Foam cells and the pathogenesis of kidney disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pathology
• Immunology

Background:

• Foam cells are observed in human glomeruli across various kidney diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy.
• Despite their known role in atherosclerosis, the pathogenicity of foam cells within the kidney is not well-established.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on renal foam cells and draws parallels with findings from atherosclerosis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of foam cells in renal pathology.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding the pathogenicity of renal foam cells.
• To propose future research directions for characterizing the role of foam cells in kidney disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on foam cells and macrophages in renal disease and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of insights from atherosclerosis research to inform kidney disease investigations.
• Identification of potential animal models and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

• A significant lack of animal models hinders the study of renal foam cell accumulation and pathobiology.
• Recent genetic modifications in hyperlipidemic mice have yielded new models exhibiting renal foam cell accumulation.
• Emerging research suggests tissue-resident macrophages, rather than circulating monocytes, may be the primary source of tissue macrophages.

Conclusions:

• The precise role and pathogenicity of renal foam cells remain largely unknown.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species or cholesterol/lipoprotein handling in foam cells show potential.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the function of foam cells in kidney diseases.