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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
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Renal interactions in liver dysfunction and failure

Elizabeth C Verna1, Gebhard Wagener

  • 1Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032-3784, USA.

Current Opinion in Critical Care
|February 21, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This review highlights advances in understanding liver-kidney interactions, focusing on new biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in liver disease and transplantation. Improved management of kidney dysfunction is key for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Nephrology
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • The intricate relationship between liver and kidney function is critical in disease states.
  • Renal dysfunction is a common complication in chronic liver disease and post-liver transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding liver-kidney pathophysiology.
  • To examine novel biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis and liver transplantation.
  • To discuss new treatments for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and kidney dysfunction in transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on liver-kidney interactions.
  • Analysis of novel biomarkers for AKI and HRS.
  • Evaluation of current therapeutic strategies for kidney dysfunction in liver disease and transplantation.

Main Results:

  • The renin-angiotensin system's effect on hepatic fibrosis and the gut's role in AKI were investigated.
  • Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin shows promise in predicting AKI and HRS.
  • Advances include vasopressin analogs for HRS and kidney-sparing immunosuppression post-transplantation.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced understanding of liver-kidney physiology may lead to targeted therapies.
  • Early diagnosis of AKI with biomarkers can guide treatment.
  • Optimizing kidney disease management is vital for long-term outcomes in liver transplant patients.

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