[In Process Citation].
Membranous nephropathy is one of the most common glomerular diseases and leading causes of nephrotic syndrome in Caucasian adults. Known as a clinico-pathologic entity for over 50 years, it is defined by thickening of the glomerular capillary membrane with subepithelial immuncomplexes. Secondary forms (e. g. hepatitis B, autoimmune disease or medication-induced) are distinguished from idiopathic forms. Despite spontaneous remissions in about 30 % of cases, one third of idiopathic forms progress to end-stage renal disease after 10 years. Seminal research progress of the last decade has allowed the identification of autoantibodies directed against podocytary elements leading to secondary damage to the filtration barrier. The so-called idiopathic membranous nephropathy has thus become a prototype of autoimmune disease. The autoantibodies detectable in 70 - 80 % of cases of idiopathic membranous nephropathy are directed against the M-type phospholipase A2-receptor on the podocyte membrane and correlate with disease activity. These epochal findings influence on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies establishing a rationale for the use of B cell-directed therapy on top of optimal supportive therapy.
Universitätsklinik für Nephrologie, Hypertonie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Inselspital, Bern.
Laila-Yasmin
LY
Mani
Universitätsklinik für Nephrologie, Hypertonie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Inselspital, Bern.
Uyen
U
Huynh-Do
Universitäres Zentrum für Labormedizin, Inselspital, Bern.
Michael Peter
MP
Horn
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D018450:Disease Progression; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D054507:Receptors, Phospholipase A2 / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C516360:PLA2R1 protein, human; D054507:Receptors, Phospholipase A2