Study of Urinary WT1 Positive Cells as a Biomarker for Detection of Glomerular Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Glomerular diseases form a large part of the morbidity and mortality associated with kidney diseases. Podocyte injury and loss is implicated in a number of these diseases. It has been suggested that the detection of proteinuria cannot distinguish between a persistent defect of the glomerular barrier and ongoing injury, whereas podocyturia may be more specific for 'active' injury. This study was done to assess if detection of WT1 positive cells in urine by immune-histochemistry is a viable biomarker of renal disease. Methodology: A total of 96 consecutive renal biopsies with clinically suspected glomerular disease were evaluated for presence of WT1 positive cells in their urine using immune-histochemistry on cell blocks. Results: Out of 96 patients 23 had WT1 positive cells in their urine. Positivity for WT1 varied with different disease types. Conclusion: Staining for WT1 on urinary cell blocks is a cost effective and comparatively easy method for detecting glomerular diseases.

Keywords

• Podocyturia, WT1 positive cells, glomerular disease.