[Obstructive and reflux nephropathy]

Urinary tract obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux have marked effects on renal function. Renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerular hypertrophy with subsequent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis like changes are a common consequence of chronic obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux. Evidence suggests that vasoactive compounds and cytokines such as angiotensin II, nitric oxide, eicosanoids, TNF, TGF, EGF, PDGF, bFGF have a role in the hemodynamic and structural abnormalities that occur following obstruction of the urinary tract or vesicoureteral reflux. Use of modulators for these compounds appears to be beneficial for treatment of obstructive or reflux nephropathy in near future.