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Clinico-demographic and biochemical correlation of inflammatory gene expression in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

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Abstract

Background

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common kidney disease in children. While Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome (SSNS) is frequently observed, Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome (SRNS) has a poor prognosis and often leads to chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of SRNS is complex, with immunological modulation of T helper subtypes 1 and 2 cytokines increasing susceptibility to the disease. Currently, no established biomarkers can accurately predict SRNS. However, a group of cytokines might serve as potential indicators of responsiveness, aiding in the identification of patients with SRNS. The discovery of these cytokines as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis could greatly benefit patients. This includes preventing the adverse effects of glucocorticoid treatment and enabling a timely transition to more effective therapeutic alternatives.

Methods

This study aims to investigate the association between the gene expression patterns of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, NF-κB, and TNFα, in healthy participants (n = 100), SSNS patients (n = 100), and SRNS patients (n = 100). Using qRT-PCR, followed by Receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the study assesses their potential as biomarkers. Additionally, clinicodemographic data were analyzed, and bioinformatic analyses such as coexpression analysis, gene enrichment, pathway analysis, and Cytoscape were performed to enhance our understanding of the inflammatory cascade initiating podocyte injury in NS.

Results

The results of our study suggest that specific candidate genes, including IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-13, and TNFα, exhibit upregulation and hold significant importance, with an Area Under the Curve value of 0.9.

Conclusion

These genes have the potential to serve as valuable prognostic and management tools for NS, forming a promising panel of inflammatory gene biomarkers. Furthermore, conducting an extensive analysis that integrates cytokine genes with their respective targeted microRNAs could offer deeper insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.

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Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to every patient who took part in this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India

    Yogalakshmi Venkatachalapathy & Praveen Kumar Kochuthakidiyel Suresh

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Ethiraj College for Women, Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India

    Thendral Hepsibha Balraj

  3. Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India

    Vettriselvi Venkatesan & Mohana Priya C.D.

  4. Department of Paediatric Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India

    Sangeetha Geminiganesan

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  1. Yogalakshmi Venkatachalapathy
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  6. Mohana Priya C.D.
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Contributions

Yogalakshmi.V conceptualized and planned the research. Praveen Kumar.K.S. played a key role in data collection and formal analysis. The initial draft of the manuscript was prepared by B. Thendral Hepsibha Balraj, Vettriselvi.V, and Sangeetha.G. Mohana Priya contributed to manuscript reviews, offering valuable insights and conducting revisions, thereby ensuring improved accuracy and content quality. Mohana Priya also provided supervision throughout the study. All authors have reviewed and given their approval for the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohana Priya C.D..

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Ethical approval

This study obtained approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Porur, Chennai, with the reference number: IEC-NI/22/JUL/83/71.

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Venkatachalapathy, Y., Suresh, P.K.K., Balraj, T.H. et al. Clinico-demographic and biochemical correlation of inflammatory gene expression in pediatric nephrotic syndrome. Mol Biol Rep 51, 854 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-024-09784-z

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