Overview of factors contributing to the pathophysiology of progressive renal disease.

Some basic premises must be considered when validating hypothesis about progression of renal disease. In an accompanying series of five articles, specific aspects of progression will be reviewed by experts in the field: mechanisms of tissue and matrix remodelling; interstitial fibrosis; the contribution of ischemia and hypoxia; the role and type of the inflammatory infiltrate; and, finally, glomerular sclerosis.