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[Growth factors. Role in the progression of renal lesions]
Abstract:
FROM PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TO THERAPEUTICS: Nephrologists are faced with the continuing problem of helping patients avoid the onset or retard the development of end-stage renal failure. Despite the treatments available, the risk is still high for patients and the cost a heavy burden for the public health budget. These facts underline the importance of a detailed understanding of the mechanisms leading to the destruction of renal parenchyma in order to develop therapeutic strategies capable of slowing the inevitable progression of kidney lesions. GROWTH FACTORS: It is currently recognized that a major reduction in the number of functional nephrons, whatever the initial cause, leads in itself to a progressive deterioration of healthy nephrons and finally to complete destruction of the kidney. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. One possible mechanism would involve an overexpression of several growth factors in the damaged renal parenchyma. We present in this review experimental data obtained with various approaches, including pharmacological and/or dietetic modulations and the establishment of transgenic mouse lines, to demonstrate the key role played by growth factors in the progression of renal lesions. The pathways followed by these growth factors in the process of renal destruction as well as certain elements leading to their overexpression are also discussed.
Insights
Understanding growth factors is crucial for slowing kidney disease progression. Research shows these factors play a key role in the deterioration of healthy nephrons, leading to end-stage renal failure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- End-stage renal failure (ESRF) poses a significant clinical challenge, with high patient risk and public health costs.
- Current treatments are insufficient to halt or reverse the progression of kidney disease.
- A deeper understanding of renal parenchyma destruction mechanisms is vital for developing effective therapies.
Purpose:
- To review experimental data on the role of growth factors in kidney disease progression.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying growth factor overexpression in damaged renal parenchyma.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting growth factors for slowing kidney lesion progression.
Summary:
- Reduced nephron number, regardless of cause, accelerates kidney damage and progression to ESRF.
- Overexpression of specific growth factors in damaged renal parenchyma is a potential mechanism driving this deterioration.
- Experimental data from pharmacological, dietetic, and transgenic mouse models support the critical role of growth factors in renal lesion progression.
Impact:
- Highlights the central role of growth factors in the pathophysiology of progressive kidney disease.
- Identifies potential therapeutic targets for interventions aimed at slowing or preventing ESRF.
- Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving nephron destruction, informing future research directions.