Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0291

Morphometry of Dysmorphic Lysosomal Inclusion Bodies by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Session Information

• CKD: Omics, Systemic Stressors, and Targeted Pharmacotherapy
  October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 2201 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Authors

• Urrutia, Andrea Leonor, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala Department, Guatemala

Andrea Leonor Urrutia, MD, MBA

• Akram, Sami M., Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States

Sami M. Akram, MD, MHA, FASN

• Orantes, Carlos, Hospital El Salvador, San Salvador, San Salvador Department, El Salvador

Carlos Orantes, MD

• Olano, Claudia Guadalupe, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States

Claudia Guadalupe Olano, MD

Background

Chronic Intersticial Nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC) is a form of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology and has high mortality. Prior publications has shown biopsies from patients diagnose with CINAC present dysmorphic lysosomes (DL) on trasmission electron microscopy.
The purpose of this study is to perform a morphometric assesment of dysfuncional lysosomes noted on TEM from CINAC patients.
Morphometric assesment highlights the behavior, function, and distribution of DL which can provide clues for early diagnosis and open new avenues for therapy.

Methods

A collection of Kidney biopsies of CINAC cases were re-examined:
Number of Cases: 16
Stains available:
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) 16 patients
Jones Silver Stain: 13 patientsDysmorphic Lymphocytes: were classified based on the appearance on TEM.
Primary : circular and simple structure.
Fused: Irregular and fused margins of 2 DL
Giant; Irregular, fusion of many ( 3 or more) DL
Statistics: Age and Interquartile range were calculated

Results

All 16 patients were males.
Median age: 40.5 years
Interquartile Range (IQR): 16.75 years.

DISTRIBUTION:
a)Number of DL near glomerulus or in Proximal Convoluted tubule: 3/16 patients
b)Number of DL in the distal tubules (in 15/16 patients)

Conclusion

Cumulative exposure correlates with the fusion and enlargement of dysmorphic lysosomes (DL). This transformation signifies a critical failure of autophagic clearance and chronic cellular distress in CINAC.
Future research should focus on correlating these morphometric findings with molecular markers of autophagy in high-risk populations to validate lysosomal giantism as a reliable early predictor of CINAC progression.
Use of Lysosomal Fusion inhibitors may lower chronic intracellular stress by preventing giant DL formation in CINAC.