Methods: The number of autophagosomes in podocytes was counted and the expression of multiple molecular markers associated with autophagy was evaluated in LN specimens: in renal biopsy specimens from 90 patients with LN and 15 healthy controls, autophagosomes in podocytes were counted using transmission electron microscopy and the expression levels of four autophage related proteins including Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7), and UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) were measured using immunohistochemistry. Here, BECN1 is linked to lobular neoplasia.