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Angiotensin II and growth factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy

Hernan Rincon-Choles1, Balakuntalam S Kasinath, Yves Gorin

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (Audie L. Murphy Division) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. choles@uthscsa.edu

Kidney International. Supplement
|November 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and growth factors drive diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression by altering kidney structure and function. Blocking the RAS helps, but growth factor blockade needs more study for DN treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves structural and functional kidney changes.
  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and growth factors are implicated in DN development and progression.
  • Early DN stages show activated renal RAS and increased growth factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of RAS and growth factors in DN.
  • To explore how metabolic changes modulate these systems.
  • To examine genetic influences on DN susceptibility and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human and experimental DN studies.
  • Analysis of RAS activation and growth factor expression in renal tissue.
  • Assessment of Angiotensin II and growth factor effects on renal hemodynamics and cells.
  • Consideration of metabolic factors like high glucose and fatty acids.
  • Evaluation of genetic polymorphisms in RAS and growth factor pathways.

Main Results:

  • RAS activation and growth factors contribute to renal fibrosis in DN.
  • Angiotensin II and growth factors impact renal hemodynamics and cell growth.
  • Metabolic changes like hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia influence these pathways.
  • RAS blockade shows therapeutic benefits in human DN.
  • Evidence for growth factor blockade efficacy in DN is limited.
  • Genetic variations may affect DN susceptibility and treatment response.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between RAS, growth factors, and metabolic changes is crucial in DN pathogenesis.
  • Targeting the RAS is a validated approach for DN management.
  • Further research is needed on growth factor blockade and genetic factors for comprehensive DN therapy.

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