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Updated: May 19, 2026
07:58
Nephrotoxin Microinjection in Zebrafish to Model Acute Kidney Injury
Published on: July 17, 2016
Update on tenofovir toxicity in the kidney
1UCL Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK. andrew.hall@ucl.ac.uk
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|August 11, 2012
Summary
Tenofovir (TFV) can affect kidney function, primarily the proximal tubule. While severe toxicity is rare, milder effects and long-term impacts on kidney and bone health require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Virology
Background:
- Tenofovir (TFV) is a crucial antiretroviral medication for HIV treatment.
- TFV exposure is linked to declines in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
- TFV primarily targets proximal tubule (PT) cells, potentially causing Fanconi syndrome or acute kidney injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of TFV on renal function.
- To explore the mechanisms and risk factors of TFV-induced nephrotoxicity.
- To discuss TFV use in new populations and potential mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TFV nephrotoxicity.
- Analysis of mechanisms targeting PT mitochondria.
- Examination of risk factors and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- TFV toxicity affects the PT, with milder dysfunction being more common than severe injury.
- Changes in eGFR may be due to inhibited creatinine secretion, not solely glomerular changes.
- Risk factors include pre-existing kidney disease, older age, and low body mass.
Conclusions:
- Long-term significance of mild PT dysfunction on kidney and bone health is uncertain.
- TFV use is expanding, necessitating understanding of risks in diverse populations.
- Strategies for preventing TFV toxicity and enhancing recovery are being developed.
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