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Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in kidney diseases
Charlotte Delrue1, Reinhart Speeckaert2, Joris R Delanghe3
1Department of Nephrology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a GDF subfamily member with potential kidney protective functions. Its nephroprotective activity is associated with both inflammation downregulation and upregulation of nephroprotective factors with anti-inflammatory activity, such as Klotho in tubular cells. However, GDF-15 has diverse and partially opposing functions depending on the state of the cells and the microenvironment. Increased GDF-15 levels have been linked to an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease and a faster decline in kidney function in various renal disorders, including diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis, primary membranous nephropathy, kidney transplantation, Fabry disease and amyloidosis. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet fully understood. In this review, we will summarize GDF-15's potential role as a biomarker for kidney function in the general population, as well as in some specific kidney diseases.
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