Glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the kidneys. Our investigators have a long-standing interest in the basic mechanisms of kidney inflammation including the role of the complement and chemokine systems in mediating glomerular injury.

Although likely applicable to a variety of glomerulonephritides, the clinical disease the investigators model is the nephritis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

As a direct result of the Ohio SLE Study (OSS), we have a specimen bank of urine and serum obtained prospectively from clinically well-phenotypes lupus patients every two months for an average of over three years. These specimens are being studied to find new biomarkers that will forecast future kidney flares of SLE, predict kidney pathology and predict response to therapy.

This work is highly translational and fits within one of the major thematic areas of The Ohio State University Medical Center College of Medicine – personalizing medicine for the individual patient. These studies are facilitated through the use of cutting-edge technologies such a proteomics and genomics, accessible through specific scientific courses provided by the College of Medicine.

Our division participates in a number of clinical trials, both investigator-initiated and sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry to test new drugs for the treatment of kidney disease and its complications.