LOCALIZATION OF HEPATOCYTE GROWTH-FACTOR AND TUBULOINTERSTITIAL LESIONS IN IGA NEPHROPATHY

To investigate the relationship between localization of hepatocyte gro wth factor (HGF) and tubulointerstitial lesions (TILs) in the cortical area of renal biopsy specimens, a clinicopathological study was perfo rmed in 35 patients with IgA nephropathy. HGF was detected by an enzym e-antibody method and TILs were assessed semiquantitatively by light m icroscopy. HGF was observed mainly on epithelial cells in the tubules, but not in the glomeruli. Fourteen patients had biopsies that were po sitive for HGF. There was a correlation between HGF positivity and his tological damage, the TIL grade, and several clinical parameters deter mined at biopsy. Thus, HGF is related to TILs in IgA nephropathy, and may be a factor in the exacerbation of this disease.