title: [Membranous glomerulonephritis: new insights in pathophysiology and therapeutic approach].
abstract: During the last decade, several major breakthroughs have led to the identification of human podocyte membrane antigens. Experimental involving antipodocyte antibodies in human membranous nephropathy (MN) have opened a new line of thinking about this disease, relating as an autoimmune kidney disease. In this setting, the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) was identified as the first major antigen target in human primary MN. Studies have demonstrated anti-PLA2R antibodies against PLA2R ranging from 70 to 89% in patients with MN, but not in those with secondary MN. It has been suggested that the serum level of anti-PLA2R could be used for the diagnosis of idiopathic MN and for the monitoring of response to treatment. However, the coexistence of autoantibodies suggests a complex pathogenic pathway that involves different podocyte targets. New experimental models are needed to elucidate the appearance time and the role of each anti-podocyte antibody in MN development and progression.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Jose do Rosario Vellano, MG.
authors.forename: Francisco Roberto Lello
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans