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  • Pathophysiology of mesangial expansion in diabetic nephropathy: mesangial structure, glomerular biomechanics, and biochemical signaling and regulation
Title: Pathophysiology of mesangial expansion in diabetic nephropathy: mesangial structure, glomerular biomechanics, and biochemical signaling and regulation
Abstract Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney complication arising from diabetes, is the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Unabated, the growing epidemic of diabetes is increasing instances of diabetic nephropathy. Although the main causes of diabetic nephropathy have been determined, the mechanisms of their combined effects on cellular and tissue function are not fully established. One of many damages of diabetic nephropathy is the development of fibrosis within the kidneys, termed mesangial expansion. Mesangial expansion is an important structural lesion that is characterized by the aberrant proliferation of mesangial cells and excess production of matrix proteins. Mesangial expansion is involved in the progression of kidney failure in diabetic nephropathy, yet its causes and mechanism of impact on kidney function are not well defined. Here, we review the literature on the causes of mesangial expansion and its impacts on cell and tissue function. We highlight the gaps that still remain and the potential areas where bioengineering studies can bring insight to mesangial expansion in diabetic nephropathy.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2133411
PAR ID:
10407963
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Biological Engineering
Volume:
16
Issue:
1
ISSN:
1754-1611
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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