Mediators of Inflammation (Jan 2022)

The Role of Cytokines in Nephrotic Syndrome

  • Elham Ahmadian,
  • Yalda Rahbar Saadat,
  • Elaheh Dalir Abdolahinia,
  • Milad Bastami,
  • Mohammadali M. Shoja,
  • Sepideh Zununi Vahed,
  • Mohammadreza Ardalan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6499668
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2022

Abstract

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Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is an important primary glomerular disease characterized by severe proteinuria. Evidence supports a role for T cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of INS. Glucocorticoids are the primary therapy for INS; however, steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) patients are at a higher risk of drug-induced side effects and harbor poor prognosis. Although the exact mechanism of the resistance is unknown, the imbalances of T helper subtype 1 (Th1), Th2, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid responsiveness. Up to now, no confirmed biomarkers have been able to predict SRNS; however, a panel of cytokines may predict responsiveness and identify SRNS patients. Thus, the introduction of distinctive cytokines as novel biomarkers of SRNS enables both preventions of drug-related toxicity and earlier switch to more effective therapies. This review highlights the impacts of T cell population imbalances and their downstream cytokines on response to glucocorticoid responsiveness state in INS.