Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha may predict tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell infiltration and short-term disease progression in immunoglobin A nephropathy

This study aims to explore the relationship between serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Rα) levels and histologic features in immunoglobin A nephropathy (IgAN), and evaluate its predicting values on disease progression and remission status. IgAN patients were included retrospectively. Lee classification, Oxford classification and histological scoring were evaluated. Patients’ estimated filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria remission status were collected during 6-month follow-up. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors and predicting value. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to determine the predicting value for outcome. One hundred seventy-two subjects were included in this study. Individuals in moderate-to-severe tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell infiltration group manifested with significantly elevated serum sIL-2Rα levels than those in non-to-mild group. Serum sIL-2Rα levels were positively correlated with infiltration scores. Serum sIL-2Rα was an independent risk factor for moderate-to-severe inflammatory cell infiltration [sIL-2Rα: OR 1.29 (1.015–1.640, p = 0.038)]. ROC curve analysis regarding predictive value for moderate-to-severe inflammatory cell infiltration of sIL-2Rα suggested area under curve was 0.859 (0.801–0.918, p = 0.000) when sIL-2Rα combined with eGFR < 60 mL/(min·1.73 m²), 24-h proteinuria excretion > 1.0 g, and hemoglobin. It showed good sensitivity (71.6%) and specificity (87.6%). Additionally, sIL-2Rα levels at kidney biopsy were strong predictive factor for kidney function loss 6 months after kidney biopsy [OR 4.161 (1.013–17.088, p = 0.048)]. High serum sIL-2Rα was significantly associated with serious inflammatory cell infiltration in IgAN, and it showed strong predictive value for disease prognosis. Serum sIL-2Rα could be a useful noninvasive biomarker to evaluate the extent of histological injury and disease prognosis in IgAN.