Suppression of experimental glomerulonephritis by antiserum against transforming growth factor beta1
Article Abstract:
Glomerulonephritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the kidneys. The condition also causes an increase of protein and blood in the urine, a decrease in urine production, and a swelling of the body. The disease can progress, destroying kidney function completely, and can lead to the death of the patient unless treatment with dialysis or kidney transplantation is provided. The mechanism of disease in glomerulonephritis is not understood, but is thought to be due to cell injury in the glomeruli of the kidneys by the accumulation of immune complexes. Using experimentally induced glomerulonephritis in rats as an animal model, glomerulonephritis was shown to be associated with the increased synthesis and activity of the cellular factor transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1). TGF-beta1 is known to induce the production of extracellular matrix, an array of a fibrous connective tissue. Extracellular matrix accumulate in the damaged glomeruli in glomerulonephritis. When antibodies specific for TGF-beta1 were administered to the animals when the glomerular disease was experimentally induced, the amounts of extracellular matrix produced were reduced, and the disease did not develop. Thus, TGF-beta1 causes experimentally-induced glomerulonephritis, and may have a role in other fibrotic diseases. The inhibition of the action of TGF-beta may be a new approach for treatment of glomerulonephritis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Organ targeting in vivo using phage display peptide libraries
Article Abstract:
Preferential homing of tumor cells and leukocytes to specific organs in mice by injecting phage libraries intravenously shows that tissues carry unique marker molecules within the reach of circulating cells. A new method in studying organ-selective targeting is presented based on in vivo screening of random peptide sequences. Peptides which could facilitate selective localization of phage to brain and kidney blood vessels were derived.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Natural inhibitor of transforming growth factor-beta protects against scarring in experimental kidney disease
Article Abstract:
Decorin, a proteoglycan, can reverse the build-up of extracellular matrix in the glomeruli that characterizes human kidney disease or glomerulonephritis. Test with rats showed that decorin can stop the excessive production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) which causes the matrix to form. Decorin may well prove useful in combating a variety of kidney, lung and liver diseases in which TGF-beta is a factor.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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