Department of Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, England, United Kingdom

Correspondence: Misanori Kitamura, M.D., Department of Medicine, University College London Medical School, The Rayne Institute, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, United Kingdom. E-mail: m.kitamura@medicine.ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

Oxidant-induced apoptosis of glomerular cells: Intracellular signaling and its intervention by bioflavonoid. Oxidant stress plays a crucial role in the generation of a wide range of glomerular disease. In the first part of this article, we describe intracellular signaling pathways involved in the oxidant-initiated apoptosis of mesangial cells, especially highlighting the tyrosine kinase–c-Jun/AP-1 pathway. In the second part, we address a novel potential of bioflavonoid quercetin as an inhibitor of apoptosis in glomerular cells. Possible mechanisms for the antiapoptotic action of quercetin and its therapeutic utility are discussed.