Minimal change (steroid sensitive) nephrotic syndrome in children: new aspects on pathogenesis and treatment.

Steroid sensitive (minimal change) nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) has been regarded as immunological disorder because of clinical and experimental evidence as well as the response to immunosuppressive treatment. Recent work increased dramatically the understanding of podocyte biology which may be the key structure involved in MCNS, Interestingly many treatment options which were thought to work via an immunosuppressive pathway are now known to have a direct -non immunological- impact on the glomerular filtration barrier, i.e. the podocyte. Aim of this review is the presentation of recent research regarding the podocyte biology but also concerning the treatment of this disorder.