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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Renal vulnerability to drug toxicity
1Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8029, USA. mark.perazella@yale.edu
Abstract:
Drug-induced kidney disease occurs primarily in patients with underlying risk factors. A number of factors enhance the vulnerability of the kidney to the nephrotoxic effects of drugs and toxins. They are broadly categorized as patient-specific, kidney-related, and drug-related factors. One, two, or all three of the factor categories can act to promote various forms of renal injury. Importantly, all compartments of the kidney can be affected and result in one or more classic clinical renal syndromes. These include acute kidney injury, various tubulopathies, proteinuric renal disease, and chronic kidney disease. Recognizing risk factors that increase renal vulnerability to drug-induced kidney disease is the first step in reducing the renal complications of drugs and toxins.
Insights
Drug-induced kidney disease is often linked to patient, kidney, or drug-related risk factors. Identifying these vulnerabilities is key to preventing kidney damage from medications and toxins.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Drug-induced kidney disease (DILD) is a significant clinical concern.
- Patient vulnerability to nephrotoxins is influenced by multiple factors.
- Kidney injury can manifest in various forms, affecting all renal compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifactorial nature of kidney vulnerability to drug-induced injury.
- To categorize the risk factors contributing to drug-induced kidney disease.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing these factors for prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review and categorization of known risk factors for DILD.
- Analysis of how patient-specific, kidney-related, and drug-related factors interact.
- Correlation of risk factors with specific renal injury patterns and clinical syndromes.
Main Results:
- Risk factors for DILD are broadly classified into patient-specific, kidney-related, and drug-related categories.
- These factors can act independently or synergistically to increase nephrotoxicity.
- All kidney compartments are susceptible, leading to syndromes like acute kidney injury, tubulopathies, and chronic kidney disease.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and recognizing risk factors is paramount in mitigating DILD.
- Proactive identification of vulnerable patients can reduce renal complications from drugs.
- A comprehensive approach considering all factor categories is essential for DILD prevention.
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