Vol 49, No 4 (2011)
Original paper
Published online: 2012-01-16
SOCS3 and SOCS5 mRNA expressions may predict initial steroid response in nephrotic syndrome children
DOI: 10.5603/FHC.2011.0096
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2011;49(4):719-728.
Abstract
Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) inhibit Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription
(STATs) phosphorylation by binding and inhibiting Janus Kinases (JaKs). The aim of the present study was to
evaluate the influence of glucocorticosteroids on the JaK/STAT signaling pathway in the leukocytes of nephrotic
syndrome (NS) patients. The study group was composed of 34 steroid sensitive NS (SSNS) children and 20
steroid resistant NS (SRNS) subjects. Gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR using pre-designed human
JaK/STAT PCR array. Protein expression was evaluated using ELISA assay (plasma concentration) and
immunofluorescence (in situ protein expression). In SSNS children, the initial increased expression of JaK1,
JaK2, JaK3, STAT1, STAT2, STAT6, TYK2, SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, SOCS4 and SOCS5 was reduced back to
the control limits. Similarly, in SRNS patients the increased levels of almost all mRNA expressions for the
abovementioned genes were decreased, with the exceptions of SOCS3 and SOCS5 expressions. These mRNA
expressions were still significantly increased and correlated with early unfavorable course of nephrotic syndrome
in children. Plasma levels of SOCS3, SOCS5, IL-6 and IL-20 were significantly increased in SRNS subjects
after six weeks of steroids medication compared to SSNS and control participants. We conclude that SOCS3
and SOCS5 increased mRNA expressions might predict initial resistance to steroids in NS patients. (Folia Histochemica
et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 719–728)
Keywords: JaK/STAT signaling pathwayleukocytesnephrotic syndromeresistance to steroidschildren