Predisone might improve outcomes in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) via direct actions on glomerular cells, say researchers. Administration of prednisone significantly increased podocyte number and decreased glomerulosclerosis in an experimental mouse model of FSGS. Prednisone treatment also reduced podocyte apoptosis and increased the number of podocyte progenitor cells expressing both a parietal epithelial cell protein and a podocyte protein.