The presence of pre-S2 protein in the kidney was investigated in 30 patients with biopsy-proved glomerulonephritis (GN) using indirect immunoperoxidase technique and monoclonal antibody. HBsAg and HBeAg in the kidney were detected using the same techniques and HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBe and anti-HBc in serum were assayed at the same time.It was shown that pre-S2 prtein was present in the kidney in 7/22 patients with primary GN and 6/8 with lupus nephritis. It was deposited along the glomerular capillary walls or within the mes-angium, depending on the type of GN as well as the deposition of immunoglobulins and complement components in the kidney. Deposition of pre-S2 protein in renal tissue was correlated with HBsAg deposition in the glomeruli, but not HBeAg deposition. In membranous GN, there was a good correlation between the presence of pre-S2 protein in the kidney and virus antigetiemia. It is concluded that pre-S2 protein detection in the kidney is of value in evaluating the hepatitis B virus associated GN.

A clinico-pathological study was carried out on 8 patients with microscopic polyar-teritis nodosa (MPAN). It was found that the renal lesions were very common and severe in this group of patients apart from the typical presentation of MPAN, including fever, myalgias, arteritis and the involvement of hematologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Laboratory pictures were characterized by leucocytosis, anemia and increased serum creatinine. The plasma anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were present and thought to be of particular importance. On light microscopy, focal, segmental necrotising glomerulonephritis was discovered which was often associated with extensive crescence formation and vasculitis. We recommend renal biopsy as a valuable tool of investigation in the diagnosis of MPAN.

Objective: ANGPTL2 is a newly found angiogenesis-associated protein.In the previous studies,we found that the renal expression of ANGPTL2 is involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy,but failed to reveal the exact distribution and synthesis of renal ANGPTL2.This study aimed to analyze the expression of the ANGPTL2 gene in the glomerulus and tubules in the kidney of db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy and to determine the cells responsible for the synthesis of renal ANGPTL2.Methods: Glomerulus and tubules were microdissected from the renal tissue of diabetic db/db mice and the expression of ANGPTL2 mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR.The distribution and synthesis of ANGPTL2 in the kidney of the db/db mice were determined by immunohistochemistry,dual-labeling immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy.Results: Significantly increased expression of ANGPTL2 mRNA was found in the glomeruli but not in the tubules of the diabetic db/db mice,as compared with the controls.Immunohistochemistry revealed that the ANGPTL2 protein was distributed in a podocyte-like pattern;dual-labeling immunofluorescence analysis showed colocalization of ANGPTL2 with WT1(Wilms' tumor 1,a marker of podocyte) staining,suggesting that renal ANGPTL2 was expressed specifically by podocytes,which was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy.Conclusion: ANGPTL2 is specifically expressed by podocytes in diabetic nephropathy mice.

Objective To investigate the clinical-pathological features, treatment and prognosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods A retrospective ana-lysis was carried out based on the clinical-pathological data for the treatment and prognosis of eight patients with LN related TIP. All patients had thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia, neurological symptoms and renal dysfunction. Six patients had fever. Results All 8 patients had sudden-onset of rapid progressive glomeurlonephritis (RPGN), one patient with continuous gross hematuria, the pathological features of these patients revealed TMA lesions. Immune suppressive therapy was initiated and blood purification therapy were applied in seven patients. Three cases had plasmapheresis and (or) immunoabsorption. One case was lost during follow-up, the other seven patients were followed with period at one year. One patient died, three patients went into peritoneal dialysis in which one of them was changed to hemodialysis finally. The other three patients had stable renal function. Conclusion The LN patients with TTP had severe clinical-patho-logical changes, rapid progressive and poor outcome, so we should diagnose and treat these patients as early as possible.

This article analyzes the concept,the formation process,the main content of the United States food defense plan,the duties of stakeholders and the key points of the implementation.This article also summarizes the characteristics,similarities and differences between China and the United States in terms of food defense system,discusses the difficulties and put forward some suggestions for the food defense plan in China.