title: Mesenchymal stem cells as a therapeutic approach to glomerular diseases: benefits and risks.
abstract: Most studies using adult stem cells (ASCs) and progenitor cells as potential therapeutics for kidney disorders have been conducted in models of acute kidney injury, where the damage mainly affects the tubulointerstitium. The results are promising, whereas the underlying mechanisms are still being discussed controversially. Glomerular diseases have not received as much attention. Likely reasons include the often insidious onset, rendering the choice of optimal treatment timing difficult, and the fact that chronic diseases may require long-term therapy. In this mini review, we summarize current strategies in adult stem cell-based therapies for glomerular diseases. In addition, we focus on possible side effects of stem cell administration that have been reported recently, that is, profibrotic actions and maldifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH University of Aachen , Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Uta
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH University of Aachen , Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Song
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rong
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH University of Aachen , Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Marcus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Moeller
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH University of Aachen , Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Floege
keywords: cell-based therapy; chronic kidney disease; glomerulonephritis; mesenchymal stem cell(s); progenitors; renal regeneration