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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
[Non SLE connective tissue diseases: general aspects and kidney]
A Doria1, E Sabadini, R A Sinico
1Cattedra e Divisione di Reumatologia, Universita' di Padova, Padova. adoria@unipd.it
Connective tissue diseases involve inflammation and immune system abnormalities. Systemic sclerosis and Sjogren's syndrome are key examples, impacting multiple organs and requiring specific treatments for better survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Immunology
- Pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders
Context:
- Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are a diverse group of disorders.
- Common features include inflammation of connective tissues and immune dysregulation.
- Overlap in clinical manifestations is frequent, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To summarize key features and complications of major CTDs.
- To highlight the renal manifestations and treatment outcomes in specific CTDs.
- To underscore the importance of early intervention in conditions like scleroderma crisis.
Summary:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects multiple organs, with vascular lesions prominent in renal involvement. Scleroderma crisis, a severe complication, shows improved survival with ACE inhibitors.
- Sjogren's syndrome involves lymphocytic destruction of exocrine glands, leading to dryness; renal manifestations include interstitial infiltrates.
- Renal involvement is uncommon in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
Impact:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of CTDs, particularly scleroderma crisis with ACE inhibitors, can significantly improve patient survival.
- Understanding the distinct and overlapping features of CTDs aids in clinical management.
- Highlights the specific renal pathologies associated with SSc and Sjogren's syndrome.
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