Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
08:21
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
Published on: October 26, 2020
5.8K
Urinary megalin expression in children with sickle cell nephropathy
Kazeem O Amoo1, Saheed A Odediji2, Busayo G Ologun3
1Department of Paediatrics, Wesley Guild Hospital Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ilesa, Nigeria. kazeemolarewaju@yahoo.com.
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Urinary megalin levels are lower in children with sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) and inversely correlate with albuminuria. This suggests megalin may play a role in SCN pathogenesis and tubular injury.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) in children.
- Albuminuria is a marker for renal disease in SCD, but tubular dysfunction may be critical.
- Megalin, a renal tubular receptor, is involved in albumin reabsorption and may indicate tubular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between urinary megalin levels and albuminuria in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA).
- To compare urinary megalin and albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) in children with SCA versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A comparative cross-sectional study included 120 children with SCA and 120 healthy controls.
- Early morning urine samples were analyzed for megalin and UACR using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Children with SCA showed higher UACR and a greater prevalence of SCN compared to controls.
- Urinary megalin levels were similar between SCA children and controls overall.
- However, urinary megalin was significantly lower in children with SCN compared to SCA children without nephropathy and controls, and inversely correlated with UACR.
Conclusions:
- Urinary megalin concentration is decreased in children with SCN and inversely associated with UACR.
- Further research is needed to understand megalin's role in SCN and its potential impact on tubular damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
325
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
325
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
988
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
988
01:20Renal Corpuscle
9.1K
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
9.1K