Abstract: TH-PO0707
Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Antinephrin Antibodies in Minimal Change Disease: Single-Center Biopsy-Based Study in Taiwan
Session Information
- Glomerular Innovations: Artificial Intelligence, Multiomics, and Biomarkers
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics
Authors
- Tu, Kun-Hua, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Hsueh, Chih Fang, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Wu, Tsai-yi, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Tu, Yi-Ran, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Ma, Li-Yi, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Chen, Tai-Di, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Ku, Cheng-Lung, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Background
Minimal change disease (MCD) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome and is increasingly recognized to involve immune-mediated mechanisms. Circulating anti-nephrin antibodies have recently been proposed as potential pathogenic markers in a subset of MCD patients, but data from Asian populations remain limited.
Methods
From August 2016 to July 2024, we prospectively collected serum samples at the time of renal biopsy at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Among these, 100 patients with biopsy-confirmed MCD and nephrotic-range proteinuria were included in this study. Circulating anti-nephrin antibodies were detected using immunoprecipitation followed by western blot analysis. Baseline clinical parameters were compared between antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups.
Results
Anti-nephrin antibodies were detected in 55% (55/100) of patients. Compared to antibody-negative patients (n = 45), those with detectable anti-nephrin antibodies had significantly higher serum creatinine levels (1.43 ± 1.46 vs. 0.87 ± 0.72 mg/dL, p = 0.015), lower serum albumin (1.96 ± 0.36 vs. 2.33 ± 0.58 g/dL, p < 0.001), and more severe daily proteinuria (18.7 ± 11.9 vs. 10.5 ± 9.1 g/day, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in age, gender, serum cholesterol, or triglyceride levels.
Conclusion
In this Taiwanese biopsy-based cohort, more than half of patients with MCD had circulating anti-nephrin antibodies. Their presence was associated with greater disease severity, including lower serum albumin, impaired renal function, and heavier proteinuria. These findings support the relevance of anti-nephrin antibodies as potential biomarkers for disease activity and severity in MCD.