Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025

Glomerular Outgrowth as an Ex Vivo Assay to Analyze Pathways Involved in Parietal Epithelial Cell Activation
Published on: August 19, 2020
Transition from minimal change disease to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis related to occupational exposure: A case
Long Tang1, Zhen Cai1, Su-Xia Wang2
1Department of Nephrology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China.
Background:
Although minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) have been described as two separate forms of nephrotic syndrome (NS), they are not completely independent. We report a case of a patient transitioning from MCD to FSGS, review the literature, and explore the relationship between the two diseases.
Case Summary:
A 42-year-old male welder, presenting with lower extremity edema and elevated serum creatinine, was diagnosed with NS and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) based on laboratory test results. The patient had undergone a kidney biopsy for NS 20 years previously, which indicated MCD, and a second recent kidney biopsy suggested FSGS. The patient was an electric welder with excessive levels of cadmium and lead in his blood. Consequently, we suspect that his aggravated pathology and occurrence of ESKD were related to metal nephrotoxicity. The patient eventually received kidney replacement therapy and quit his job which involved long-term exposure to metals. During the 1-year follow-up period, the patient was negative for metal elements in the blood and urine and recovered partial kidney function.
Conclusion:
MCD and FSGS may be different stages of the same disease. The transition from MCD to FSGS in this case indicates disease progression, which may be related to excessive metal contaminants caused by the patient's occupation.
Insights
Minimal change disease (MCD) can progress to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), suggesting they may be stages of the same kidney disease. Occupational metal exposure may contribute to this progression and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are distinct nephrotic syndromes (NS).
- The relationship between MCD and FSGS is not fully understood.
- This study explores the potential progression from MCD to FSGS.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male with a history of MCD developed FSGS and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
- The patient was an electric welder with high blood levels of cadmium and lead.
- Occupational metal exposure is suspected as a cause of disease progression.
Findings:
- The patient's kidney biopsy transitioned from MCD to FSGS.
- Metal nephrotoxicity is implicated in the progression of kidney disease.
- Quitting the metal-exposed occupation and treatment led to partial kidney function recovery.
Implications:
- MCD and FSGS might represent different stages of a single disease process.
- Occupational exposure to metals like cadmium and lead can exacerbate kidney conditions.
- Understanding disease progression is crucial for managing nephrotic syndromes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:

