The first step in urine formation is the filtration of large amounts of fluid
through the glomerular capillaries into Bowman’s capsule. It is around 180 liters per day. Most of this filtrate is reabsorbed leaving only about 1 liter of fluid to be excreted each day. Glomerular capillary wall (GCW) or glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) were coined during 1950. The GCW consists of three distinct but closely interacting layers: the fenestrated endothelium, with its glycocalyx; the podocytes, with their interdigitated foot processes and slit diaphragm; and the intervening glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Proteinuria is associated with kidney disease and cardiovascular mortality. It can be categorised as glomerular, tubular and overflow proteinurea.
Keywords: Glomerular capillary wall (GCW); Glomerular filtration barrier (GFB); Proteinuria.