title: The role of progranulin in diabetes and kidney disease.
abstract: Progranulin (PGRN) is a cysteine rich secreted protein, expressed in epithelial cells, immune cells, neurons, and adipocytes. It was first identified for its growth factor-like properties, being involved in early embryogenesis and tissue remodeling, acting as an anti-inflammatory molecule. In the central nervous system, PGRN has neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions. There is also evidence of PGRN effects on cancer, contributing to tumor proliferation, invasion and cell survival. Recently, PGRN was recognized as an adipokine related to obesity and insulin resistance, revealing its metabolic function and pro-inflammatory properties. In obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, PGRN levels are increased. In renal disease, there is a relevant association, however, it is not known if it could contribute to kidney damage or if it is only a route of PGRN elimination. PGRN is an emerging molecule which demands studies in different fields. Possibly, it plays distinct functions in different tissues/cells and metabolic conditions. Here, we discuss potential mechanisms and recent data of PGRN pro-inflammatory actions, regarding obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and kidney disease.
authors.affiliation: Post Graduation Medical Sciences Program: Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2400 Ramiro Barcelos Street, 2º floor, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-003 Brazil.
authors.forename: Bruna Bellincanta
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Nicoletto
authors.affiliation: Post Graduation Medical Sciences Program: Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 2400 Ramiro Barcelos Street, 2º floor, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-003 Brazil ; Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, 2350 Ramiro Barcelos Street, Building 12, 4° floor, Porto Alegre, 90035-903 Brazil.
authors.forename: Luis Henrique
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Canani
keywords: Adipokine; Diabetes; Inflammation; Kidney disease; Obesity; Progranulin