title: [Transforming growth factor-beta: a new approach to the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis].
abstract: TGF-beta is a multifunctional regulatory peptide which plays a key role in embryogenesis, tissue repair and immune response. One of the most important properties of TGF-beta is its widespread effects on extracellular matrix. TGF-beta stimulates the synthesis of individual matrix components and reduces the matrix degradation by proteases. It also modulates the expression of integrin receptors that mediate cell-matrix interactions. Moreover it has been demonstrated that TGF-beta may be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized with an excessive matrix accumulation. In this review we summarize data from experimental studies which link the action of TGF-beta with the pathological matrix deposition in glomerulonephritis. We also present compelling evidence that the sustained expression of TGF-beta contributes to the development of glomerulosclerosis and progressive kidney fibrosis. Finally we discuss prospects of anti-TGF-beta therapy in treating renal diseases associated with overproduction of TGF-beta.
authors.affiliation: Z Katedry i Zakładu Patofizjologii Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Witowski
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knapowski
mesh_terms: D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005923:Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta