Analysis of T- and B-Cell Subpopulations in Membranous Nephropathy
- Conditions
- Membranous Nephropathy - THSD7A InducedMembranous Nephropathy - PLA2R InducedMembranous Nephropathy
- Registration Number
- NCT05894512
- Lead Sponsor
- Istanbul University
- Brief Summary
The aim of this observational study is to provide analysis of T and B lymphocyte subgroups in peripheral blood samples of patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN). A search for disease-related circulating antibodies \[anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (anti-PLA2R) and anti-thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A antibody (anti-THSD7A)\] in patients' sera is also planned.
The main questions to answer are:
1. What is the relationship of these cell populations and their distribution during follow-up with treatment, treatment responses, and relapses?
2. What is the relationship of the cell populations with anti-PLA2R (or anti-THSD7A) antibody levels?
Participants will provide peripheral venous blood samples at pre-designated regular intervals.
The research team will compare results of the primary MN group with two control groups (IgA nephropathy and healthy volunteer groups) to see if the findings are specific for primary MN.
- Detailed Description
Primary membranous nephropathy (MN), which is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults, is an autoimmune disease characterized with remissions and exacerbations. About half of the patients who do not go into remission progress to end-stage kidney disease.
In recent years, a lot of progress has been made in the fields of nephrology and immunology regarding primary MN. The process, which began with the detection of autoantibodies against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in approximately 70% of the patients, continued with the discovery of new molecules for diagnosis and follow-up. However, despite all these advances, studies based on the analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with primary MN are very few: Rosenzwajg et al. analyzed lymphocyte subgroups in 25 MN patients and 27 healthy controls, and showed that regulatory T cells were significantly decreased in patients, naive B cells were increased, and memory B cells were decreased (Rosenzwajg et al. Kidney Int 2017). In 2020, Cantarelli et al. performed an extensive analysis in 30 patients with MN, showing that regulator B cells were increased in the MN group (Cantarelli et al. Kidney Int Rep 2020). These studies were generally cross-sectional or sampling was performed at a maximum of 6 months of follow-up. More studies based on long-term follow-up are needed.
Therefore, the aim of this observational study is to provide analysis of T and B lymphocyte subgroups in peripheral blood samples of patients with primary MN. A search for disease-related circulating antibodies \[anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (anti-PLA2R) and anti-thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A antibody (anti-THSD7A)\] in patients' sera is also planned. It is designed to investigate the relationship of these cell populations and their distribution during follow-up with treatment, treatment responses, and relapses. The relationship of cell populations with antibody levels over time will also be examined.
By investigating the distribution of T and B lymphocyte subgroups in patients with primary MN during the follow-up, and its relationship with treatment, treatment responses, and relapses, it is expected to better elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease and to detect cell changes suggestive of remission and recurrence.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 48
- Having a diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy (patient group).
- Having a diagnosis of primary IgA nephropathy (diseased control group).
- Being healthy (healthy control group).
- Agreeing to participate in the research (informed consent).
- Refusing to participate in the research.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Distribution of T- and B-cell subpopulations 2 years Distribution of T- and B-cell subpopulations will be evaluated with flow cytometry throughout the 2-year follow-up process.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Complete remission 2 years Reduction of proteinuria to \<0.3 g/g or g/day, stable serum creatinine, and serum albumin \>3.5 g/dl.
Partial remission 2 years Reduction of proteinuria to 0.3-3.5 g/g or g/day with an at least a 50% decrease from the baseline.
Relapse 2 years Proteinuria of at least 3.5 g/g or g/day after complete or partial remission has been reached.
Composite kidney outcome 2 years Initiation of kidney replacement therapies (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation), development of stage 5 chronic kidney disease (eGFR \<15 ml/min/1.73 m2), or at least a 50% loss in eGFR.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Istanbul University
🇹🇷Istanbul, Turkey