Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2012
Hepatitis C virus associated membranous glomerulonephritis
C Stehman-Breen1, C E Alpers, W G Couser
1Division of Nephrology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to kidney disease. This study found four patients with membranous glomerulonephritis and HCV, who responded positively to alpha-interferon treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern associated with numerous extrahepatic manifestations.
- Glomerular diseases, particularly membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), are increasingly recognized as potential complications of HCV infection.
Observation:
- This report details four patients presenting with MGN and concurrent HCV infection.
- These patients exhibited distinct clinical and serological profiles compared to those with HCV-associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, notably normal complement levels and absence of rheumatoid factor or cryoglobulinemia.
Findings:
- Liver biopsy in one patient indicated chronic active hepatitis, despite minimally elevated liver enzymes and normal coagulation profiles.
- Three patients treated with alpha-interferon demonstrated improvement in proteinuria and liver function, suggesting a beneficial role for interferon therapy.
Implications:
- Alpha-interferon may effectively manage proteinuria and improve liver function in HCV-infected patients with MGN, potentially by suppressing viral load.
- Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is crucial to elucidate the virus's role in glomerular pathology and optimize alpha-interferon treatment strategies for HCV-related kidney disease.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus infection has been associated with a variety of extrahepatic disorders. We report four patients with membranous glomerulonephritis and hepatitis C virus infection. In contrast to patients previously reported with HCV infection and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, these patients have normal or minimally reduced complement levels and no evidence of rheumatoid factor or cryoglobulinemia. A liver biopsy in one patient was consistent with chronic active hepatitis although liver enzymes were only minimally elevated and coagulation studies normal. Three patients were treated with alpha-interferon with some success. Treatment with alpha-interferon may have a beneficial effect in reducing proteinuria and improving liver function and may be related to the ability of interferon to suppress viremia. Future studies need to focus on clarifying the role of the virus in causing glomerular disease and improving dosing strategies for alpha-interferon. Randomized, controlled studies need to be performed to determine whether the beneficial effect of alpha interferon is significant, and if so, if it is superior to conventional therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

