Retinoids Augment the Expression of Podocyte Proteins by Glomerular Parietal Epithelial Cells in Experimental Glomerular Disease

摘要

Background/AimsA decrease in glomerular podocyte number in membranous nephropathy and FSGS ultimately precipitates glomerulosclerosis and the decrease in kidney function. Recent studies have shown that in these diseases, glomerular parietal epithelial cells begin to express proteins considered unique to podocytes, and that these glomerular epithelial transition cells might serve as podocyte progenitors. Because retinoids improve many forms of experimental glomerular disease characterized by podocyte injury and loss, we asked if ATRA induces parietal epithelial cells to express podocyte proteins.