Membranous nephropathy: genetics, antigens and antibodies

Abstract

Membranous nephropathy is a kidney disorder characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, that causes nephrotic syndrome. It can be caused by various underlying conditions that result in damage to the filtering units of the kidneys, known as nephrons, producing massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema and hyperlipidemia. Between 30 to 40% of cases of nephrotic syndrome in adults are due to membranous nephropathy. In recent decades, progress has been made with the discovery of antigens, antibodies and genes involved in the pathophysiology of the disease and a new classification system has been proposed. The presence of antigen-antibody complexes together with genetic factors may influence the susceptibility to such immune dysregulation, and states new information in a what was known between the etiologies of primary and secondary causes. The understanding of the antigens involved in membranous nephropathy is an area of active research, and additional antigens may be identified as our knowledge of the disease continues to evolve. This article summarizes some concepts and recent findings made on this topic.