Prognostic significance of circulating microparticles in IgA nephropathy

Purpose Endothelial injury, involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, can generate microparticles (MPs). These are 0.1-1 mu m membrane-bound vesicles shed from the damaged or activated cell surfaces. We analyzed the presence of circulating MPs and EnMPs in IgAN and correlated with markers of endothelial injury and disease activity. Methods The study included 30 IgAN (mean age 31.5 +/- 9 years), 25 healthy controls and Lupus nephritis (n = 10) as disease controls. Circulating MPs were quantitated by Flow cytometry and EnMPs were analyzed using anti-CD31-FITC and anti-CD146-PE antibodies. Their levels were correlated with serum von Willebrand Factor, histological Oxford MEST-C score and renal outcome. A prospective validation group of 20 patients of biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy was also included. Results IgAN had significantly higher levels of MPs, EnMPs and vWF compared to controls. On multivariate analysis, plasma levels of total MPs, EnMPs and serum vWF correlated significantly with the presence of hypertension and E1 on histology. E1 and high MPs (> 130 counts/mu l) were associated with shorter time to doubling of serum creatinine. MPs cutoff level of 130 counts/mu l had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 93.3% and diagnostic accuracy of 89.5% for E1 in the validation cohort. Conclusion Circulating MPs and EnMPs in IgAN correlate with E1 on histology and have a potential as non-invasive biomarkers to predict disease activity and renal outcome.