Kynurenine pathway in kidney diseases
Izabela Zakrocka1, Wojciech Załuska2
1Department of Nephrology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego street 8, 20-954, Lublin, Poland. izabela.zakrocka@umlub.pl.
Pharmacological Reports : PR
|October 7, 2021
Summary
The kynurenine (KYN) pathway, involved in tryptophan metabolism, shows altered activity in kidney diseases like CKD and AKI. Targeting this pathway may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for renal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kidney diseases are a growing global health concern, with limited diagnostic and prognostic markers.
- The kynurenine (KYN) pathway metabolizes tryptophan (Trp) and is influenced by immune activity.
- Kidney function is integral to tryptophan metabolite processing, making the KYN pathway sensitive to renal pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review KYN pathway alterations in major kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic kidney disease, acute kidney injury (AKI), and glomerulonephritis.
- To explore the role of KYN pathway activity in kidney cancer.
- To discuss pharmacological interventions targeting the KYN pathway for kidney disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating the kynurenine pathway in various kidney conditions.
- Analysis of diagnostic and prognostic marker data related to KYN pathway metabolites.
- Examination of pharmacological agents impacting KYN pathway activity in renal contexts.
Main Results:
- Disturbances in KYN pathway activity are observed across diverse kidney diseases.
- The KYN pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer.
- Pharmacological agents modulating the KYN pathway show potential for therapeutic application.
Conclusions:
- The KYN pathway presents a promising avenue for the diagnosis and prognosis of kidney diseases.
- Modulation of KYN pathway activity warrants consideration for the treatment of renal pathologies.
- Further clinical research is needed to fully elucidate the role and therapeutic potential of the KYN pathway in nephrology.
Keywords:
Acute kidney injuryChronic kidney diseaseKidney transplantKynurenic acidKynurenineTryptophanMore Related Videos
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