Relationship of gamma-glutamyl transferase levels at diagnosis with clinicopathological features in idiopathic IgA nephropathy

Abstract

Objective: To compare clinicopathologic features of idiopathic IgA nephropathy in terms of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: Department of Nephrology and Department of Pathology, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, from January 2010 to January 2021.

Methodology: All patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into quartiles of gamma-glutamyl transferase. Clinical and pathological features were compared between the groups.

Results: A total of 69 patients with idiopathic IgA nephropathy were analysed. The GGT quartiles consisted of Q1(GGT ≤14 U/L) in 18 patients, Q2(GGT = 14.01-20 U/L) in 17 patients, Q3(GGT = 20.1-35 U/L) in 18 patients, and Q4(GGT >35 U/L) in 16 patients. The rates of mesangial cellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy were found to be significantly different among GGT groups (p= 0.024, p= 0.048, and p<0.001 respectively). Serum albumin and 24-hours proteinuria were also significantly different between groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Gamma-glutamyl transferase may play a role in some clinical and pathological features of IgA nephropathy.