National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis


Other Names:
Glomerulonephritis - mesangial proliferative; Mesangial proliferative GN; Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis
This disease is grouped under:
Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a condition that affects the kidneys. Many experts consider it a variant of minimal change disease, but some experts believe it is a separate condition. It may present with nephrotic syndrome, which is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine (proteinuria), low blood protein levels, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and swelling. It can also present with blood in the urine (hematuria).[1] MPGN is characterized by an increased number of mesangial cells in the glomeruli in the kidneys and damage to the glomeruli. Glomeruli are the structures that help filter wastes and fluids. MPGN may occur in several renal diseases such as IgA nephropathy (commonly), IgM nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and C1q nephropathy.[2] However, in some cases, the underlying cause of MPGN remains unclear.[3] Treatment may depend on the cause (if known) and may include steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and/or cyclophosphamide, and other therapies to treat specific symptoms.[4] Most people with MPGN have a good prognosis, but some may develop chronic kidney disease, which can progress to end stage renal failure.[1][2]
Last updated: 7/13/2017
Most cases of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) are associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In general, IgAN has been known to be the most common type of glomerulonephritis in most countries.[2]

Mesangial cell proliferation, which characterizes MPGN, is a common feature of various kidney disorders. It may be seen in several diseases in addition to IgAN, including IgM nephropathy (IgMN), lupus nephritis (caused by lupus), Alport’s syndrome, and post infectious glomerulonephritis.[2]

In some cases, the underlying cause of MPGN is unclear.[3]
Last updated: 7/13/2017
MPGN may be associated with a variety of kidney disorders, some of which may run in families. While no specific gene or genes responsible for MPGN have been identified, genetic predisposition may be a risk factor.[3] For example, most cases of MPGN are associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN),[2] which scientists think is an autoimmune disease. For some people, IgAN runs in families. However, IgAN may also be related to respiratory or intestinal infections, and the immune system’s response to these infections.[5]
Last updated: 7/13/2017

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Meyrier, A and Appel GB. Minimal change variants: Mesangial proliferation; IgM nephropathy; C1q nephropathy. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; January, 2016; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/minimal-change-variants-mesangial-proliferation-igm-nephropathy-c1q-nephropathy.
  2. Mokhtar GA, Jalalah S, Sultana S. Pathological patterns of mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis seen at a tertiary care center. J Nephropharmacol. July 1, 2014; 3(2):33-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297525/.
  3. Zhao JJ, Wang XB, Luan Y, Liu JL, Liu L, Jia HY. Association of human leukocyte antigen gene polymorphism and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in a large population-based study. Biomed Rep. September, 2013; 1(5):751-756. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917055/.
  4. Salifu MO. Diffuse Proliferative Glomerulonephritis. Medscape Reference. April 28, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/239646-overview.
  5. IgA Nephropathy. NIDDK. November, 2015; https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/iga-nephropathy.