Cytokines and Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Inflammatory Response during Acute Pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection of childhood. Renal parenchymal scarring, a recognised complication of urinary tract infection, is responsible for up to 24% of children entering end-stage renal failure. Why acute inflammation results in renal scarring in some children whilst in others complete resolution occurs without scarring is at present poorly understood. This article reviews the role of the cytokines, adhesion molecules and growth factors in the inflammatory response during acute pyelonephritis and renal parenchymal scarring. We hypothesize that inter-individual variability in cellular response may in part be responsible for this variable clinical outcome.