Role of tubular cells in progressive renal disease

It is generally accepted that the progressive loss of kidney function resul ts from a pathogenic process that is independent of the original etiology, functioning as a final common pathway. Part of this response is characteriz ed by triggering of interstitial infiltration and induction of tubular dama ge, As a consequence, tubular epithelial cells (TEC) can become activated a nd begin to express several inflammatory mediators. In the present review, we will summarize the potential role of TEC in progressive renal disease, M uch emphasis will be put on studies using in vitro cultured TEC, These stud ies have provided more insight into the different signals involved in the r egulation of the production of inflammatory mediators like complement, cyto kines and chemokines, as well as progression factors like growth factors an d matrix component by TEC.