Membranous nephropathy (MN) may also be secondary to many other diseases (e.g., infections, drugs, neoplasms and autoimmune diseases). In this study, the presence of Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) antigen was investigated in renal tissue from needle biopsy samples, and the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the effects of H. pylori eradication on proteinuria level in patients with MN will be investigated.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. It is thought to be mainly a primary or idiopathic form; however, it may also be secondary to many other diseases (e.g., infections, drugs, neoplasms and autoimmune diseases). In this study, the presence of Helicobacter Pylori antigen was investigated in renal tissue from needle biopsy samples, and the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the effects of H. pylori eradication on proteinuria level in patients with MN will be investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18-70 years
• Nondiabetic patients
• Patients with primary glomerulonephritis
• Clinical diagnosis of membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis confirmed by biopsy
• Glomerular filtration rate > 30 mL/min
• Patients who did not receive Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy within the last three months before enrollment in study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with secondary glomerulonephritis
• Glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min
• Patients who received Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy within the last three months before enrollment in study
• Patients with a history of gastric surgery
• Patients without an informed consent