Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Disease is Associated with Depressed Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand

Abstract

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by multiple, large renal cysts and impaired kidney function. Although the reason for the development of kidney cysts is unknown, ADPKD is associated with cell cycle arrest and abundant apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Aims: We asked whether serum-soluble TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) might underlie ADPKD. Study Design: Case-control study. Methods: Serum sTRAIL levels were measured in 44 patients with ADPKD and 18 healthy volunteers. The human soluble TRAIL/Apo2L ELISA kit was used for the in vitro quantitative determination of sTRAIL in serum samples. Results:Mean serum sTRAIL levels were lower in patients with ADPKD as compared to the control group (446.9±103.1 and 875.9±349.6 pg/mL, p<0.001). Serum sTRAIL levels did not differ among stages of renal failure in patients with ADPKD. There was no correlation between serum sTRAIL levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with ADPKD (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our results show that ADPKD patients have depressed sTRAIL levels, indicating apoptosis unrelated to the stage of chronic renal failure.

TRAIL, OPG, and TWEAK in kidney disease: biomarkers or therapeutic targets?

“…For example, although TRAIL was up-regulated on mononuclear cells in patients with MCNS, circulating TRAIL levels did not change between the groups. In addition, in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, circulating TRAIL was actually lower than in healthy volunteers [124]. This has been ascribed to the fact that TRAIL is widely expressed and its circulating levels might come from different tissue sources outside the kidney.…”