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Kidney lipid dysmetabolism and lipid droplet accumulation in chronic kidney disease

Alla Mitrofanova1,2, Sandra Merscher1,2, Alessia Fornoni3,4

  • 1Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Nature Reviews. Nephrology
|July 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Lipid accumulation in the kidneys, a growing concern in chronic kidney disease (CKD), may drive disease progression through inflammation and fibrosis. Research highlights how altered lipid metabolism contributes to kidney cell injury, paving the way for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Metabolic research
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health issue with increasing prevalence.
  • Lipid accumulation in kidney cells, similar to fatty liver disease, is increasingly recognized as a potential driver of CKD progression via inflammation and fibrosis.
  • Lipids are essential for cellular functions but pathogenic when dysregulated, leading to kidney parenchymal damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of kidney parenchymal lipid accumulation in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • To understand the complex mechanisms linking lipid dysregulation to kidney injury in both metabolic and non-metabolic CKD.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting lipid metabolism in CKD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on lipid metabolism in kidney disease.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the impact of specific lipid species (cholesterol, fatty acids) on glomerular and tubular cells.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials for lipid-targeting agents in CKD.

Main Results:

  • Altered cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism are implicated in glomerular and tubular cell injury in CKD.
  • Dysregulated lipid metabolism is a common feature across various forms of CKD.
  • Emerging evidence suggests lipid accumulation contributes to kidney inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Kidney parenchymal lipid accumulation is a critical factor in CKD progression.
  • Targeting lipid metabolism presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing CKD.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the diverse roles of lipids in different kidney cells and disease contexts.

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