Kidneys are multifaceted organs which perform numerous essential functions including excretion of metabolic waste products, regulating acid-base balance, monitoring body concentrations of water and sodium and secretion of essential hormones. In addition they have a pivotal role in the endocrine control of calcium and phosphorous metabolism. These functions are carried out by nephrons, which are the functioning units of the kidney. Once destroyed, nephrons do not regenerate. Thus the progressive deterioration and destruction of these nephrons due to various etiologic factors lead to renal...