The role of animal models in the understanding and treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a review of the literature

Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney disease with progressive glomerular scarring and a clinical presentation of nephrotic syndrome. FSGS is with 4% the most common primary glomerular disorder that causes end-stage renal disease. 40% of patients have recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation. 80% of FSGS is idiopathic and the disease develops over time. Results In this review, a variety of animal models used to study FSGS are discussed. These animal models include the following: remnant kidney model developed by resecting 5/6 of renal mass; reduction of renal mass due to systemic disease for example hypertension, hyperlipidemia or SLE; drug-induced FSGS using adriamycin, puromycin or streptozotocin; virus-induced FSGS most commonly HIV-1; and genetically-induced FSGS such as Mpv-17, αactinin 4 and Thy-1.1. In addition an animal model for spontaneous developing FSGS is discussed.