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Protocol for the Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Mixed Cultures of Neurons and Glia for Neurotoxicity Testing
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Protective Role of Nrf2 in Renal Disease

Melania Guerrero-Hue1, Sandra Rayego-Mateos1, Cristina Vázquez-Carballo2

  • 1Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Targeting Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) shows promise for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nrf2 activation protects against kidney injury and may slow CKD progression, addressing an unmet clinical need.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rapidly growing global health concern, projected to be the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
  • CKD pathogenesis involves significant oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, with limited therapeutic options to halt disease progression.
  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the protective mechanisms of Nrf2 in kidney injury.
  • To discuss novel therapeutic strategies aimed at activating Nrf2 for renal protection.
  • To provide an update on clinical trials investigating Nrf2-targeting therapies for kidney diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pre-clinical and clinical studies on Nrf2 function in kidney disease.
  • Analysis of scientific literature on Nrf2-inducing compounds and their nephroprotective effects.
  • Examination of current clinical trial data for Nrf2-targeted renal therapies.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 activation demonstrates significant protective effects against both acute kidney injury (AKI) and CKD progression in pre-clinical models.
  • Targeting Nrf2 pathways offers a promising therapeutic avenue for managing oxidative stress and inflammation in kidney diseases.
  • Several Nrf2-inducing strategies are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials for various renal conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Nrf2-mediated pathways are crucial for protecting the kidneys from injury and disease.
  • Therapeutic strategies that activate Nrf2 represent a promising approach to slow or prevent the progression of CKD.
  • Further clinical research is essential to validate the efficacy and safety of Nrf2-targeting treatments in patients with kidney diseases.
Keywords:
Nrf2acute kidney injuryand inflammatory responseoxidative stressrenal disease

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