Cluster of differentiation 93 (CD93), also known as complement component 1q receptor 1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in endothelial and hematopoietic cells and associated with phagocytosis, cell adhesion, angiogenesis and inflammation. The extracellular part, soluble CD93 (sCD93), is released to body fluids in inflammation. Data on sCD93 in kidney diseases are limited. Our aim was to evaluate serum sCD93 in long-term kidney transplant recipients as a marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that may be potentially useful in early recognition of graft dysfunction. Seventy-eight adult patients with functioning kidney graft and stable clinical state were examined at least one year after kidney transplantation. Serum sCD93 was measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria or proteinuria were assessed at baseline and over one-year follow-up. Increased sCD93 was associated with lower baseline eGFR independently of the confounders. Moreover, sCD93 was negatively associated with eGFR during one-year follow-up in simple analysis; however, this was not confirmed after adjustment for confounders. Baseline sCD93 was positively associated with baseline albuminuria and with increased proteinuria during the follow-up. Serum sCD93 was not correlated with other studied inflammatory markers (interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and C3 and C4 complement components). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the concentrations of sCD93 in kidney transplant recipients and one of the first reports showing the inverse association between sCD93 and renal function. Serum sCD93 should be further evaluated as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in renal transplantation.
Keywords: albuminuria; glomerular filtration rate; inflammation; kidney allograft; soluble cluster of differentiation 93.