1. Crosstalk between glomeruli and tubules.
- Author
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Fogo, Agnes B. and Harris, Raymond C.
- Subjects
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MEDICAL sciences , *PARIETAL cells , *ACUTE kidney failure , *BLOOD proteins , *CHRONIC kidney failure - Abstract
Models of kidney injury have classically concentrated on glomeruli as the primary site of injury leading to glomerulosclerosis or on tubules as the primary site of injury leading to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, current evidence on the mechanisms of progression of chronic kidney disease indicates that a complex interplay between glomeruli and tubules underlies progressive kidney injury. Primary glomerular injury can clearly lead to subsequent tubule injury. For example, damage to the glomerular filtration barrier can expose tubular cells to serum proteins, including complement and cytokines, that would not be present in physiological conditions and can promote the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and progressive decline in kidney function. In addition, although less well-studied, increasing evidence suggests that tubule injury, whether primary or secondary, can also promote glomerular damage. This feedback from the tubule to the glomerulus might be mediated by changes in the reabsorptive capacity of the tubule, which can affect the glomerular filtration rate, or by mediators released by injured proximal tubular cells that can induce damage in both podocytes and parietal epithelial cells. Examining the crosstalk between the various compartments of the kidney is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying kidney pathology and identifying potential therapeutic interventions. Glomerular injury and damage to the glomerular filtration barrier can promote the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Here, the authors discuss potential mechanisms underlying this effect, as well as the emerging evidence of the tubule–glomerulus crosstalk that promotes glomerular damage following tubular injury. Key points: Primary glomerular injury can lead to the development of subsequent tubule injury that promotes the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and a progressive decline in kidney function. Serum factors — for example, immunoglobulins, complement proteins and lipids — rather than albumin itself seem to be key mediators of proximal tubule dysfunction associated with high proteinuria. Increasing evidence suggests that injurious factors released from injured tubules, or loss of protective factors, can feedback to the glomerulus, where they promote or exacerbate glomerular injury. In models of acute kidney injury, glomerulosclerosis is attenuated in atubular glomeruli. This effect might be related to reduced filtration in the atubular glomeruli and less oxidative stress in podocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2025
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