The M3 subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia–also known as acute promyelocytic leukemia–is one of the most responsive forms of leukemia, as the addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is known to overcome the maturation block in affected lymphocytes. While…
I went to a very memorable talk today at our Renal Grand Rounds during which fairly convincing data was presented that identifies the long-sought-after antigen which causes membranous nephropathy–still the most common cause of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome in…
IgA Nephropathy & Post-Strep Glomerulonephritis (PSGN) are both relatively common causes of glomerulonephritis which can both be associated with upper respiratory infections. How can you tell them apart? One of the most important distinctions can be made in…
The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) is located between the afferent arteriole and the returning distal convoluted tubule of the same nephron. It is responsible for regulating both intrarenal (tubuloglomerular feedback) and extrarenal (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) mechanisms necessary to maintain both renal…
The WAGR Syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome whose acronym stands for Wilms tumor, Aniridia (an absence of the iris), Genitourinary abnormalities, and mental Retardation. It is caused by a deletion of chromosome 17p. The genitourinary abnormalities may…
The “ciliary hypothesis” refers to the idea that primary cilia–single, non-motile, microtubule-based structures which are found on the apical surface of renal tubular epithelial cells–play an integral role in the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease. Scientists have long…
The differential diagnosis for large kidneys (often demonstrated on renal ultrasound) is interesting, as there are a few conditions which are especially associated with this finding. Of course, with any type of chronic damage, the kidneys tend to…
The incidence of ANCA-positive disease is in the ballpark of 1:10,000. The incidence of anti-GBM disease is even more rare, at about 1:1,000,000. One would expect if these 2 disease-causing antibodies were entirely independent of one another, the…
The Ret gene plays an integral role in kidney development. As is covered in any basic embryology class, the cross-talk between the ureteric bud (destined to become the collecting system of the kidney) and the metanephrogenic mesenchyme (destined…
The Brenner Hypothesis–developed by Barry Brenner of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, author of the well-known Brenner & Rector “The Kidney” textbook–states that individuals with a congenital reduction in nephron number have a much greater likelihood of developing…
