A study of gene expression of cyclophilin in childhood refractory nephrotic syndrome and its clinical significance.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of gene expression of cyclophilin (CyP) in children with refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods: The levels of leukocyte mRNA expression in 33 cases of childhood refractory NS were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The CyP levels in these children were compared with those of a healthy control groups. Results: Cyclophilin (408 bp) and beta-actin bands (234 bp) were distinct on electrophoresis. The levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression were higher in children with mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) than in minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), whereas in membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) they were found to be lower. The levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA were increased with exacerbation of clinical disease. Determination of the levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression in children with different clinical types showed that there was no difference in the levels of CyP mRNA expression in children with prednisone-dependent, frequent relapsing or prednisone-resistant types. The level of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression was found to be higher in acute stage groups than in convalescent stage or control groups. Conclusion: Determination of the levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA may be of assistance in cyclosporine A therapy.