Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
09:43

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Published on: June 8, 2022

Role of mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of lupus nephritis

L Grcevska1, M Milovanceva Popovska, S Dzikova

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Vodnjanska 17, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) shows promise in treating lupus nephritis, improving kidney function and reducing proteinuria in patients with high disease activity. Some patients with severe symptoms were even able to stop dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an established immunosuppressant for preventing organ transplant rejection and treating glomerular disorders.
  • Lupus nephritis, a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, requires effective therapeutic strategies to manage kidney inflammation and damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with lupus nephritis over a 2-year treatment period.
  • To assess the impact of MMF on renal function and proteinuria in lupus nephritis patients with varying degrees of histologic activity and chronicity.

Main Methods:

  • Three groups of lupus nephritis patients were treated with MMF (2 g/day initially, then 1.5 g/day) and steroids for 2 years.
  • Patients were stratified based on high histologic activity index (AI) or high chronicity index (CI), with a smaller group having low AI/CI.
  • Renal function (serum creatinine) and proteinuria levels were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • Patients with high AI showed significant reductions in serum creatinine and proteinuria; two patients with acute oligoanuria were withdrawn from dialysis.
  • Patients with high CI demonstrated significant improvement in proteinuria, though the decrease in serum creatinine was not statistically significant.
  • One patient with low AI experienced renal function recovery and reduced proteinuria, while the patient with low CI showed no improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a promising therapeutic option for lupus nephritis, particularly effective in patients with high disease activity.
  • MMF demonstrates benefits in improving renal function and reducing proteinuria, offering potential for dialysis withdrawal in select cases.
  • Treatment outcomes vary based on histologic indices, suggesting MMF's efficacy is linked to the specific disease characteristics of lupus nephritis.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase01:27

Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

Phase II biotransformation reactions are essential for detoxifying and eliminating xenobiotics, including many pharmaceutical compounds. These reactions typically involve conjugation, the covalent attachment of polar endogenous groups such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, methyl, or acetyl moieties to functional groups introduced during Phase I metabolism. The resulting conjugates are more water-soluble, enabling efficient renal or biliary excretion.The major classes of Phase II enzymes include...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...