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Epidermal growth factor in acute renal failure
E J Nouwen1, W A Verstrepen, M E De Broe
1Department of Nephrology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Renal Failure
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Kidney cells produce epidermal growth factor (EGF) excreted in urine. Its absence during acute kidney injury suggests it doesn't aid regeneration, but systemic EGF may help recovery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is synthesized in renal proximal tubules and distal convoluted tubules.
- EGF is excreted in high quantities in urine, but mature EGF levels in renal tissue are low.
- The in vivo role of renal EGF and its precursor in kidney function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of renal epidermal growth factor (EGF) in kidney injury and regeneration.
- To explore the potential of EGF in promoting recovery from acute renal failure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of EGF expression in kidney tissue and urine during various injury models.
- Assessment of EGF receptor expression in regenerating renal epithelia.
- Evaluation of the effects of exogenous EGF administration on acute renal injury recovery.
Main Results:
- Renal EGF expression and urinary excretion decrease significantly during acute kidney injury (drug- or ischemia-induced, ureteral obstruction).
- EGF expression recovers only after kidney tissue repair and functional restoration.
- EGF receptor expression increases in regenerating kidney epithelia, suggesting a role for systemic EGF or related growth factors.
Conclusions:
- Renal EGF does not appear to act as a mitogen during kidney regeneration.
- Systemic EGF or other EGF-family growth factors may contribute to kidney repair by interacting with upregulated EGF receptors.
- Exogenous EGF administration shows a mild beneficial effect on recovery from acute renal injury.