Inhibition of Rho-associated kinase relieves C5a-induced proteinuria in murine nephrotic syndrome.

Childhood nephrotic syndrome is mainly caused by minimal change disease which is named because only subtle ultrastructural alteration could be observed at electron microscopic level in the pathological kidney. Glomerular podocytes are presumed to be the target cells whose protein sieving capability is compromised by a yet unidentified permeability perturbing factor. In a cohort of children with non-hereditary idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, we found the complement fragment C5a was elevated in their sera during active disease.

A tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor reduces the embryotoxic effects of endometriotic peritoneal fluid.

Objective: To determine whether a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor can reduce the embryotoxicity of the peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with endometriosis.

Design: Experimental clinical study.

Setting: University hospital.