What is Lupus Nephritis?

Lupus Nephritis
Identification of IFN-alpha mRNA in renal tubular epithelial cells of patients affected by lupus nephritis. (A) ß-actin and (B) scramble mRNA expression on seriate sections of patients affected by class IV lupus nephritis, representing the positive and negative controls of the ISH reaction, respectively. (C,D,E). ISH mRNA detection on renal biopsies showed that IFN-alpha mRNA was highly expressed in epithelial cells of proximal tubules in patients with class IV lupus nephritis but it was absent in glomeruli, blood vessels, and distal tubules. On the contrary, (F) IFN-alpha mRNA was marginally expressed in class I lupus nephritis. ISH analysis was performed on renal biopsies of four patients for each group, as described in the Methods section. ISH, in situ hybridization. Local synthesis of interferon-alpha in lupus nephritis is associated with type I interferons signature and LMP7 induction in renal tubular epithelial cells: Castellano G, Cafiero C, Divella C, Sallustio F, Gigante M, Pontrelli P, De Palma G, Rossini M, Grandaliano G, Gesualdo L - Arthritis research & therapy (2015). Not altered. CC.

Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the kidney.

What is the Pathology of Lupus Nephritis?

The pathology of lupus nephritis is: 

-Etiology: The cause of lupus nephritis is genetic factors, immunologic factors, environmental factors.

-Genes involved: MBL2, TNF, CTLA4 genes.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to lupus nephritis is due to the autoimmune e disease that leads to the formation of antibodies and immune complexes which leads to renal damage and finally nephritis.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with lupus nephritis shows thickening of capillary walls.

-Histology: The histology associated with lupus nephritis shows mesangial or capillary immune deposits, increased mesangial cellularity, thickening of capillary walls, 

How does Lupus Nephritis Present? 

Patients with lupus nephritis typically are female present at the age range of 20-40 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with lupus nephritis are at first asymptomatic later fatigue, malar rash, discoid lupus, oral ulcers,photosensitivity hypoalbuminemia, joint pain, hematuria, proteinuria, serositis.

How is Lupus Nephritis Diagnosed? 

Lupus nephritis is diagnosed through blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound of the kidney, kidney biopsy, X-ray.

How is Lupus Nephritis Treated? 

Lupus nephritis is treated with corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, plasma exchange, rituximab.

What is the Prognosis of Lupus Nephritis?

The prognosis of lupus nephritis is fair with a survival rate of 73%.

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Last updated on May 24, 2022