Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
Mechanisms and therapeutic potential of multiple forms of programmed cell death in renal fibrosis
Yizhen Chen1, Fan Liu1, Rong Dai2
1First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death (PCD), particularly necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis alongside classical apoptosis has attracted considerable attention in recent years in the context of renal fibrosis (RF). Accumulating evidence indicates that these regulated cell death pathways contribute substantially to renal tissue damage and fibrosis progression by promoting inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Renal fibrosis, a common pathological process to various chronic kidney diseases (CKD), is closely intertwined with diverse forms of cell death. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is critical for identifying effective therapeutic targets. This review systematically summarizes the signaling mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, detailing their roles in the pathogenesis of RF. We analyze recent advances in pharmacological treatment and emerging therapies targeting these pathways, and explore potential therapeutic targets for clinical implementation. Targeting multiple forms of regulated cell death pathways concurrently may offer a promising avenue for the precision treatment of RF.
Insights
Regulated cell death pathways like apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis significantly drive renal fibrosis progression. Targeting these diverse cell death mechanisms offers a promising strategy for precise treatment of kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Renal fibrosis (RF) is a common endpoint for chronic kidney diseases (CKD).
- Regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, are increasingly recognized for their role in RF pathogenesis.
- These pathways contribute to renal tissue damage by promoting inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the signaling mechanisms of major RCD pathways (apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis).
- To detail the specific roles of these RCD pathways in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis.
- To analyze current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting RCD in RF.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of RCD pathways and their involvement in renal fibrosis.
- Analysis of signaling mechanisms underlying apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
- Evaluation of pharmacological and emerging therapies targeting RCD pathways for RF.
Main Results:
- Evidence links apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis to inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation in RF.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of RCD is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets.
- Current research highlights various pharmacological interventions and novel therapies targeting these cell death pathways.
Conclusions:
- Diverse RCD pathways are key contributors to renal fibrosis progression.
- Targeting specific RCD pathways shows potential for treating renal fibrosis.
- Concurrent targeting of multiple RCD pathways may offer a precise therapeutic approach for RF.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
01:27Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics