Research progress in anti-renal fibrosis drugs

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Renal fibrosis is the common pathological basis for progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of the initial cause.
• It involves persistent extracellular matrix deposition, leading to kidney damage, impaired function, and eventual kidney failure.
• Current CKD treatments primarily manage underlying conditions, lacking specific anti-fibrotic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the complex pathogenesis of renal fibrosis.
• To summarize existing and novel anti-fibrotic therapies for CKD.
• To offer new theoretical insights for treating renal fibrosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of renal fibrosis pathogenesis.
• Analysis of current clinical anti-fibrotic treatments.
• Evaluation of drugs in clinical trials and emerging targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• Renal fibrosis pathogenesis is complex with no current drugs to reverse it.
• Existing therapies aim to slow CKD progression but do not target fibrosis directly.
• Several new drugs and emerging therapies show promise in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of renal fibrosis pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Targeted anti-fibrotic therapies represent a promising avenue for reversing kidney damage.
• This review provides a foundation for future research and clinical application in combating renal fibrosis.