Increased soluble ST2 and IL‑4 serum levels are associated with disease severity in patients with membranous nephropathy

  • Authors:
    • Zhihui Zhang
    • Xiaolei Liu
    • Haifeng Wang
    • Zhihui Qu
    • Rebecca Crew
    • Nan Zhang
    • Yanfang Jiang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 22, 2017     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8130
  • Pages: 2778-2786
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Abstract

The interleukin (IL)‑33/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) axis regulates Th2 reactivity, and ST2 is the receptor for IL‑33. In this study, the roles of IL‑33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) in the pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy (MN), and their association with disease severity were evaluated. Serum levels of IL‑33 and sST2 in 93 patients, and 34 healthy controls (HCs) were measured by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. Clinical characteristics were recorded and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were computed. In addition, the association between serum IL‑33 and sST2 levels, and clinical measurements in patients with MN was analyzed. No difference in the serum levels of IL‑33 was identified between the patients with MN and HCs. However, the serum levels of sST2 were considerably higher in the MN patients compared with in the HCs at every stage. Higher concentrations of serum IL‑2, IL‑4, IL‑10, IL‑17A, and IFN‑γ were measured in the MN patients compared with in the HCs. Serum sST2 concentrations were negatively correlated with IL‑4 concentrations in the patients with MN. Furthermore, serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with the eGFRs and serum calcium levels. Serum sST2 levels, but not IL‑33 levels, were positively correlated with the 24‑h urine protein and serum phosphorus levels. Following treatment, serum sST2 levels were considerably reduced, whereas serum IL‑4 and IL‑10 levels were significantly increased. These data suggest that sST2 and IL‑4, but not IL‑33, contribute to the pathogenesis of MN.

Introduction

Membranous nephropathy (MN), the most common cause of adult nephrosis, is an antibody-mediated glomerular illness characterized by subepithelial immune complex deposits, including antigen and complement components (1,2). The clinical symptoms of MN are usually benign or painless; however, 30–40% of patients develop progressive nephrotic impairments that result in end-stage renal failure within 5–15 years (3). The various types of MN make it difficult to determine the best treatment method for each patient (4,5). MN is an immune complex-mediated nephritogenic immunoreaction. The pathogenesis of MN has not been clarified; therefore, finding biomarkers for the early diagnosis and classification of MN severity is necessary (6).

IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, which includes IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-1 receptor antagonists; in addition, IL-33 and can be produced by epithelial and vascular endothelial cells (7). IL-33 activates various immune cells through binding to the suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) receptor. This action leads to the production of various molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Once bound to the ST2 acceptor, IL-33 can activate the MyD88 and NF-κB signaling pathways (7,8). ST2, an IL-33 receptor and IL-1 receptor family member, is located on Th2 cells, mast cells and epithelial cells, but not Th1 cells, and contributes to Th2 activity (7,9). ST2 exists in a transmembrane form (ST2L) and an excretable soluble form of ST2 (sST2). sST2 acts as a decoy receptor by binding to free IL-33 and preventing its signaling via ST2L; however, ST2 plays a role as an intermediary of IL-33 biological activity (10). In fact, the IL-33/ST2 axis plays a vital role in several chronic immune inflammatory disorders, including asthma (7), rheumatoid arthritis (11), and chronic intestinal inflammation (12). Levels of sST2 have been associated with the activity and severity of these diseases (13). Nonetheless, there are few studies of whether the IL-33/ST2 axis could be involved in the pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy.

A recent study showed that urinary concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α were considerably higher in MN patients than in healthy controls (HCs) (14). Another study reported no differences in IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in MN and HC groups. In contrast, IL-10 mRNA levels in PBMCs were considerably higher in the MN patients than in the HCs (15). Unfortunately, there is little information on variations in serum cytokine levels in MN. Therefore, it is imperative that this area be studied.

To determine the underlying function of IL-33 and sST2 in the pathogenesis of MN, we measured their serum concentrations in MN patients and HCs. Furthermore, we investigated the relation between serum sST2 levels and disease severity. Our data provide new insight into the role of the ST2/IL-33 system in the pathogenesis of MN.

Materials and methods

Patients

A total of 93 consecutive MN patients from the inpatient service of the First Hospital of Jilin University (Changchun, China) from July 2012 to August 2015 were included in our study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participators. The protocol was established according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Human Ethics Committee of the First Hospital of Jilin University (no. 2012-102). Individual patients with MN were diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification standards as follows: stage I, most glomerular basement membranes (GBMs) are normal. Only GBM vacuolar degeneration and a small amount of homophilic protein deposited in the epithelium are visible by light microscopy. Electron-dense deposits can be observed by using an electron microscope. Stage II, the GBMs are incrassate. Increased electron density and GBM hyperplasia are visible by electron microscopy. Stage III, the GBMs are visibly incrassate. Electron-dense deposits appear as double-track or chain-like structures. Stage IV, GBM are severely incrassate. The lumen has shrunk, and the renal tubules are sclerous. Electron microscopy show that the electron-dense deposits look like round holes after being dissolved and absorbed. Stage V, the incrassate GBM is gradually restored. Immunopathology shows that immunoglobulin IgG and complement C3 are deposited along the lateral basolateral membrane with granular and high intensity. Later, this deposition is decreased. Some patients with MN were diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome on the basis of diagnostic standards, including proteinuria (>3.5 g/day), hypoalbuminemia (albumin <30 g/l), dropsy and hyperlipidemia. No patients were treated with hormone medication or other immunosuppressants prior to our research. The levels of ANA, anti-Sm antibody, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), viral serology, alexin C3 and C4, rheumatoid factor, and blood glucose were measured in each patient, and each patient was subjected to an ophthalmological review or an echocardiogram. Exclusion criteria included: i) MN with a fast progression (with a rapid decline in kidney function) and secondary types of MN, such as lupus nephritis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and diabetes mellitus; and ii) neoplasia, pregnancy, other autoimmune diseases, kinetic peptic ulcer illness or short-term infections. A total of 34 subjects matched for sex, age and race were included as HCs. Their demographic and clinical features were recorded and analyzed (Table I).

Table I.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants.

Table I.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants.

MN patients (n=93)

CharacteristicHC (n=34)Stage I (n=18)Stage I–II (n=38)Stage II (n=26)Stage III (n=11)
Age, years43 (18–76)46 (22–68)51 (19–81)44 (21–74)53 (32–63)
Sex, female/male15/1910/816/2216/104/7
Lymphocytes, 109/l1.72 (0.84–2.87)2.12 (0.86–3.14)2.31 (0.87–3.51)2.36 (0.84–3.65)2.23 (1.72–2.84)
Serum albumin, g/l43.2 (40.8–50.6)29.3 (11.7–41.4)a28.4 (15.3–36.8)a27.7 (14.6–37.4)a24.6 (19.4–36.2)a
Serum uric acid, µmol/l305 (245–416)346 (247–618)389 (259–602)398 (268–574)366 (274–524)
Triglycerides, mmol/l1.17 (0.51–1.57)2.43 (1.04–5.56)2.52 (1.24–4.73)2.61 (1.18–5.85)2.36 (2.05–8.94)
Cholesterol, mmol/l4.07 (2.86–5.47)7.42 (5.4–12.45)7.25 (5.05–11.6)7.51 (5.2–10.46)6.37 (5.86–12.7)
Urinary proteins, g/24 h0.048 (0–0.12)4.15 (1.63–6.85)a5.28 (1.26–11.2)a5.77 (1.71–12.6)a3.16 (2.38–6.45)a
Urea nitrogen, mmol/l5.14 (3.62–6.68)5.68 (3.03–12.41)5.47 (3.37–11.6)5.8 (3.28–11.43)5.37 (4.13–8.52)
eGFR, ml/min/1.73 m2104.5 (88.5–112.4)86.6 (64.4–114.2)a81.4 (37.4–116.6)a74.5 (28.6–92.5)a62.3 (22.3–84.3)a
Microscopic hematuria, rbc/hpf1.1 (0–2.4)6.4 (1.4–15.3)a7.3 (0.8–40.5)a9.6 (3.2–35.7)a8.4 (4.9–72.4)a
Serum calcium, mmol/l2.38 (1.91–2.62)1.68 (1.23–3.16)a2.04 (0.57–2.85)a1.97 (1.35–2.87)a1.94 (1.44–2.76)a
Serum phosphorus, mmol/l1.15 (0.74–1.49)1.46 (0.74–3.25)a1.72 (0.64–3.18)a1.59 (0.61–2.64)a1.74 (1.03–3.55)a

{ label (or @symbol) needed for fn[@id='tfn1-mmr-17-02-2778'] } The data shown are the median (range), except where specified.

a P<0.05 vs. the HCs. HC, healthy control; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; MN, membranous nephropathy.

Therapy and follow-up study

After being admitted, individual patients were treated with 1 mg/kg/day prednisolone (PDN; Tianyao Pharmaceuticals, Tianjin, China) for the first two months. Afterwards, the dose was gradually reduced to 10 mg/day for maintenance and continued for the next 6 months. The patients were also treated with cyclosporine. Patient follow-ups were conducted for 8–12 weeks. Altogether, 19 patients completed their follow-up, but the other 74 patients did not. Of these 19 patients, 4 were in stage I, 6 were in stage I–II, 8 were in stage II, and 1 was in stage III. After 8–12 weeks of treatment, serum samples were collected during kidney biopsy.

Measurement of serum IL-33 and sST2 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA)

Serum IL-33 and sST2 concentrations in MN patients and HCs were measured by human IL-33 (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA; eBioscience, San Diego, CA, USA) and sST2 (ImmunoWay, Plano, TX, USA) ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serum IL-33 and sST2 levels in the specimens were calculated using standard curves established from the recombinant IL-33 and sST2 supplied in the kits. The limits of detection for human IL-33 and sST2 were 0.2 and 0.25 pg/ml, respectively.

Cytometric bead array (CBA) analysis of serum cytokines

Serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A levels were measured by CBA (BD Biosciences) (16) according to the manufacturer's instructions with minor modifications. Individual serum samples (25 µl) were analyzed in duplicate using a FACSCalibur flow cytometry system (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) (17), and serum cytokine levels were calculated using CellQuest Pro and CBA software (Becton-Dickinson, San Jose, CA, USA) and a BD FACSAria II system.

Statistical analysis

Data are expressed as the median and range unless specified. Differences between two groups were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U nonparametric tests. Relationships between variables were evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation tests. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software. Two-sided P-values <0.05 were considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

Characteristics of MN patients

To determine the potential role of serum IL-33 and sST2 concentrations in the pathogenesis of MN, 93 Chinese patients with newly diagnosed MN and 34 HCs were recruited for this study. There were no significant differences in the age distribution; serum uric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol or urea nitrogen levels or lymphocyte counts between the groups (Table I). As expected, the MN patients had significantly higher 24-h urine protein and serum phosphorus levels than the HCs. However, the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) and the serum calcium and albumin levels were considerably lower in the patients than in the HCs. These data suggest that the MN patients had renal dysfunction.

Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2

Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were measured in 93 patients and 34 age- and sex-matched HCs. Serum cytokine analyses showed no evident differences in the serum levels of IL-33 between the MN patients at different stages and the HCs (Fig. 1A). In addition, there were no marked differences in the serum levels of IL-33 among MN patients at different stages (data not shown). However, the serum sST2 concentrations were higher in MN patients at all stages than in the HCs (P<0.05; Fig. 1B). Furthermore, the serum sST2 levels were positively correlated with disease severity in the MN patients (r=0.503, P<0.001; Fig. 1B).

Relationship between the serum levels of sST2 and the clinical features of MN patients

To understand the role of sST2 in the pathogenesis of MN, we evaluated the relationship between the serum sST2 levels and the clinical features of MN patients. In these patients, serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with the eGFRs (r=−0.6091, P<0.001; Fig. 2A) but positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein (r=0.4172, P=0.0074; Fig. 2B). Serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with serum calcium levels (r=−0.4207, P=0.0015; Fig. 2C) but positively correlated with serum phosphorus (r=0.4862, P<0.001; Fig. 2D) levels. In contrast, the clinical features and IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-33 levels were not correlated (data not shown). Taken together, our research reveals that sST2 may participate in the pathogenesis of MN and play a pivotal role in bone metabolism disorders in MN patients.

Increased serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-γ in MN patients before treatment

To determine the potential effects of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-γ on MN, we measured their serum levels by CBA analysis. The serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-γ were considerably higher in the MN patients than in the HCs (P<0.05; Fig. 3A-E). However, the concentrations of those cytokines were not obviously different among MN patients at different stages (data not shown). These data indicate that these cytokines may be involved in the mechanism of MN.

Correlation analyses of the serum levels of sST2 with IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-33 in MN patients

To understand the importance of sST2 in MN, we evaluated the relationship between serum sST2 levels and IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-33 levels in MN patients. Serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with IL-4 levels (r=−0.4337, P<0.001; Fig. 4A). In contrast, there were no significant correlations between serum sST2 levels and IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ or IL-33 levels in MN patients (Fig. 4B-F).

Correlation analyses of serum sST2 levels with IL-4 levels in MN patients at different stages

As shown in Fig. 4A, serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with IL-4 levels (r=−0.4337, P=0.0002). We next analyzed the correlations between serum sST2 levels and IL-4 levels in MN patients at different stages. We found that serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with IL-4 levels in stage I (r=−0.6409, P=0.0042; Fig. 5A), stage I–II (r=−0.4183, P=0.009; Fig. 5B), stage II (r=−0.4719, P=0.0149; Fig. 5C) and stage III (r=−0.6364, P=0.0353; Fig. 5D) MN patients.

Clinical parameters and serum cytokine levels in MN patients after treatment

To better understand the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in MN development, we analyzed the clinical features and serum cytokine concentrations of patients who were followed up for 8–12 weeks. In total, 19 patients had complete records, whereas the other 74 patients failed to complete the follow-up. The 24-h urine protein, microscopic hematuria and serum phosphorus levels were obviously lower in the MN patients than in the HCs, but the eGFRs and serum calcium levels were significantly higher (Table II). In addition, the serum sST2 levels were significantly lower than the pretreatment levels (P<0.001; Fig. 6A). Furthermore, serum IL-4 (P=0.007; Fig. 6B) and IL-10 (P<0.001; Fig. 6C) levels were higher after treatment than before treatment. No marked differences were found in the concentrations of other serum cytokines before and after treatment (data not shown). Collectively, MN treatment obviously improved renal function by decreasing the sST2 serum levels and increasing the IL-4 and IL-10 levels in MN patients.

Table II.

Effects of treatment on the clinical measurements in the MN patients at follow-up.

Table II.

Effects of treatment on the clinical measurements in the MN patients at follow-up.

CharacteristicBefore treatmentAfter treatment
Age, years48 (29–68)48 (29–68)
Sex, female/male10/910/9
Lymphocytes, 109/l2.34 (1.14–3.25)2.28 (1.10–3.11)
Serum albumin, g/l28.6 (16.8–34.6)37.2 (26.8–46.6)
Serum uric acid, µmol/l376 (253–564)348 (232–523)
Triglycerides, mmol/l2.73 (1.34–5.42)2.57 (1.18–5.16)
Cholesterol, mmol/l7.22 (5.28–11.26)6.27 (4.81–10.13)
Urinary proteins, g/24 h5.31 (1.44–8.26)3.45 (1.78–6.12)a
Urea nitrogen, mmol/l5.74 (3.87–10.85)4.42 (2.75–9.18)
eGFR, ml/min/1.73 m282.36 (46.74–102.85)98.63 (62.26 −115.28)a
Microscopic hematuria, rbc/hpf8.65 (1.45–67.35)3.34 (0.31–42.23)a
Serum calcium, mmol/l1.96 (1.34–2.43)2.34 (2.05–2.54)a
Serum phosphorus, mmol/l1.76 (0.93–2.03)1.17 (0.78–1.35)a

{ label (or @symbol) needed for fn[@id='tfn3-mmr-17-02-2778'] } The data are shown as the median (range).

a P<0.05 vs. the values before treatment. HC, healthy control; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; MN, membranous nephropathy.

Discussion

IL-33 is a multipurpose cytokine that participates in several illnesses (13,1820). Furthermore, IL-33 can activate various immune cells, MAP kinases and NF-κB signaling pathways and facilitate Th2 reactions through its receptor complex, which comprises ST2 and IL-1RaP (7). When activated by IL-33, structures containing endothelial cells, epithelial cells and fibroblasts produce mediators consistent with the respective cell types. This action exacerbates allergic inflammation. Recently, the IL-33/ST2 axis has been shown to play an important part in several chronic immune inflammatory disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (21). Serum IL-33 levels are increased in SLE and RA patients and are correlated with the serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; these data indicate that IL-33 may take part in the acute phase of SLE (21). However, the function of the IL-33/ST2 axis in MN patients remains unclear. Therefore, it is of clinical importance to determine the functions and mechanisms of IL-33 and sST2 in MN patients. This study is the first to measure serum concentrations of IL-33 and sST2 and explore the relationship between the IL-33/ST2 axis and disease severity in MN patients. Recent studies have revealed that sST2 is a negative modulator and competitive decoy receptor for IL-33 (22,23). However, in our research, serum IL-33 levels were not increased in MN patients, and IL-33 levels were not correlated with disease severity. These data indicate that IL-33 may not participate in the pathogenesis of MN or may be inversely downregulated by sST2.

ST2 is selectively expressed by some Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells, and is involved in the Th2 response (9). Importantly, sST2 is a negative modulator of IL-33 and may participate in the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated diseases (2226). MN is a non-inflammatory organ-specific autoimmune illness that affects the glomerulus and is characterized by the formation of subepithelial immune deposits. When the levels of inflammatory markers increase, kidney function will deteriorate. Our study shows markedly higher sST2 concentrations in MN patients than HCs and indicates that serum sST2 levels are positively correlated with MN disease severity. Following treatment, the serum concentrations of sST2 were obviously lower than those at pretreatment. Furthermore, we discovered that serum sST2 concentrations were positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein levels but negatively correlated with the eGFRs in MN patients. Our study suggests that increased levels of sST2 may be associated with an increased risk of MN progression and that serum sST2 levels could be used as a biomarker for assessing MN disease development and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Th cells are classified as Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells. Th1 cells produce IFN-γ and IL-2 and facilitate cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, Th2 cells secrete IL-4 and IL-10 and induce antibody production. IL-17 is produced by Th7 cells, mast cells, neutrophils and macrophages. Studies have suggested that IL-17A plays a key role in the mechanisms of host defense, autoimmunity reactions and chronic inflammatory diseases (27). Our study reveals that the serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-γ were considerably higher in MN patients than in HCs. Moreover, MN treatment increased the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 but did not affect the serum levels of IL-2, IL-17A and IFN-γ. Our study indicates that pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 responses may take part in the pathogenesis of MN and stimulate anti-inflammatory Th2 and Tregs that downregulate pro-inflammatory responses during the pathogenesis of MN.

ST2 expression by Th cells relies on GATA3 signaling, and high levels of sST2 can downregulate the expression of IL-4 but not type 1 cytokines (28). One study reported that the inhibition of IL-33 signaling by sST2 can effectively inhibit the production of IL-4 following allergen exposure in an experimental asthma setting (29). Another study found that sST2 strikingly reduced the levels of IL-4 in mice with airway inflammation compared with those in control mice (30). Furthermore, we found that serum sST2 levels were negatively correlated with IL-4 levels in MN patients. These data indicate that serum sST2 may downregulate IL-4 in MN patients.

Some researchers have found that IL-4 enhances the production of IgG4 by B cells in idiopathic MN in vitro (15). IgG4 is deposited in the glomeruli, which are involved in the pathogenesis of MN (31). Therefore, decreased IL-4 levels may alleviate the course of MN.

Our study shows that the serum calcium levels were lower and that the serum phosphorus levels were higher in MN patients before treatment than in the HCs. Furthermore, serum sST2 levels were positively correlated with serum phosphorus levels but negatively correlated with serum calcium levels. Following treatment, the serum calcium levels were increased considerably, and the serum phosphorus levels were decreased considerably. Study has indicated that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a role in reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion from the parathyroid glands; however, high PTH and FGF23 serum concentrations, in addition to FGF23 resistance in the parathyroid glands, contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD) (32). FGF23 can act on the nephridium to promote phosphate secretion while inhibiting 25(OH)-vitamin D 1α-(OH) activity and intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption (33). Importantly, it has been shown that sST2 may be a regulatory target of PTH that affects bone metabolism (34). One study even showed that CKD patients with elevated PTH levels had higher sST2 levels than HCs (35). MN is the main cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Calcium and phosphorus are maintained at relatively constant levels in the blood of healthy subjects, and when phosphorus levels increase, serum calcium levels decrease. In addition, PTH can increase blood calcium levels and reduce blood phosphorus levels. Together, these data suggest that sST2 plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism disorders in MN patients.

In conclusion, our results show that the serum levels of sST2 are considerably higher in MN patients than in HCs. These data suggest that sST2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MN and can be used as a biomarker for assessing illness seriousness. We admit that our research is limited by its small number of patients and single time-point data for some patients; other limitations include the limited amount of information regarding renal system damage and the lack of data regarding sST2 levels after treatment. Although further study is required to more clearly define the role and mechanism of sST2 in the pathogenesis of MN, our novel research provides new data for understanding this disease.

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February-2018
Volume 17 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhang Z, Liu X, Wang H, Qu Z, Crew R, Zhang N and Jiang Y: Increased soluble ST2 and IL‑4 serum levels are associated with disease severity in patients with membranous nephropathy. Mol Med Rep 17: 2778-2786, 2018
APA
Zhang, Z., Liu, X., Wang, H., Qu, Z., Crew, R., Zhang, N., & Jiang, Y. (2018). Increased soluble ST2 and IL‑4 serum levels are associated with disease severity in patients with membranous nephropathy. Molecular Medicine Reports, 17, 2778-2786. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8130
MLA
Zhang, Z., Liu, X., Wang, H., Qu, Z., Crew, R., Zhang, N., Jiang, Y."Increased soluble ST2 and IL‑4 serum levels are associated with disease severity in patients with membranous nephropathy". Molecular Medicine Reports 17.2 (2018): 2778-2786.
Chicago
Zhang, Z., Liu, X., Wang, H., Qu, Z., Crew, R., Zhang, N., Jiang, Y."Increased soluble ST2 and IL‑4 serum levels are associated with disease severity in patients with membranous nephropathy". Molecular Medicine Reports 17, no. 2 (2018): 2778-2786. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8130