[The role of platelet-derived growth factor in progression of nephropathy]

The platelet growth factor (PDGF) is a potent proliferative factor which stimulates the proliferation of the kidneys in particular of mesangial cells and moreover by stimulating the production of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) it stimulates also proliferation of the mesangium, glomerulosclerosis and obviously also interstitial fibrosis. By these mechanisms it participates in the progression of experimental and human nephropathies. Production of PDGF can be suppressed by a low protein diet, heparin, acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamol, and some new antagonists are being developed. These findings were assembled in experimental investigations and must be confirmed in clinical trials.