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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Kidney pathological changes in metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study.
Mariam P Alexander1, Tejas V Patel, Youssef M K Farag
1Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Metabolic syndrome is linked to increased kidney damage, including microvascular disease and reduced kidney function over time. Early screening and management are crucial for protecting kidney health in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Rising global prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with chronic kidney disease.
- Limited understanding of kidney pathological findings in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe kidney pathological findings in patients with metabolic syndrome.
- To compare histological characteristics and kidney function decline between patients with and without metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 146 patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
- Metabolic syndrome defined by Adult Treatment Panel III criteria; controls were age- and sex-matched.
- Nephrectomy specimens evaluated by two pathologists using Banff criteria; kidney function assessed at 1-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Patients with metabolic syndrome showed higher prevalence of tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and arterial sclerosis.
- Greater global and segmental glomerulosclerosis observed in metabolic syndrome group.
- Metabolic syndrome associated with a steeper decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome is associated with significant microvascular disease in the kidneys.
- Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibit reduced renal reserve and faster kidney function decline.
- Aggressive screening and management strategies are recommended to preserve kidney function in patients with metabolic syndrome.
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