Mechanisms and risk factors for the development of the proteinuria after kidney transplantation

Although the presence of proteinaceous material in the human urine has been recognized for the first time more than 3 centuries ago, in spite of the sophisticated technologies available today, doubts remain yet about the genesis and the exact mechanisms accounting for the presence of proteinuria. The knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms of proteinuria is nowadays one of the most important themes in the field of nephrology. If we also consider the kidney transplant, the matter complicates because of the contribution of some immunologic and pharmacologic factors that are not shared with glomerular or tubular diseases in native kidneys. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge about the underlying mechanisms for the development of proteinuria looking, where possible, at how these occur in kidney transplantation.