Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection
Published on: November 10, 2021
Pyroptosis in renal inflammation and fibrosis: current knowledge and clinical significance
Ya Liu1,2, Haibo Lei1, Wenyou Zhang3
1Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xiangtan Center Hospital, Xiangtan, 411100, China.
Abstract:
Pyroptosis is a novel inflammatory form of regulated cell death (RCD), characterized by cell swelling, membrane rupture, and pro-inflammatory effects. It is recognized as a potent inflammatory response required for maintaining organismal homeostasis. However, excessive and persistent pyroptosis contributes to severe inflammatory responses and accelerates the progression of numerous inflammation-related disorders. In pyroptosis, activated inflammasomes cleave gasdermins (GSDMs) and generate membrane holes, releasing interleukin (IL)-1β/18, ultimately causing pyroptotic cell death. Mechanistically, pyroptosis is categorized into caspase-1-mediated classical pyroptotic pathway and caspase-4/5/11-mediated non-classical pyroptotic pathway. Renal fibrosis is a kidney disease characterized by the loss of structural and functional units, the proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, which leads to interstitial fibrosis of the kidney tubules. Histologically, renal fibrosis is the terminal stage of chronic inflammatory kidney disease. Although there is a multitude of newly discovered information regarding pyroptosis, the regulatory roles of pyroptosis involved in renal fibrosis still need to be fully comprehended, and how to improve clinical outcomes remains obscure. Hence, this review systematically summarizes the novel findings regarding the role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis and discusses potential biomarkers and drugs for anti-fibrotic therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

