Obesity and the kidney

We are currently facing an alarming obesity epidemic, with its well-known health consequences such as metabolic syndrome / type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, an increased incidence of certain types of cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and pulmonary diseases. Experimental and clinical evidence accumulated in recent years now suggests that obesity has also a major effect on renal structure and function. Since the adipocyte is considered a source of many hormones and cytokines, obesity has much more direct influences on renal function besides mediating hypertension: It can by itself induce renal disease such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, but also, more commonly, bring about progression of chronic renal diseases. The present volume is the first comprehensive compilation dedicated to this important topic, featuring discussions of pathophysiological as well as clinical aspects written by the leaders in this emerging field of research. It brings together pathophysiological concepts on how obesity influences renal structure and function, reviews the epidemiology of the problem and provides therapeutic suggestions. This publication is recommended for internists, nephrologists, hypertensiologists, cardiologists, and urologists treating patients with obesity and renal diseases. Furthermore, basic scientists such as renal physiologists, renal pathologists, pharmacologists, biochemists, and epidemiologists who want a comprehensive overview of the topic will also profit from this book.