Adrenomedullin gene transcription is decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with IgA nephropathy

We measured mRNA levels of adrenomedullin (AM), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with IgA nephropathy. To evaluate these mRNA levels, we employ ed a real-time quantitative PCR method which was performed using a hybridiz ation probe labeled with two fluorescence dyes. This strategy was found to afford the standard curves with a high correlation, suggesting th at th is method is useful for evaluations of mRNA levels. By this method, levels of AM, CNP, VEGF, IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA in PBMC of 49 IgA nephropathy patien ts and 35 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Among the mRNAs examined, AM m RNA levels were significantly lower in severe-grade than in mild-grade IgA nephropathy patients. Furthermore, AM mRNA levels correlated with CNP mRNA levels in PBMC of patients with IgA nephropathy, and each peptide generated from these mRNAs has antiproliferative effects on mesangial cells. These d ata indicate that gene expression of AM in PBMC is regulated according to t he pathophysiological states of IgA nephropathy and that decreased AM produ ction may contribute to the progression of IgA nephropathy. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.