Hepatitis B virus-associated glomerular nephritis in East Asia: progress and challenges

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus-associated glomerular nephritis (HBV-GN) is the most common secondary glomerulonephritis in East Asia. Part of the patients developed to renal insufficiency within 10 years, which cause a great burden for patients' family and society.

Methods: We reviewed basic and clinical research work in China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia, eastern part of Asia. Comparisons between data from East Asia and those from other regions were made.

Results: The genetic variations conferring susceptibility to HBV-GN and disease progression as well as the pathogenic role in HBV-GN progression were investigated. Clinical features of HBV-GN in East Asia were different from that of other regions in the world. Clinical trials showed that treatment with anti-viral agents was effective to promote the disease remission.

Conclusion: HBV-GN remains a great challenge to East Asian nephrologists. In-depth basic studies and multi-centered clinical trials are needed in the future.