Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 correlates with cell proliferation and renal injury in human glomerulonephritis

Abstract

The present study has identified STAT3 activation in normal human kidney and a marked increase in STAT3 activation in many forms of glomerulonephritis. The correlation of STAT3 activation with clinical and histologic parameters suggests that this pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Furthermore, localization of STAT3 activation to individual cell types suggests that this pathway may play a pivotal role in promoting renal inflammation and fibrosis.