Overview
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a very rare kidney disease in which abnormal fat-protein particles called lipoproteins build up inside the tiny filtering units of the kidneys, known as glomeruli. These deposits look like waxy, yellowish clumps under the microscope and are sometimes called "lipoprotein thrombi." Over time, this buildup damages the kidney filters and causes protein to leak into the urine (a condition called proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome). Patients often notice foamy urine, swelling in the legs and around the eyes, and high cholesterol levels in the blood. The disease was first described in Japan in 1989 and has since been reported in other parts of the world, though it remains extremely rare. Lipoprotein glomerulopathy is caused by mutations in genes that make a protein called apolipoprotein E (APOE), which helps the body process fats. The abnormal apolipoprotein E leads to the formation of unusual lipoprotein particles that get trapped in the kidney filters. The disease can progress to kidney failure in some patients, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Unfortunately, the disease can come back even in a transplanted kidney. Treatment options are limited, but some patients respond to medications that lower fat levels in the blood, such as fibrates and certain other lipid-lowering drugs. Research is ongoing to find better treatments for this challenging condition.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Foamy or bubbly urineSwelling in the legs, ankles, or feetPuffiness around the eyes, especially in the morningHigh levels of protein in the urineHigh cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodLow levels of albumin (a protein) in the bloodWeight gain from fluid retentionFatigue and tirednessLoss of appetiteGradual decline in kidney functionHigh blood pressure in some cases
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
2 eventsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University — NA
Huazhong University of Science and Technology — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Lipoprotein glomerulopathy.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Lipoprotein glomerulopathy at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Lipoprotein glomerulopathy.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Lipoprotein glomerulopathy
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Effects of LPG and Ventilation Interventions on Reducing HAP and Improving Cardiopulmonary Health
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Lipoprotein glomerulopathy
Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific APOE mutation do I have, and does it affect my prognosis?,Should my family members be tested for this genetic mutation?,Would fibrate therapy or LDL apheresis be appropriate for my case?,How often should my kidney function and urine protein levels be monitored?,What are the signs that my kidney disease is getting worse?,If I need a kidney transplant, what is the risk of the disease coming back in the new kidney?,Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments available for lipoprotein glomerulopathy?
Common questions about Lipoprotein glomerulopathy
What is Lipoprotein glomerulopathy?
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a very rare kidney disease in which abnormal fat-protein particles called lipoproteins build up inside the tiny filtering units of the kidneys, known as glomeruli. These deposits look like waxy, yellowish clumps under the microscope and are sometimes called "lipoprotein thrombi." Over time, this buildup damages the kidney filters and causes protein to leak into the urine (a condition called proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome). Patients often notice foamy urine, swelling in the legs and around the eyes, and high cholesterol levels in the blood. The disease was
How is Lipoprotein glomerulopathy inherited?
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Lipoprotein glomerulopathy?
2 specialists and care centers treating Lipoprotein glomerulopathy are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.