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Nephrotoxin Microinjection in Zebrafish to Model Acute Kidney Injury
Published on: July 17, 2016
Animal Models of Malaria-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Collins Ojonugwa Mamudu1, Rafael Polidoro2, Julio Gallego-Delgado3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York. Bronx, New York, NY, USA; PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) is a critical complication of severe malaria, particularly in infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for most malaria-related deaths. MAKI affects 40-60% ofs severe malaria cases, significantly increasing mortality, especially in pediatric patients. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, though mechanisms such as hemodynamic disturbances, oxidative stress, and immune responses are implicated. Animal models, particularly murine and nonhuman primates, provide valuable insights into MAKI's underlying processes. Murine models, though not fully replicative of human malaria, allow for the exploration of immune responses, kidney injury biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches. Nonhuman primate models, closer to human physiology, offer additional complexity for studying malaria's renal manifestations. This review critically examines the existing animal models, addressing their strengths and limitations in replicating human MAKI and highlighting the importance of advancing research in this field to develop targeted treatments. Semin Nephrol 36:x-xx © 20XX Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Insights
Malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) impacts severe malaria cases, increasing mortality. This review examines animal models to understand MAKI pathogenesis and develop treatments.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) is a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
- MAKI affects 40-60% of severe malaria cases, significantly increasing mortality, particularly in children.
- The exact pathogenesis of MAKI is not fully understood, but involves hemodynamic, oxidative, and immune factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing animal models for studying MAKI.
- To assess the strengths and limitations of these models in replicating human MAKI.
- To emphasize the need for improved research models to develop targeted MAKI treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on animal models of malaria and kidney injury.
- Analysis of the utility of murine models for exploring immune responses and biomarkers.
- Evaluation of nonhuman primate models for their physiological relevance to human MAKI.
Main Results:
- Murine models offer insights into immune responses, biomarkers, and therapies but do not fully replicate human malaria.
- Nonhuman primate models provide greater physiological complexity for studying renal manifestations of malaria.
- Current animal models have limitations in fully capturing the human MAKI condition.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are crucial for understanding MAKI's underlying mechanisms.
- Further development of animal models is essential for advancing MAKI research.
- Improved models will facilitate the development of effective treatments for this critical complication of severe malaria.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention