Understanding podocytopathy and its relevance to clinical nephrology

Podocytopathies are the most common group of glomerular disorder leading to proteinuria. On the basis of pathophysiology, light microscopic and ultrastructural evaluation, the podocytopathies include minimal change disease, diffuse mesangial sclerosis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and collapsing glomerulopathy. The present review summarizes the basic etiopathogenesis of podocytopthies, highlights the common genetic and acquired factors in its causation, puts forth various diagnostic modalities and discusses the role of emerging agents or treatment.