Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

1.8K

Complement Dysregulation in Kidney Diseases: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Emerging Targeted Therapies

Patryk Jesiołowski1,2, Mateusz Krzywda1, Agnieszka Furmańczyk-Zawiska1

  • 1Department of Transplantology, Immunology, Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The complement system defends against pathogens but its dysregulation causes kidney disease. Targeting complement components offers new therapeutic strategies for various nephropathies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The complement system is crucial for innate immunity, involving classical, lectin, and alternative pathways.
  • Complement activation produces anaphylatoxins (C3a, C5a) and opsonins (C3b), influencing inflammation and pathogen clearance.
  • Dysregulation of complement contributes to renal pathology, including acute kidney injury, lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, C3 glomerulopathy, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of the complement system in renal disease pathogenesis and therapeutic potential.
  • To highlight complement components as predictive markers in acute kidney injury and specific nephropathies.
  • To discuss genetic defects in complement regulation and their link to renal failure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on complement system function in renal diseases.
  • Analysis of complement component levels as predictive markers.
  • Examination of genetic defects and therapeutic interventions targeting the complement system.

Main Results:

  • Complement dysregulation, including overproduction of anaphylatoxins and membrane attack complex formation, drives renal disease.
  • Complement component levels are valuable predictive markers, particularly in alternative pathway-driven conditions and immune complex diseases.
  • Genetic defects in complement regulation lead to severe renal conditions like C3 glomerulopathy and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
  • Targeted therapies (eculizumab, pegcetacoplan) show promise in treating complement-mediated nephropathies.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system plays a significant role in the initiation and progression of renal diseases.
  • Understanding complement pathways is key to developing effective biomarkers and targeted therapies for nephropathies.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting complement components offer significant potential for improving patient outcomes in various kidney diseases.

Keywords:
C3 glomerulopathyIgA nephropathyacute kidney injuryalternative pathwayatypical hemolytic uremic syndromebiomarkerscomplement dysregulationcomplement systemcomplement-targeted therapieskidney diseases

More Related Videos

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes11:47

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes

Published on: March 4, 2022

2.1K
Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection10:15

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

Published on: November 10, 2021

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
679
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
1.4K
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

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...
1.2K
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
1.1K
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of...
682
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
2.3K