[Aristolochic acid nephropathy: an issue worth more attention]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Toxicology
• Pathology

Background:

• Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a prevalent cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in China.
• The progressive renal interstitial fibrosis characteristic of AAN necessitates further understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN).
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for AAN by summarizing current research progress.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on AAN.
• Synthesis of findings related to in vivo aristolochic acid metabolism.
• Compilation of data on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proteomics, immunity-inflammation, and autophagy in AAN.

Main Results:

• Recent studies have elucidated the complex metabolic pathways of aristolochic acid in vivo.
• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proteomic alterations, immune-inflammatory responses, and autophagy dysfunction are key contributors to AAN pathogenesis.
• Progress has been made in identifying specific molecular pathways involved in AAN.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of AAN pathogenesis is emerging from integrated research areas.
• Identifying novel intervention targets for AAN is feasible through continued investigation of its complex mechanisms.