Mesoamerican Chronic Nephropathy: Call to solve multidisciplinary medical mystery in Honduras

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ensues different pathophysiological processes that display abnormal renal function and a progressive impairment of the glomerular filtration rate. The most frequent causes of this disease are diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. Nonetheless, it has been reported the existence of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) in the southern region of the Pacific coast of Mesoamerica. It has been suggested that the cause could be environmental, relating to dehydration and exposure to agricultural chemicals. To reduce the epidemic of chronic renal disease, prevention and early detection is imperative especially in risk groups. This requires the collaborative effort of biomedical, biological, and chemical researchers among others.