The NephCure Foundation honored Tej Mattoo, M.D., professor of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine and Chief of Pediatric Nephrology & Hypertension at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, for his efforts seeking the cause and cure for the kidney conditions, Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Dr. Mattoo is currently researching steroid-resistant FSGS.

Dr. Mattoo was honored on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. The event, Countdown to a Cure, was a red carpet evening featuring a VIP reception, special film and awards presentation.

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that causes the kidneys to “leak” protein from the blood to the urine, and is often a sign of kidney damage. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a type of Glomerular Disease, one of many diseases that affect kidney function by attacking the glomeruli, the tiny units within the kidney where blood is cleaned. Glomerulosclerosis (gloh-MAIR-yoo-loh-skleh-ROH-sis) describes the scarring or hardening of the tiny blood vessels within the kidney. Healthy kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from blood. In nephrotic syndrome, some protein gets removed along with the wastes - protein that the body needs. Protein acts as a sponge in the blood and holds fluids that the body needs inside the arteries and veins. If there is not enough protein, this fluid leaks out into other body tissues. The result is edema, or swelling, usually around the eyes, face, feet, ankles and abdomen. In adults, nephrotic syndrome happens when the kidneys are damaged, often by diabetes or high blood pressure. The best way to reduce risk of getting nephrotic syndrome is to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.

NephCure is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for the two potentially devastating kidney conditions, Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS. The NephCure Foundation was established in 1999. NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.

Congratulations, Dr. Mattoo!