[The place of mycophenolate mofetil in glomerular diseases]

Abstract

VARIOUS EFFECTS: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a specific inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor implied in the de novo synthesis of purine bases; it selectively decreases lymphocyte proliferation and is used for the prevention of acute organ rejection. It also decreases the expression of certain adhesion molecules and slows down the functional renal progression in many experimental models of glomerular nephritis. THE GLOMERULAR PATHOLOGY: To date there has been very few studies on the efficacy of MMF in human glomerular diseases and these have been sporadic clinical observations or series of cases with around ten patients. In general, these reports were of cases in which conventional treatment had failed.

In the future: The experimental studies and clinical observations available suggest that MMF will eventually complete the therapeutic arsenal in the management of certain forms of glomerular nephritis.