Inflammation in areas of fibrosis precedes loss of kidney function in lupus nephritis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Interstitial fibrosis in lupus nephritis (LN) is often infiltrated by immune cells but typically regarded as non-specific 'scar reaction'. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory fibrosis and kidney disease progression in LN.

Methods

Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) were scored in 124 LN kidney biopsies. Inflammation in areas of IFTA (i-IFTA) was graded 0-3 according to the Banff Classification of Allograft Pathology. Significant glomerular filtration rate (GFR) loss was defined as a decline of >15 mL/min at 3 years from biopsy. Immune cell phenotype was defined by serial immunohistochemistry (13-plex).

Results

IFTA was observed in 88/124 (71%) biopsies, and i-IFTA was identified in 76/88 (86%) cases. The distri

SUBMITTER: Malvica S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12666189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature