Cellular immunity in IgA nephropathy

A comprehensive study on the role of various cytokines in the regulation of IgA synthesis and progression of glomerular damage in IgA nephropathy was attempted. Semi-quantitative PCR for IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was performed. In parallel studies, protein production of some cytokines was also determined. It was demonstrated that IL-4, IFN-gamma and presumably IL-12 expressed predominantly in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with IgA nephropathy. Some positive correlations between the mRNA expression of these cytokines and the degree of tissue damage were observed. It was concluded that these cytokines may play some role in the alteration of cellular immunity in this disease.