Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that
affects the kidney in around 50% of patients
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess CD147 expression with various pathologic
lesions, biochemical and demographic data in patients with classes III and IV lupus
nephritis.
Patients and Methods: These patients with lupus nephritis classes II and IV by renal
biopsy and pathology were enrolled in this study. The strength of CD147 staining on
tubules, Bowman’s capsules, vessels and tuft of glomeruli was expressed as proportion of
involvement.
Results: In this study, 23 renal biopsies for lupus nephritis of classes III and IV (documented
by immunofluorescence and light microscopic studies) were included. No significant
difference of CD147 staining between classes was detected (P>0.05). In addition,
proportion of proteinuria was not related to CD147 staining in tubules, Bowman’s capsules,
vessels and tuft of glomeruli in classes III and IV lupus nephritis (P>0.05). There was no
significant association of CD147 staining in tubules, Bowman’s capsules and vessels with
serum creatinine (P>0.05). However, an association between CD147 staining in tuft of
glomeruli with serum creatinine was detected (r=0.623, P=0.002). None of chronicity or
activity percent of glomerular involvement in two classes of III or IV had a significant
association with CD147 staining (P>0.05).
Conclusions: The significant association between CD147 staining in glomeruli with serum
creatinine in lupus nephritis of classes III and IV revealed that inflammation at this area
may have prognostic implication.