The role of periostin in kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multi-symptomatic condition resulting from irreversible functional and structural damage to the kidneys. Therefore, finding a specific and sensitive marker to predict the development and progression of CKD is of great interest. Periostin is a matricellular protein involved in tissue remodeling and wound healing. It is highly expressed in various types of kidney diseases, especially in conditions associated with progressive renal fibrosis, while its expression in healthy kidneys is not significant. Numerous experimental and human adult studies indicate the role of periostin in the pathogenesis of various types of kidney disease, though the mechanism of action of periostin appears to be diverse and varies depending on the conditions. The article summarizes current knowledge on the possible roles of periostin in the pathogenesis of kidney injury and its position as a marker in various human renal pathologies. The studies performed so far indicate the potential of urinary and tissue periostin as a promising biomarker of CKD progression.