Pathogenesis and therapy of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: an update.

Abstract

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in adults and children. It is responsible for 5-20% of all cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the United States. The pathogenesis of FSGS has not been fully elucidated; however, data from molecular studies of familial cases in the last two decades suggest that FSGS is a defect of the podocyte. The therapeutic agents available for treatment of FSGS are not very effective and only a small percentage of affected individuals will achieve complete remission. Recent data from molecular biology and molecular genetics has provided insight into the mechanisms of action of old agents and also identification of other novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on recent advances in the molecular pathogenesis of FSGS and currently available therapeutic agents as well as potential novel therapies.

• Authors: Rasheed Gbadegesin, Peter Lavin, John Foreman, Michelle Winn
• Journal: Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany) (Pediatr Nephrol) Vol. 26 Issue 7 Pg. 1001-15 (Jul 2011) ISSN: 1432-198X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 21110043 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental (classification, etiology, pathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Kidney (pathology)
• Podocytes (pathology)
• Risk Factors
• Stem Cell Transplantation
• Treatment Outcome