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Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of membranous nephropathy
1Medical Clinic, Nephrology-Infectious Diseases, Central Rhine hospital group, Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein, Koblenzer Straße 115-155, 56073 Koblenz, Germany.
Abstract:
Nephrotic syndrome is in adult patients mainly due to membranous nephropathy (MN) characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and immune complex formation between podocytes and the GBM. Autoantibodies directed against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin 1 domain-containing 7 A (THSD7A) can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. THSD7A seems to be of direct pathogenic significance as is suggested by experimental models and plasmapheresis in humans. Recently, further antigens like NELL-1 (neural tissue encoding protein with EGF-like repeats-1), exostosin 1 and 2 have been discovered. Thus, MN should be classified into antibody positive and antibody negative MN. More specific immunosuppressive treatments directed against B-cells and antibody production like rituximab have been introduced in addition to already existing immunosuppressive protocols including steroids, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, and calcineurin inhibitors. Antibody removal using immunoadsorption or plasmapheresis leads to short-term reduction in proteinuria and might be indicated only in patients with very severe proteinuria and complications. Studies are needed to identify a more specific immunosuppression directed against the production and effects of autoantibodies in order to protect the kidneys from autoimmune mediated tissue damage and to identify patients who require an immunosuppressive treatment, as the remission rate is high in patients with MN.
Insights
Adult membranous nephropathy (MN) involves immune complexes and autoantibodies against PLA2R and THSD7A. New antigens and targeted therapies like rituximab offer improved treatment strategies for this kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a primary cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults.
- It is characterized by glomerular basement membrane thickening and immune complex deposition.
- Autoantibodies against PLA2R and THSD7A are key diagnostic biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of membranous nephropathy pathogenesis and diagnosis.
- To discuss advancements in immunosuppressive therapies and antibody removal techniques.
- To highlight the need for targeted treatments against autoantibodies in MN.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on membranous nephropathy.
- Analysis of diagnostic biomarkers including autoantibodies.
- Evaluation of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel antigens (NELL-1, exostosin 1/2) in MN.
- Classification of MN into antibody-positive and antibody-negative forms.
- Efficacy of B-cell targeted therapies like rituximab alongside traditional immunosuppressants.
Conclusions:
- MN classification should incorporate antibody status.
- Targeted immunosuppression against autoantibodies is crucial for kidney protection.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatments for autoimmune kidney damage.
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