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Epigenetic mechanisms and kidney diseases
V Liakopoulos1, P I Georgianos, T Eleftheriadis
1Division of Nephrology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. liakopul@otenet.gr
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|April 7, 2011
Summary
Epigenetics, changes in gene expression without altering DNA, may play a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. Epigenetic drugs offer potential new therapies for CKD patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Nephrology
Background:
- Epigenetics involves heritable gene expression changes without DNA alteration.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) features like inflammation and oxidative stress may impact the epigenome.
- Periconceptional nutrition and environment exposure can influence kidney development and future CKD risk via epigenetic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between epigenetic mechanisms and the chronic uremic environment.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic drugs in managing chronic kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data on epigenetics in CKD.
- Analysis of animal studies on periconceptional exposures and kidney organogenesis.
- Examination of current research on epigenetic drugs.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests CKD-associated factors affect the human epigenome.
- Early-life environmental factors can lead to epigenetic changes impacting nephron number and future disease risk.
- Epigenetic drugs are emerging as potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic phenomena are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications offers promising therapeutic strategies for CKD.
- Epigenetic drugs may expand treatment options for patients with chronic kidney disease.
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