RunningHeadGlomerularRigidity.docVIP

Running Head: Glomerular Rigidity What Causes Glomerular Rigidity? The Effects of Extracellular Proteins on Glomerulosclerosis in Diabetics. East Tennessee State University Research in Allied Health Diana M. Smith July 30, 2006 Abstract Of the people suffering from diabetes, approximately 40% will develop kidney disease. Now, researchers have discovered that one of the contributing factors of kidney disease is glomerular rigidity or glomerulosclerosis. This rigidity comes from the scaring of the glomeruli due to the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that accumulate but are unable to be broken down and disposed of properly. Among the proteins are the transforming proteins TGF- beta and TGF-beta1 mRNA, the matrix building proteins collagen, laminin, and fibronectin. The inability to dispose of these proteins and the accumulation of ECM causes glomerular hypertension or high blood pressure. Since there are no initial symptoms of the disease, it may be present for years before the first signs, protein in the urine, appear. Research articles and other data will show the effects different ECM proteins have in regards to glomerulosclerosis. My dependent variable is the affect that certain proteins have on the glomerular tissue. My independent variables are the amount of glucose used in each culture and amount of mechanical mesangial stretch for each. Introduction Kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. It is also the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. Approximately 40% of those who develop diabetes will at some point in their lives develop kidney disease. Glomerular rigidity, also known as glomerulosclerosis, is a major factor in the development of renal disease and is characterizes by excessive build up of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the glomeruli of the kidneys. Among these proteins are the transforming proteins TGF-beta and TGF-beta1 mRNA, and the matrix building proteins collagen, laminin, and fibronectin. This paper