão para IRC após uma nefrectomia radical / INTRODUCTION: Radical nephrectomy is inevitably associated with a variable renal function decrease. Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent and there are few options for treatment in end stage CKD. The goal, as urologist, should be on optimizing renal function after surgery and not just avoiding dialysis. OBJECTIVES: In patients submitted to radical nephrectomy: 1. Primary objective: Assess the association of histopathological parameters in non-neoplastic renal parenchyma with new onset chronic kidney disease after surgery. 2. Secondary objective: Assess the association of demographic and clinical parameters with new onset chronic kidney disease after surgery. METHODS: Data were extracted from 65 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy. Using The MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) formula, we calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate preoperatively and at last follow-up. The study end point was development of CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60ml/minute/1,73m2. A renal pathologist assessed three histological features in the nonneoplastic parenchyma, including global glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. For glomerulosclerosis assessment, the percent of affected glomeruli was determined. Arteriosclerosis or the extent of arterial luminal occlusion was graded into three groups, including 1-0% to 25%, 2-26% to 50% and 3-greater than 50%. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were evaluated as absent/present. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 49,06 months, the eGFR rate decreased 26,52% after radical nephrectomy. Thirty five patients developed CKD. In a univariate analysis, the incidence of CKD was associated with glomerulosclerosis (OR=3,8), interstitial fibrosis (OR=3,8), arteriosclerosis (OR=3,3), hypertension (OR=3,7), Diabetes Mellitus (OR=11,6) and age (OR=3,4) after surgery. In a multivariate analysis, Charlson comorbidity index (OR= 2,3), glomerulosclerosis (OR= 1,2) and baseline eGFR(OR= 0,96) were associated with new onset CKD after radical nephrectomy. For each 2,5% increase in glomerular abnormality the eGFR rate decreased 28% from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic findings in the nonneoplasic tissue, in addition to clinical parameters, can be used to predict which patients are more likely to develop CKD after radical nephrectomy

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by proteinuria, hypalbuminemia and edemas. It occurs during first and second glomerulopathies. This disease can be divided into two groups: primary (idiopathic) and secondary. The heredity of the familial nephrotic syndrome is autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive. There are four most important genes that condition the formation of hereditary nephrotic syndrome in adult patienst. These genes are ACTN4, CD2AP, NPHS2 and TRPC6. The gene ACTN4, which encodes protein α-actinin 4, is responsible for the autosomal dominant form of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is included in first glomerulopathies. α-Actinin 4 was also researched for some types of carcinomas. There was performed the mutational analysis of the gene ACTN4 on the set of 48 patients with nephrotic syndrome in this diploma thesis. High resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing selected samples were used during this mutation detection. During this process many published and unpublished SNPs and one unpublished candidate mutation that could have causal associations with FSGS were found.

Η Ιδιοπαθής Μεμβρανώδης Σπειραματονεφρίτιδα (ΙΜΣ) ή νεφροπάθεια, η πιο συχνή αιτία νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου στους ενήλικες, συνήθως αντιμετωπίζεται με τη χορήγηση κορτικοειδών και κυτταροτοξικών φαρμάκων ή κυκλοσπορίνης (cyclosporine-A, CsA). Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η εκτίμηση της αποτελεσματικότητας της μακροχρόνιας χορήγησης CsA στην πρόκληση ύφεσης του νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου και των ιστολογικών αλλοιώσεων σε επαναληπτικές βιοψίες νεφρού μετά τη χορήγηση του δυνητικά νεφροτοξικού αυτού φαρμάκου. Επιπλέον, εκτιμήθηκε η αποτελεσματικότητα του Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) ως σχήματος θεραπείας της ΙΜΣ σε μικρό αριθμό ασθενών και η προγνωστική αξία των επιπέδων του αυξητικού παράγοντα TGF-β1 στα ούρα και στο πλάσμα ως δεικτών εξέλιξης της νόσου. Μελετήθηκαν 32 ασθενείς με ΙΜΣ οι οποίοι εμφάνιζαν νεφρωσικό σύνδρομο και είχαν ικανοποιητική νεφρική λειτουργία κατά τη διάγνωση της νόσου και στους οποίους χορηγήθηκε συνδυασμός πρεδνιζολόνης και CsA. Παρατηρήθηκε πλήρης ύφεση του νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου σε 18 (56%) και μερική ύφεση σε 10 ασθενείς (31%) μετά από 12 μήνες θεραπείας (συνολικά στο 87% των ασθενών). Επεισόδια υποτροπών παρατηρήθηκαν στο 39% και 60% των ασθενών με πλήρη ή μερική ύφεση αντίστοιχα, και πολλαπλές υποτροπές στο 25% των ασθενών, οι οποίοι παρουσίασαν βαθμιαία μείωση της απαντητικότητας στη CsA και επιδείνωση της νεφρικής λειτουργίας. Επαναληπτική βιοψία νεφρού έγινε σε 18 ασθενείς με ύφεση του νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου μετά από 24 μήνες θεραπείας για να εκτιμηθεί η δραστηριότητα της νόσου και οι πιθανές ιστολογικές αλλοιώσεις σε πλαίσια τοξικότητας από κυκλοσπορίνη. Στις επαναληπτικές βιοψίες παρατηρήθηκαν: εξέλιξη του σταδίου της νόσου, επιδείνωση της σπειραματοσκλήρυνσης και της διαμεσοσωληναριακής βλάβης στο 60% των ασθενών. Δεν παρατηρήθηκαν χαρακτηριστικές αλλοιώσεις νεφροτοξικότητας από την κυκλοσπορίνη. Η βαρύτητα των ιστολογικών αλλαγών συσχετίστηκε με το χρονικό διάστημα που είχε παρέλθει από την πρώτη βιοψία νεφρού (r = 0.452, p < 0.05) και θεωρήθηκε ως φυσική εξέλιξη της νόσου. Ικανοποιητικά αποτελέσματα διαπιστώθηκαν από τη χορήγηση Mycophenolate Mofetil σε 6 ασθενείς με ΙΜΣ, στους οποίους το MMF χρησιμοποιήθηκε σε συνδυασμό με μικρή δόση πρεδνιζολόνης, είτε λόγω ανθεκτικότητας του νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου στην CsA, είτε ως αρχική θεραπεία σε περιπτώσεις αντένδειξης στην χορήγηση CsA. Ύφεση του νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου παρατηρήθηκε σε 4 από τους 6 ασθενείς. Τα επίπεδα του TGF-β1 στα ούρα ασθενών με ΙΜΣ και λευκωματουρία ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερα συγκριτικά με αυτά υγιών εθελοντών και ασθενών με άλλες σπειραματοπάθειες που δεν παρουσίαζαν λευκωματουρία και μειώθηκαν σημαντικά μετά από χορήγηση κορτικοειδών και κυκλοσπορίνης. Η συγκέντρωση του TGF-β1 στο πλάσμα δε διέφερε σημαντικά μεταξύ υγιών εθελοντών και ασθενών με ΙΜΣ και νεφρωσικό σύνδρομο, καθώς και μεταξύ ασθενών με ή χωρίς ύφεση της λευκωματουρίας μετά από τη θεραπευτική αγωγή. / Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, is usually treated with a combination of corticosteroids with cytotoxic drugs or cyclosporin A (CsA). The aim of this study was the estimation of the effectiveness of long-term use of CsA in the remission and relapse rate of nephrotic syndrome along with histological changes in repeat renal biopsies after treatment with this potentially nephrotoxic drug, and the evaluation of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) as a treatment regimen for IMN. In addition, urinary and plasma TGF-β1 levels were evaluated as markers of progression of kidney disease. Thirty-two nephrotic patients with well-preserved renal function treated by prednisolone and CsA were studied. Complete remission of nephrotic syndrome was observed in 18 (56%) and partial remission in 10 patients (31%) after 12 months of treatment (total 87%). Relapses were observed in 39% and 60% of patients with complete and partial remission, respectively, and multiple relapses in 25% of patients, who showed gradual unresponsiveness to CsA and decline of renal function. A repeat biopsy was performed in 18 patients with remission of nephrotic syndrome, after 24 months of treatment, to estimate the activity of the disease and features of CsA toxicity. Progression of the stage of the disease, more severe glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury were recognized in 60% of patients in repeat renal biopsies. Features of CsA nephrotoxicity were not observed. The severity of histological changes was related to the time elapsed from the first biopsy (r = 0.452, P < 0.05). MMF was proved effective in a small number of nephrotic patients with IMN and well-preserved renal function. MMF in combination with small dose of prednisolone was given in 6 patients with either persistent nephrotic syndrome to CsA or as initial therapy because of contraindication to CsA administration. Remission of nephrotic syndrome was observed in 4 out of 6 MMF treated patients. Urinary and plasma TGF-β1 levels were examined as markers of progression of the disease. TGF-β1 levels in the urine of patients with proteinuria were significantly higher compared with those of healthy individuals and patients with other types of nephropathy without proteinuria. Furthermore, urinary TGF-β1 of nephrotic patients with membranous nephropathy significantly reduced after treatment with CsA and corticosteroids. Plasma TGF-β1 levels showed no difference between patients and healthy subjects as well as between patients with and without remission of proteinuria after treatment.

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, edemas and hyperlipidemia. It occurs in primary (e.g. focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, FSGS or minimal change disease, MCD) and in secondary glomerulopathies (e.g. kidney amyloidosis). In primary forms, great attention is paid to the potential genetic background of the disease and due to new molecular genetic methods genes, whose mutations cause different nephropathies (e.g. ACTN4 or INF2) were identified. The aims of presented doctoral thesis were following. Firstly, to continue the mutational analysis of ACTN4 that was described in the author's diploma thesis in other glomerulopathies. Secondly, to implement the mutational analysis of INF2 and subsequently analyse this gene in patients with FSGS/MCD and in patients from special group characterized by positive family history for end stage renal disease (ESRD) in combination with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or already developed ESRD at the time of diagnosis. Thirdly, mutational analysis of NPHS2 and TRPC6 (methods implemented in laboratory earlier) in selected patients from the special group. Finally, expression analyses of genes important for podocyte function or connected with human immune system. This part also verifies the applicability of NPHS2/SYNPO expression...