We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Nov 2024
Print article
Image
Image

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is followed by proteinuria and, eventually, end-stage renal failure that necessitates renal replacement therapies such as dialysis or kidney transplantation. The exact prevalence of Alport syndrome remains uncertain; however, the X-linked form, caused by a mutation in a gene located on the X chromosome, is the most prevalent type. Males, who possess a single X chromosome (XY), tend to experience more severe symptoms compared to females, who have two X chromosomes (XX). Although female patients with X-linked Alport syndrome are often thought to have a milder variant of the disease, studies conducted in the United States and Japan indicate that about 15% of these women may reach end-stage renal failure by age 40. Diagnosing Alport syndrome typically involves genetic testing and a pathological examination of kidney tissue. However, accurately predicting renal outcomes in female patients presents challenges, underscoring the need for indicators that can evaluate the effectiveness of renal protective treatments, such as antihypertensive medications, which have shown potential to improve patient prognosis.

A research team at the University of Tsukuba (Tsukuba, Japan) has developed an innovative imaging technique to visualize lesions in the glomerular basement membrane using a mouse model of Alport syndrome. By applying deep learning methodologies to pathological image data, the researchers achieved automated detection of lesions through artificial intelligence (AI). The study utilized a mouse model that simulates Alport syndrome to compare the kidney lesions between male and female subjects, aiming to provide insights into the specifics of these lesions in females. They created a modified periodic acid methenamine silver stain to observe basement membrane lesions in areas where type IV collagen α5 is intact as well as in regions where it is absent, which are distinctive in female patients.

Additionally, the AI system was able to automatically identify these lesions using deep learning techniques, as detailed in research published in the American Journal of Pathology. The quantitative measurements of kidney lesions in female mice, as assessed by the imaging AI software, showed a positive correlation with proteinuria levels, suggesting that this approach may assist in predicting kidney function outcomes in women with Alport syndrome.

Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Antipsychotic TDM AssaysSaladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Silver Member
Benchtop Image Acquisition Device
Microwell Imager
New
Newborn Screening Test
NeoMass AAAC 3.0

Print article

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: Personalized blood count could lead to early intervention for common diseases (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Personalized CBC Testing Could Help Diagnose Early-Stage Diseases in Healthy Individuals

A complete blood count (CBC) screening is a standard examination most physicians request for healthy adults. This test is essential for evaluating a patient’s overall health with a single blood sample.... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Concept for the device. Memory B cells able to bind influenza virus remain stuck to channels despite shear forces (Photo courtesy of Steven George/UC Davis)

Microfluidic Chip-Based Device to Measure Viral Immunity

Each winter, a new variant of influenza emerges, posing a challenge for immunity. People who have previously been infected or vaccinated against the flu may have some level of protection, but how well... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Tropical Fever Panel has received U.S. FDA Special 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of bioMérieux)

Syndromic PCR Test Rapidly and Accurately Identifies Pathogens in Patients with Tropical Fever Infections

Tropical fevers refer to infections that are common in, or unique to, tropical and subtropical regions. As these diseases spread to previously unaffected areas and can be brought in by travelers, infections... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.