The relevance of experimental models in the pathogenetic investigation of primary IgA nephropathy.
IgA nephropathy, the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis, progresses to terminal renal failure in about 25% of patients 10 years after the apparent clinical onset. Since its description in 1968 an intense research effort in order to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms has involved the study of animal models of the disease. In this review we analyze the experimental work reported since 1979, when the first animal model of IgA nephropathy was published by Rifai et al. We also discuss the interplay between experimental data and relevant clinical observations. Finally, we report the new insights about the role played by cytokines and growth factors.
Institute of Nephrology, University of Bari, Italy.
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Montinaro
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Gesualdo
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Schena
D000818:Animals; D012898:Autacoids / Q000276:immunology; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000276:immunology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000209:etiology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications
D012898:Autacoids; D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances