This publication provides a synopsis of the rapid progress made in the field of renal cell biology during the last decade, progress which has resulted in a better conceptual understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrotic renal disease. These developments have provided new therapeutic choices and led to the discovery of gene-based therapeutic options. The topics covered in this book have been carefully selected from the immense number of aspects of the disease to provide essential information on the molecular basis of renal fibrosis. Individual chapters discuss topics such as proteinuria and tubulointerstitial injury, the roles and regulation of TGF-beta, chemokines, oxidant stress, matrix remodeling, significance of renal expression of NF-kappa, and the potential impact of cell death in renal fibrosis.Written so as to present the complex information as simply as possible, this publication will be a very useful tool for general health professionals involved in the fields of immunology and cell biology, as well as for clinicians and researchers within the fields of nephrology, pathology and matrix biology.

A comprehensive and authoritative survey of recent findings, ideas, and hypotheses about the causes and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The authors cover both the basic pathogenic mechanisms of the disease, as well as many of its clinical aspects of identification, management, and new therapeutic approaches. Highlights include an entire section devoted to novel approaches to studying diabetic nephropathy with the most advanced molecular techniques, and complete descriptions of the most up-to-date views on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The Diabetic Kidney offers both researchers and practicing clinicians a clear understanding of the of the progress that has been made regarding the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and of the therapeutic interventions needed to prevent its development or treat it.

An algorithmic approach to interpreting renal pathology, updated in light of recent advances in understanding and new classification schemes.

During the last few years, interest in research on the progression of chronic renal diseases has grown to the extent that this field is now in the mainstream of investigative nephrology. This interdisciplinary volume brings together the latest data from institutes at the forefront of current research. The contents cover a diverse range of topics including apoptosis in renal modeling and remodeling, the role of cytokines, growth factors and macrophages, the metabolism of interstitial collagen and collagenous materials, diabetic nephropathy, and vasoactive substances in renal injury. The use of methodology from morphometry to DNA recombinant technology illustrates the wide range of experimental approaches being adopted. Stimulating and up-to-date, this book is essential reading for nephrologists, biochemists, molecular biologists and all investigators interested in the mechanisms of renal disease progression.

Diseases of the kidney, bladder, and prostate exact an enormous human and economic toll on the population of the United States. This book examines prevention of these diseases through the development of reliable markers of susceptibility, exposure, and effect and the promise that new technologies in molecular biology and sophisticated understanding of metabolic pathways, along with classical approaches to the study of nephrotoxicants and carcinogens, can be developed and prevention of the diseases achieved. The specific recommendations included in this book complement those made in the previous three volumes on biomarkers, Biologic Markers in Reproductive Toxicology (1989), Biologic Markers in Pulmonary Toxicology (1989), and Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology (1991).