Kidney, Small Proteins and Drugs

C. Bianchi, A. Bertelli, C. G. Duarte

This book records an international symposium where data on small proteins were examined in terms of renal physiology and metabolic functions, markers for detecting kidney damage, and mechanisms involved in drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Both basic and clinical findings are reported. The first group of papers concentrates on the catabolism of low molecular weight proteins of hormonal (insulin, glucagon, growth hormone and others) and nonhormonal (such as interferons, ß2-microglobulin, aprotinin) functions. For the first time the proximal tubular cells are referred to as a transport system significant for the removal of proteins, polypeptides and small peptides. The second section is devoted to the determination of specific urinary markers of renal damage. Studies reporting metabolic and structural changes In enzymes provide the clinician with a reliable tool for monitoring...