What is the role of albumin in proteinuric glomerulopathies

摘要: Albumin is a 69 kDa plasma protein (molecular radius 36 A) with variety of functions, including maintenance oncotic pressure, buffering acid–base changes and functioning as transport for hormones, fatty acids, phospholipids, ions heavy metals [1]. was early identified critical in regulating endothelial permeability, especially studies on single perfused microvessels [2]. Later, acidic glycoproteins, orosomucoid, were found to be (additional) crucial factors maintaining normal microvascular particularly negatively charged macromolecules (e.g. albumin) [3]. The role albumin orosomucoid vascular permeability has also been demonstrated glomerular capillaries [4,5]. Paradoxically, Nagase analbuminaemic rats (NARs), mutant the Sprague–Dawley strain devoid circulating albumin, clearance proteins (albumin IgG) interstitium was, however, only moderately increased [6]. Furthermore, recent study, slightly altered this rat [7]. its ligands have implicated progression proteinuric renal disease, by direct or indirect tubulotoxic effects [8]. This tubulotoxicity, during continuous overload, apparently results not injury tubular cells, but overall tubulointerstitial damage [8–10]. Although proteinuria an established risk factor disorders, concept that may partly controversial. Also, (glomerular) questioned [11]. Moreover, classic barrier highly sizeand charge-selective filter put into serious doubt recently [12].