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Published on: November 10, 2021
The pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial disease associated with glomerulonephritis: the glomerular cytokine theory
R Pichler1, C Giachelli, B Young
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195, USA.
Insights
Tubulointerstitial disease significantly impacts kidney function and prognosis. This review explores how injured glomeruli release factors that recruit inflammatory cells, leading to kidney fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tubulointerstitial disease is a significant factor affecting glomerular disease prognosis.
- The precise mechanisms driving tubulointerstitial disease development remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the hypothesis that glomerular injury factors induce tubulointerstitial inflammation.
- To identify potential mediators involved in leukocyte recruitment and subsequent fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease.
- Discussion of proposed mechanisms involving cellular interactions and molecular signaling.
Main Results:
- Factors released from injured glomeruli may attract mononuclear cells to the interstitium.
- Osteopontin is a potential leukocyte adhesive factor, though others are likely involved.
- Recruited leukocytes, particularly macrophages, contribute to tubular injury and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Glomerular injury can initiate a cascade leading to tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies for kidney disease.
Abstract:
Numerous studies have suggested that tubulointerstitial disease has a major impact on the overall function and prognosis of glomerular disease. The mechanism by which tubulointerstitial disease develops in patients with glomerular and other diseases is unknown. In this review, we discuss the hypothesis that factors released from injured glomeruli act on tubules and interstitial cells to induce expression of chemotactic and adhesive factors that attract mononuclear cells into the interstitium. Evidence is provided that osteopontin is one candidate leukocyte adhesive factor involved in this process, but others are likely involved. The recruited leukocytes (primarily macrophages) then release inflammatory mediators that injure tubular cells and activate interstitial fibroblasts, resulting in tubulointerstitial injury with eventual fibrosis.
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