Consequences of morbid obesity on the kidney. Where are we going?

Abstract

Obesity and morbid obesity are modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of kidney disease. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is currently an important health problem in Europe, so it is necessary to develop therapeutic and preventive strategies. The obesity-related glomerulopathy has been defined as a secondary form of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and its most characteristic feature is glomerulomegaly. The renal evolution of patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) who have not been treated is unfavourable. However, morbidly obese patients with ORG that underwent bariatric surgery and drastic weight loss had a better outcome. Many inflammatory factors have been implicated in the pathogenic mechanism of renal disease in obesity. Hypoadiponectinaemia, hyperleptinaemia and hyperaldosteronism have been associated with glomerular injury in obese patients. The application of modern techniques has provided important insights that increase the current understanding of ORG. However, further investigation is needed.