Nephrology and Kidney Diseases

Glomerular Diseases and Immune Mechanisms

Glomerular diseases represent a significant category of kidney pathology, often mediated by immune mechanisms. Conditions such as minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are major contributors to nephrotic and nephritic syndromes. Diagnosis typically requires clinical assessment, serological markers, and histological confirmation via renal biopsy. Immunosuppressive therapies, including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologics such as rituximab, have transformed treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of autoantibodies, complement activation, and cytokine release has opened pathways for targeted therapy. Ongoing research aims to refine classification systems based on molecular profiling rather than solely histopathology.

Topics covered:

• Nephrotic and nephritic syndrome

• Renal biopsy interpretation and classification

• Immunotherapy and targeted treatment