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

BackgroundHepatitis 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionHBV-GN remains a great challenge to East Asian nephrologists. In-depth basic studies and multi-centered clinical trials are needed in the future.