Expression of vitamin D receptor in renal tissue of lupus nephritis and its association with renal injury activity

Objective Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has potent anti-inflammatory activities. VDR gene polymorphism has been linked with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, its expression in the kidney has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between VDR expression and renal pathology as well as clinical manifestations in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods A total of 20 renal biopsy specimens from 35 patients with LN were classified according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 LN-type standards pathological type, and the activity index and chronicity index were determined. Five normal renal tissue samples were obtained from surrounding areas distal to nephronophthisis or renal tumors (>2 cm). The expression of VDR was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The relationships between VDR expression and histological injury index, proteinuria and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) renal activity scores were analyzed. Results As compared to the control group, the expression of VDR in the LN group was lower ( p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with activity index (r = –0.548, p = 0.012) but not with chronicity index (r = –0.277, p = 0.236). The expression of VDR in renal tissue was also associated with SLICC renal activity scores (r = –0.470, p = 0.037). Conclusion The down-regulation of VDR expression in renal tissues of LN patients was negatively correlated with renal activity and injury severity.