Phenotype–Genotype Correlations in Three Different Cases of Adult-Onset Genetic Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

oleh: Tibor Kalmár, Sándor Turkevi-Nagy, László Bitó, László Kaiser, Zoltán Maróti, Dániel Jakab, Annamária Letoha, Péter Légrády, Béla Iványi

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-12-01

Deskripsi

This study highlights the importance of a combined diagnostic approach in the diagnosis of rare diseases, such as adult-onset genetic FSGS. We present three adult patient cases evaluated with kidney biopsy for proteinuria, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension, which were suggestive of adult-onset genetic FSGS. Renal biopsy samples and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded fetal kidneys were evaluated using standard light microscopical stainings, direct immunofluorescence on cryostat sections, and electron microscopy. Clinical exome sequencing was performed for each case, and 45 FSGS-related genes were analyzed. Identifying mutations in the <i>PAX2</i>, <i>ACTN4</i>, and <i>COL4A5</i> genes have prompted a re-evaluation of the previous histopathological examinations. The <i>PAX2</i> mutation led to a thinner nephrogenic zone and decreased number of glomeruli, resulting in oligohydramnios during fetal development and oligomeganephronia and adaptive focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis in adulthood. The <i>ACTN4</i> mutation caused distinct electron-dense aggregates in podocyte cell bodies, while the <i>COL4A5</i> mutation led to segmental sclerosis of glomeruli with marked interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. The identification of specific mutations and their histopathological consequences can lead to a better understanding of the disease and its progression, as well as potential treatment options.