[The presence and significance of hepatitis B virus DNA and RNA in kidney].

OBJECTIVE

To study the presence and pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and RNA in renal tissues.

METHODS

The presence and distribution of HBV DNA and RNA were investigated in renal biopsy tissues of 27 patients with HBV associated glomerulonephritis by in situ hybridization assay to explore the pathogenesis of HBV in renal tissue.

RESULTS

HBV DNA and RNA, the same as HBV antigens, were present in renal tissues and located in the nuclei and cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells, glomerular mesangium and capillary loops. HBV DNA and RNA were detected in tubular epithelia with the positive rates of 81.5%, 63.0% respectively, which were significantly higher than those in glomeruli (48.1%, 25.9% respectively) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

That HBV exists and replicates too in renal tissues, predominantly in tubular epithelia. The HBV antigens expressed in situ, as well as the antigens from circulation, and lead to renal lesions through immune complex formation or cell immune involvement. Besides glomerular lesions, tubulointerstitial lesions might also determine the progression and prognosis of HBV associated glomerulonephritis.