Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in renal biopsies.
Alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-AK) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) represent a defense mechanism to protect the tissues from proteolytic enzyme activity. We studied the implication of alpha 1-AK and alpha 1-AT in glomeruli of patients with different nephropathies based on the analysis of 52 paraffin-embedded renal biopsies with alpha 1-AK and alpha 1-AT antisera. The results demonstrate an intense alpha 1-AK glomerular staining in renal biopsies from patients with minimal-change disease, while a minor staining of this protein was found in the other nephropathies. No significant evidence of alpha 1-AT deposits was observed in our cases. Our findings suggest that when alpha 1-AK is lacking in glomeruli the defense mechanisms against proteolytic enzymes may not be efficient enough to protect the glomerular structures and limit the damage. Since alpha 1-AK is a reactant of the acute phase of inflammation, it may be considered as a marker of activity for monocyte-macrophages in glomerular damage.
Conz
P
P
Department of Nephrology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
Bevilacqua
P A
PA
Ronco
C
C
Feriani
M
M
Brendolan
A
A
Dell'Aquila
R
R
Pietribiasi
G
G
Meli
S
S
La Greca
G
G
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000737:chemistry; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin / Q000032:analysis*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis
D015415:Biomarkers; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin