Nephrotic syndrome - recent advances. Proteinuria as a manifestation and a mediator of progressive renal disease

Proteinuria is a common marker of glomerular injury and is connected with alterations of structure of filtration bar− rier. Podocyte proteins: nefrin, CD2−AP, podocin are pivotal elements in maintenance of proper glomerular filtra− tion. The massive proteinuria is the cause of glomerular and interstitial fibrosis. Treatment with agents inhibiting the renin−angiotensin system retards the progressive course of chronic renal diseases (Adv. Clin. Exp. Med. 2003, 12, 2, 179–183).