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Published on: January 7, 2013
The Emerging Role of Mitochondrial Targeting in Kidney Disease
Alfonso Eirin1, Amir Lerman2, Lilach O Lerman3,4
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Abstract:
Renal disease affects millions of people worldwide, imposing an enormous financial burden for health-care systems. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondria play an important role in the pathogenesis of different forms of renal disease, including genetic defects, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, aging, renal tumors, and transplant nephropathy. Renal mitochondrial abnormalities and dysfunction affect several cellular pathways, leading to increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, microvascular loss, and fibrosis, all of which compromise renal function. Over recent years, compounds that specifically target mitochondria have emerged as promising therapeutic options for patients with renal disease. Although the most compelling evidence is based on preclinical studies, several compounds are currently being tested in clinical trials. This chapter provides an overview of the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal disease and summarizes the current knowledge on mitochondria-targeted strategies to attenuate renal disease.
Insights
Mitochondrial dysfunction drives various kidney diseases. Targeting mitochondria with novel compounds shows promise for treating renal conditions, with several therapies in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Pathogenesis of Renal Disease
Background:
- Renal disease impacts millions globally, incurring substantial healthcare costs.
- Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as key players in the development of diverse renal pathologies.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to oxidative stress, apoptosis, vascular damage, and fibrosis in the kidneys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal disease.
- To summarize current mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies for renal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on renal cellular pathways.
- Evaluation of emerging mitochondria-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial abnormalities are implicated in genetic kidney defects, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, aging, tumors, and transplant nephropathy.
- Dysfunctional mitochondria exacerbate renal damage through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis.
- Mitochondria-targeted compounds are emerging as potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central mechanism in various renal diseases.
- Targeting mitochondria offers a promising therapeutic avenue for renal disease management.
- Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of these novel strategies.
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