Update on Recurrent Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a clinicopathological syndrome characterized by nephrotic-range proteinuria with high incidence of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In primary FSGS, 40–60% of patients develop ESRD within 10–20 years. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation is frequent and is associated with poor allograft survival. The risk factors for recurrent FSGS include onset of FSGS during childhood, rapid progression of primary FSGS to ESRD, history of recurrent FSGS in previous allograft, and diffuse mesangial hypercellularity or collapsing variant of FSGS in the native kidney. The early histological findings of recurrent FSGS consist of unremarkable glomerular changes on light microscopy but significant podocyte effacement on electron microscopy; the loss of foot processes with eventual dropout of podocytes leads to the development of segmental lesions in the glomerulus. Experimental and clinical data suggest the existence of circulating permeability factors, such as soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor-1 (CLCF-1), CD40 axis, and apolipoprotein A-Ib (ApoA-Ib), in the pathogenesis of recurrent FSGS. These biomarkers including circulating permeability factors may facilitate earlier diagnosis of FSGS posttransplant and may guide in the development of novel therapies that may be more effective and improve long-term outcomes in kidney transplantation. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Several studies have suggested the possible circulating permeability factors, such as suPAR, CLCF-1, CD40 axis, and ApoA-Ib, in the pathogenesis and disease progression of FSGS and recurrent FSGS. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the true essential biomarker(s) associated with the onset and progression of FSGS as well as recurrent FSGS.