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Despite the implications of the term 'focal segmental glomerulosclerosis', subtypes of this form of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome are not always focal, segmental or sclerotic. Here, Alain Meyrier presents a comprehensive update of our understanding of the processes that underlie the development of variants of this condition, with emphasis on the unifying role of the podocyte.
Thiazolidinediones are synthetic agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors that have shown promise inin vitroand animal models of nephropathy. Encouraging early-stage data have also been generated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Carol Pollock and colleagues outline what we know and what we need to find out before thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone can fulfill their clinical potential.
