How does cysts of PKD happen and why they can cause renal function injury?
PKD belongs to hereditary Kidney Diseases. Injuring process of PKD is mainly the
process of Renal Fibrosis.
Congenital gene mutation can cause cystic gene secretion which can enlarge
cysts of Polycystic Kidney. Under the action of cystic wall, tubular basement
membrane become abnormal, and continuously secrete growth factors, like EGF,
TGF-β, IGF，etc, which can increase proliferation and secretion of epithelial
cells on tubular wall of Polycystic Kidney. Proliferation of epithelial cells
can cause renal tubule obstruction which can lead to fluid retention in upper
tubular, and then cysts forms.
Besides, proliferation of epithelial cells can also lead to semi-obstruction
at cysts neck, which causes difficulties for fluid to go out of human body. For
this reason, cysts can keep growing.
With the development of Renal Fibrosis, synthesis of Extracellular Matrix
increases, with less degradation, which causes an unbalance between ECM
synthesis and degradation. Massive ECM deposit and accumulate in human body,
resulting in Glomerular Sclerosis and renal tubular atrophy. Renal fibrosis
tissue replaces healthy nephron gradually, and finally Renal Fibrosis forms.
According to pathogenesis of congenital Polycystic Kidney Disease, there are
three main causes of cysts forming and developing. Firstly, cystic gene of PKD.
Secondly, proliferation and secretion of renal tubule and epithelial cells on
cyst wall. Thirdly, composition changes of ECM as well as development of Renal
Fibrosis.
There are very few discomforts in the early stage of Polycystic Kidney
Disease which is the main reason why the disease is always neglected by
patients. Patients are suggested to accept treatment as early as possible, in
order to avoid renal function injury and prevent Renal Fibrosis developing into
cicatricial tissue, aggravating to Uremia.
