A normal podocyte without damage. Podocytes are specialized cells that make up parts of the lining of the glomerulus that normally help prevent protein loss. In<unk> , these cells are damaged, which allows proteins to pass through glomerular filtration and be lost in urine (proteinuria). Immunoglobulins, proteins of the immune system, can also be lost due to proteinuria, thus weakening the immune system and making the body more prone to infection. The decreased number of proteins triggers the liver to produce greater numbers of proteins and cholesterol. The increase in cholesterol production leads to hypercholesterolemia, which can lead to cardiovascular issues. Despite the liver’s overproduction of proteins, they will still be filtered into urine. A decreased amount of proteins in the blood vessels will reduce the total plasma oncotic pressure. This pressure results from water, electrolytes, proteins, and other substrates interacting in the blood vessels, but the loss of protein reduces the number of interactions, thus reducing the total pressure. Decreased pressure will cause water and electrolytes to move into the surrounding interstitium, the space that separates internal structures of the body and skin, leading to swelling (peripheral edema). The leakage of water into peripheral structures decreases the total fluid volume in circulation, which will activate the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system. This system increases blood pressure by retaining sodium, which retains water. However, water will continue to be lost as edema because<unk>  will continue to cause proteinuria, and prolonged activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system will cause blood pressure to remain elevated and cause hypertension.
Glomerulonephrosis
Hydronephrosis
Pyonephrosis
Ureteric stricture
Pyelonephritis
Ureteral cancer
Obstructive uropathy
Ectopic ureter