title: Nephrotic syndrome and situs inversus viscerum: correlation or coincidence.
abstract: Asymmetric human internal organ organization has been a research topic for many years. Currently, although we know many mechanisms leading to the creation of specific internal organ organization, the problem requires further investigation. Transforming Growth Factor-beta superfamily (TGF-beta SF) molecules seem to play a major role in the process. They affect the cell by signaling through type I and II serine/threonine kinase receptors. Smad proteins seem vital in transmitting the signal between the receptor and the nucleus. We present the case of an 18-year-old female patient, who was admitted to the hospital because of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Physical examination revealed that the patient also had a complete reversal of the intra-abdominal anatomy - situs inversus totalis. We suggest that disturbed TGF-beta and Smad signaling could be responsible for both nephrotic syndrome and situs inversus totalis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin--Poland. macd@mp.pl
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Domański
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Domański
authors.forename: Kazimierz
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ciechanowski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012857:Situs Inversus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D007211:Indoles; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C052035:trandolapril; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone