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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicinal Active Dioscin in Treating IgA Nephropathy
Published on: October 13, 2023
Targeting the Endothelin A Receptor in IgA Nephropathy
Donald E Kohan1, Jonathan Barratt2, Hiddo J L Heerspink3
1Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a common cause of kidney failure. Blocking the endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) shows promise in protecting kidneys and reducing protein in IgAN patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the leading cause of primary glomerulonephritis globally, often progressing to kidney failure.
- Emerging therapies for IgAN and chronic kidney disease (CKD) offer new hope for slowing renal decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) blockade in treating IgAN.
- To discuss the potential role of ETAR antagonists within the current and future therapeutic landscape for IgAN.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies demonstrating renoprotective effects of ETAR blockade in IgAN models.
- Analysis of clinical trial data showing proteinuria reduction with ETAR antagonists in IgAN patients.
Main Results:
- ETAR activation contributes to IgAN pathophysiology through vasoconstriction, inflammation, and fibrosis.
- ETAR blockade has demonstrated renoprotective benefits in experimental IgAN and reduced proteinuria in clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin-A receptor blockade is a promising therapeutic strategy for IgAN.
- ETAR antagonists may play a significant role in managing IgAN alongside existing and novel treatments.
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