Molecular basis of mechanisms of steroid resistance in children with nephrotic syndrome

Steroid therapy, due to a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties of steroids, is a basic field of treatment in many human diseases including the nephrotic syndrome in children. However, not all patients respond positively to therapy which divides them into steroid sensitive (SS) and steroid resistance (SR) individuals. Many potential factors associated with steroid resistance have been identified so far. It seems that genetic factors associated with glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα), the structure of heterocomplex of GR as well as glycoprotein P or cytochrome P450 may play a role in the induction of glucocorticoid resistance. Here we described several of the molecular mechanisms, which can regulate glucocorticoid sensitivity and resistance. Moreover, we presented genetic defects, which can lead to various effects of treatment and, in a longer perspective, enable clinicians to individualize therapies.