Oxidative Stress in Maternal and Offspring Kidney Disease and Hypertension: A Life-Course Perspective

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Developmental Biology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Kidney disease and hypertension are linked, affecting pregnant women and children.
• Oxidative stress, an imbalance in reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, critically influences kidney development.
• This programming can lead to lifelong risks of kidney disease and hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of perinatal oxidative stress on kidney development and long-term outcomes.
• To explore the role of oxidative stress in kidney programming and hypertension susceptibility.
• To assess the potential of early-life antioxidant interventions and their clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Critical review of existing literature and animal model studies.
• Examination of molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-induced kidney programming.
• Analysis of data on early-life antioxidant interventions and their efficacy.

Main Results:

• Perinatal oxidative stress significantly alters kidney development, leading to programmed kidney disease and hypertension.
• Animal models provide insights into molecular pathways and the benefits of antioxidant therapies.
• A gap exists in translating findings from animal models to human clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Early-life oxidative stress is a key factor in the developmental origins of kidney disease and hypertension.
• Antioxidant interventions hold potential for prevention, necessitating further clinical validation.
• Bridging the gap between animal research and clinical application is crucial for future progress.