What happens when glomerular basement membrane thickens?

Thickening of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a characteristic early change in diabetic nephropathy, and it strongly correlates with urinary albumin excretion.

What is the function of the glomerular basement membrane?

The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is the next critical component of the glomerular filtration barrier. It provides a scaffold that supports the physiological function of the glomerular endothelium and podocytes. Severe structural abnormalities of the GBM result in enhanced albumin leakage.

What is the primary function of the basement membrane in the kidney’s filtration membrane?

Basement membranes are thought to play roles in filtration, cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.

What is glomerular basement membrane disease?

Thin basement membrane disease (TBMD) is an inherited disorder that mainly affects the glomeruli, which are tiny tufts of capillaries (small blood vessels) in the kidneys that filter wastes from the blood. It is a rare disorder that has been diagnosed in less than 1 percent of the population.

What does it mean when you have scarring on your kidneys?

Kidney scarring, or ‘fibrosis’ is the primary cause of kidney disease and is triggered by factors including diabetes, autoimmune disease and high blood pressure, regular use of certain medications and prolonged infections.

Why is the basement membrane important?

The basement membrane is essential for animal development. It provides tissue integrity, elasticity, and biochemical and mechanical signaling, while facilitating intracellular and intercellular interactions.

What cells make the glomerular basement membrane?

The kidney’s glomerular filtration barrier consists of two cells—podocytes and endothelial cells—and the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), a specialized extracellular matrix that lies between them.

How rare is Goodpasture syndrome?

Goodpasture syndrome was first identified in 1919. Since that time approximately 600 cases have been noted in the medical literature. In the US the Anti-GBM disease is an uncommon disorder; approximately 1-2% of all cases of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are secondary to this disorder.

Why is it called Goodpasture syndrome?

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease. It causes buildup of autoimmune proteins in the kidneys and lungs that leads to damage of these organs. The disorder is named after Dr. Ernest Goodpasture, who first identified the syndrome in 1919.

Is coffee bad for the kidneys?

Caffeine found in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can also place a strain on your kidneys. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can cause increased blood flow, blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. Excessive caffeine intake has also been linked to kidney stones.