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Urotensin II system in chronic kidney disease
Olugbenga S Michael1,2, Praghalathan Kanthakumar1,2, Hitesh Soni2
1Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Current Research in Physiology
|May 23, 2024
Summary
The Urotensin II (UII) system, involving UII and its receptor UT, plays a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Targeting this system may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing CKD.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population, representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
- CKD is often associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets.
- The Urotensin II (UII) system, comprising UII, UII-related peptide (URP), and the UT receptor, is implicated in cardiovascular and kidney dysfunctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving connections between the Urotensin II (UII) system and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- To explore potential mechanisms, therapeutic implications, controversies, and unexplored concepts related to the UII system in CKD pathophysiology.
- To understand the cellular mechanisms of the UII system in renal and extrarenal organs for comprehending its role in CKD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the Urotensin II (UII) system and its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Analysis of research on UII and UII-related peptide (URP) expression levels and their link to kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
- Examination of preclinical data on the pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of the UT receptor in rodent models of kidney and cardiovascular disease.
Main Results:
- Alterations in UII and UT expression and UII concentrations are linked to hypertension, heart failure, glomerulonephritis, and diabetes.
- UII gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.
- Pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of UT has shown promise in mitigating kidney and cardiovascular disease in rodent models.
Conclusions:
- The Urotensin II (UII) system presents a potential therapeutic target for slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Further research into the cellular mechanisms of the UII system in various organs is essential for developing effective CKD therapies.
- Understanding the UII system's role is crucial for advancing CKD management and improving patient outcomes.
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