Ateneo - UPO

Basic knowledge of potential Omics application in different fields of nephrology, dialysis and kidney
transplantation. Evaluation of Omics technology for biomarker discovery in body fluids mainly focus on urine (liquid
biopsy).

Slides presented during the lessons on the main topics of Omics applications in different fields of nephrology, dialysis and
kidney transplantation. Lessons will be integrated with selected scientific papers covering these topics. No other nephrology books are needed.

The main aims of this module are based on the acquirement of knowledge on the potential biotechnology applications in different fields of Nephrology as follows:
-Role of immune system activation, autoimmunity, inflammation and complement activation in glomerular diseases focusing on glomerulonephritis
characterized by high incidence of recurrence after kidney transplantation;
-Acute kidney injury (AKI): pathogenic mechanisms and biomarkers of early diagnosis and progression toward chronic kidney disease (CKD)
-Main aspects of biocompatibility and hemocompatibility in hemodialysis studying the interaction between blood and artificial membranes;
-Immunobiology of kidney transplantation and mechanisms of immune-mediated graft injury (T cell- and antibody-mediated rejection).

The student is expected to have a good knowledge of basic biology principles and some notions of anatomy, histology and physiology of the kidney.

Lectures and interaction during lessons. Didactic materials will be also archived in the DIR website. Scientific papers presented during lessons and/or at
journal clubs. Self-assessment of the knowledge during lessons.

Other didactic material and selected papers/presentations on renal replacement therapies in sepsis- associated acute kidney injury and end-stage chronic kidney disease. Simulation models of dialysis in the hospital unit.

Written test based on 3 different statements which should be described as true or false by the student with the addition of a short but exhaustive
comment on this choice. Nephrology final test is integrated with the other modules of the course "Molecular basis of diseases"

-Role of autoimmunity, inflammation and complement cascade activation in glomerular diseases of native and transplanted kidneys (focusing on
glomerulonephritis characterized by high incidence of recurrence after kidney transplantation). Mechanisms of immune-mediated glomerular injury (Immunocomplex glomerular deposition, complement activation, pathways of endothelial, mesangial and podocyte cell injury); Production of autoantigens directed to podocyte PLA2R receptor in membranous nephritis; Mechanisms of glomerular injury in the course of System Lupus Erythematosous
(SLE); Mechanisms of glomerular injury in the course of ANCA-associated vasculitis
-Main aspects of biocompatibility and hemocompatibility in hemodialysis studying the interaction between blood and artificial membranes; Basics aspects of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT); Physical and biological properties of
dialysis membranes; Biocompatibility: role of cellular and humoral mediators including uremic toxins in tissue inflammation; Hemocompatibility: mechanisms of circuit clotting and endothelial dysfunction; Short- and long-term effects of bio/hemocompatibility
-Immunobiology of kidney transplantation and mechanisms of immune-mediated graft injury (T cell- and antibody-mediated rejection). Basics aspects of kidney transplantation. Complications of kidney transplantation: immune-mediated graft injury; Mechanisms of T cell-mediated rejection: focus on tubular epithelial cell injury. Mechanisms of antibody-mediated rejection: focus on anti-HLA antibodies and microvascular endothelial cell injury.

Knowledge and understanding of the main aspects of immune system activation in the determination of glomerular and tubular injury in both
native and transplanted kidney. Application of this knowledge to explore new biotechnology-based approach for diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of
these diseases.
Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of biocompatibility and hemocompatibility during renal replacement therapies for acute kidney
injury and chronic kidney disease. Application of this knowledge to evaluate biotechnology advancements and new applications of bioartificial membranes in these settings.
Knowledge of immunobiology of kidney transplantation and application on the development of immunotheraputics for rejection.