Expression and role of integrin-linked kinase and collagen IV in human renal allografts with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and collagen IV in renal allografts with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in kidney transplant recipients, and explore its relationship with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and the pathogenesis of IF/TA.MethodsImmunohistochemical assay and computer-assisted genuine colored image analysis system were used to detect the expression of ILK, TGF-β1 and collagen IV in the renal allografts with IF/TA. The association between TGF-β1, collagen IV and ILK, as well as the relationship between their expressions and the pathological class of IF/TA, was analyzed. 10 specimens of healthy renal tissue were used as controls.ResultsThe expression levels of ILK, TGF-β1 and collagen IV in renal allografts were significantly higher, compared to normal renal tissues (P < 0.001), and the expressions tended to increase along with the increase of pathological class of IF/TA. In IF/TA group, the expression of ILK was positively correlated with the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen IV (r = 0.976 and r = 0.912, respectively; P < 0.001 for both).ConclusionIt is suggested that by the data that ILK might mediate the mechanism through which TGF-β1 promote the abnormal deposition of ECM in renal allografts with IF/TA. ILK might play an important role in the progression of the interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy of human renal allografts and the development of chronic renal allograft dysfunction.