Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising an agent that reduces proteinuria in an individual are disclosed. Compositions and methods comprise an agent that reduces availability of a catalytic iron source in glomeruli. Agents of the invention include inhibitors of members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily. In a particularly preferred embodiment, compositions and methods comprise an agent that inhibits ability of a CYP superfamily member to serve as a glomerular catalytic iron source, thereby reducing proteinuria in an individual afflicted with a glomerular disease.

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy and microalbuminuria are treated with the herb Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. In one embodiment, the method includes boiling the herb to form an aqueous extract. The aqueous extract is administered to the diabetic individual to treat diabetic nephropathy or to an individual exhibiting microalbuminuria. Alternatively the method can include administering a salt of lithospermic acid extracted from the herb. The method can include determining the level of protein in urine before, during and/or after administering the aqueous extract or a salt of lithospermic acid.

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy and microalbuminuria are treated with the herb Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. In one embodiment, the method includes boiling the herb to form an aqueous extract. The aqueous extract is administered to the diabetic individual to treat diabetic nepliropathy or to an individual exhibiting microalbuminuria. Alternatively the method can include administering a salt of lithospermic acid extracted from the herb. The method can include determining the level of protein in urine before, during and/or after administering the aqueous extract or a salt of lithospermic acid.

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy and microalbuminuria are treated with the herb Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. In one embodiment, the method includes boiling the herb to form an aqueous extract. The aqueous extract is administered to the diabetic individual to treat diabetic nephropathy or to an individual exhibiting microalbuminuria. Alternatively the method can include administering a salt of lithospermic acid extracted from the herb. The method can include determining the level of protein in urine before, during and/or after administering the aqueous extract or a salt of lithospermic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially pure phopholipase A.sub.2 protein isolated and purified from rabbit kidney cortex, having a molecular weight of 28 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE, is calcium independent, is cytosolic, has a specific activity of approximately 1.2 .mu.mol/mg protein/minute and a pH optimum of approximately 7.5 and exhibits a preferential hydrolysis toward sn-2 fatty acid from diradylglycerophospholipids. Also provided are a first monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the protein of claim 1 various methods of using, inhibiting or measuring said protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially pure phopholipase A.sub.2 protein isolated and purified from rabbit kidney cortex, having a molecular weight of 28 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE, is calcium independent, is cytosolic, has a specific activity of approximately 1.2 .mu.mol/mg protein/minute and a pH optimum of approximately 7.5 and exhibits a preferential hydrolysis toward sn-2 fatty acid from diradylglycerophospholipids. Also provided are various methods of using, inhibiting or measuring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the in vivo use of compounds which prevent the generation of, effectively scavenge, or detoxify a reactive oxygen metabolite that mediates a toxic effect of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria. The compounds of the invention can be used to prevent or reduce rhabdomyolysis-induced renal damage, and include but are not limited to free radical scavengers, iron chelators, oxidizable compounds, enzymes which metabolize reactive oxygen metabolites or their precursors, and biosynthetic precursors thereof.