Clinical Trial: Effects of Autologous Dendritic Cell Administration on Renal Hemodynamics and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant risk factor for End-Stage Renal Disease, with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Hyperglycemia in DKD induces inflammation, contributing to glomerular hyperfiltration, fibrosis, and impaired renal function. Current therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, show limited efficacy. Autologous dendritic cells (DCs) offer potential anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine activity and fibrosis biomarkers.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test design was conducted involving 29 DKD patients. Baseline blood and urine samples were collected for MMP-9, TGF-β, and Doppler ultrasound (PSV, EDV) measurements. The subjects received subcutaneous injections of autologous DCs, and follow-up measurements were conducted four weeks after treatment. The statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and linear regression.

Results: After treatment, there were a significant decrease in PSV (from 47.1 ± 23.87 cm/s to 27.85 ± 20.53 cm/s, p = 0.044) and a significant increase in EDV (from 13 ± 5.32 cm/s to 15.7 ± 12.55 cm/s, p = 0.039). A strong correlation was observed between the TGF-β and MMP-9 levels (p = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed reduced MMP-9 influence on the TGF-β after treatment, suggesting potential fibrosis reduction. Gender and UACR subgroup analyses revealed significant PSV and EDV improvements in females and the microalbuminuria group.

Conclusion: Autologous dendritic cell therapy significantly improved renal hemodynamics and showed potential to reduce fibrosis by modulating TGF-β and MMP-9 levels in DKD patients, warranting further investigation.