Do retinoids augment the expression of podocyte proteins by glomerular parietal epithelial cells in experimental glomerular disease?
ATRA increases the number of glomerular epithelial transition cells in experimental proteinuric glomerular diseases. Thus, ATRA may provide a useful pharmacologic approach to decipher the mechanisms underlying the possible progenitor role of parietal epithelial cells.
Complement activation, indicated by the elevation of C5a, seems to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Clinically, determination of C5a may add to the predictive value of other non-specific inflammatory parameters.