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Updated: Apr 9, 2026
Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 18, 2016
Macrophage polarization in kidney diseases
Shaojiang Tian1, Shi-You Chen1
1Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China ; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Abstract:
Macrophage accumulation associates closely with the degree of renal structural injury and renal dysfunction in human kidney diseases. Depletion of macrophages reduces while adoptive transfer of macrophages worsens inflammation in animal models of the renal injury. However, emerging evidence support that macrophage polarization plays a critical role in the progression of a number of kidney diseases including obstructive nephropathy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and other kidney diseases. In this mini-review, we briefly summarize the macrophage infiltration and polarization in these inflammatory and fibrotic kidney diseases, discussing the results mostly from studies in animal models. In view of the critical role of macrophage in the progression of these diseases, manipulating macrophage phenotype may be a potential effective strategy to treat various kidney diseases.
Insights
Macrophages are key players in kidney disease progression. Modulating macrophage behavior offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various kidney conditions, including inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Macrophage accumulation correlates with kidney damage and dysfunction in human kidney diseases.
- Macrophage depletion ameliorates renal injury in animal models, while transfer exacerbates it.
- Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of macrophage polarization in kidney disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review macrophage infiltration and polarization in inflammatory and fibrotic kidney diseases.
- To discuss findings primarily from animal model studies.
- To explore macrophage phenotype manipulation as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on macrophage roles in kidney diseases.
- Synthesis of data from animal studies on macrophage infiltration and polarization.
- Analysis of therapeutic implications of targeting macrophage phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Macrophage infiltration and polarization are significant factors in various kidney diseases.
- Studies in animal models demonstrate the impact of macrophages on renal injury and inflammation.
- Specific kidney diseases discussed include obstructive nephropathy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, glomerulonephritis, and diabetic nephropathy.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization critically influences the progression of numerous kidney diseases.
- Targeting macrophage phenotypes presents a potential effective treatment strategy for diverse kidney pathologies.
- Further research into macrophage manipulation could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for kidney disease.
