scholarly journals Melanocortin System in Kidney Homeostasis and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Chang ◽  
Bohan Chen ◽  
James Shaffner ◽  
Lance D. Dworkin ◽  
Rujun Gong
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Melanocortin Receptor ◽  
Melanocortin Receptors ◽  
Melanocortin System ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Hormone System

Melanocortin peptides, melanocortin receptors, melanocortin receptor accessory proteins, and endogenous antagonists of melanocortin receptors are the key components constituting the melanocortin hormone system, one of the most complex and important hormonal systems in our body. A plethora of evidence suggests that melanocortins possess a protective activity in a variety of kidney diseases in both rodent models and human patients. In particular, the steroidogenic melanocortin peptide adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), has been shown to exert a beneficial effect in a number of kidney diseases, possibly via a mechanism independent of its steroidogenic activity. In patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic glomerulopathy, ACTH monotherapy is still effective in inducing proteinuria remission. This has inspired research on potential implications of the melanocortin system in glomerular diseases. However, our understanding of the role of the melanocortinergic pathway in kidney disease is very limited, and there are still huge unknowns to be explored. The most controversial among these is the identification of effector cells in the kidney as well as the melanocortin receptors responsible for conveying the renoprotective action. This review article introduces the melanocortin hormone system, summarizes the existing evidence for the expression of melanocortin receptors in the kidney, and evaluates the potential strategy of melanocortin therapy for kidney disease.

scholarly journals Use of Lipid-Modifying Agents for the Treatment of Glomerular Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 820
Author(s):  
Mengyuan Ge ◽  
Sandra Merscher ◽  
Alessia Fornoni
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
Intracellular Lipids ◽  
Lipid Modifying Agents ◽  
Made In

Although dyslipidemia is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is more common in nephrotic syndrome (NS), and guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia in NS are largely opinion-based. In addition to the role of circulating lipids, an increasing number of studies suggest that intrarenal lipids contribute to the progression of glomerular diseases, indicating that proteinuric kidney diseases may be a form of “fatty kidney disease” and that reducing intracellular lipids could represent a new therapeutic approach to slow the progression of CKD. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in the utilization of lipid-modifying agents to lower renal parenchymal lipid accumulation and to prevent or reduce kidney injury. The agents mentioned in this review are categorized according to their specific targets, but they may also regulate other lipid-relevant pathways.

scholarly journals The complicated role of mitochondria in the podocyte

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (6) ◽  
pp. F955-F965
Author(s):  
Nehaben A. Gujarati ◽  
Jessica M. Vasquez ◽  
Daniel F. Bogenhagen ◽  
Sandeep K. Mallipattu
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
Diabetic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
Podocyte Injury ◽  
Atp Generation

Mitochondria play a complex role in maintaining cellular function including ATP generation, generation of biosynthetic precursors for macromolecules, maintenance of redox homeostasis, and metabolic waste management. Although the contribution of mitochondrial function in various kidney diseases has been studied, there are still avenues that need to be explored under healthy and diseased conditions. Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction have been implicated in experimental models of podocytopathy as well as in humans with glomerular diseases resulting from podocyte dysfunction. Specifically, in the podocyte, metabolism is largely driven by oxidative phosphorylation or glycolysis depending on the metabolic needs. These metabolic needs may change drastically in the presence of podocyte injury in glomerular diseases such as diabetic kidney disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Here, we review the role of mitochondria in the podocyte and the factors regulating its function at baseline and in a variety of podocytopathies to identify potential targets for therapy.

The melanocortin system

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (3) ◽  
pp. E468-E474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ira Gantz ◽  
Tung M. Fong
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Melanocortin Receptors ◽  
Experimental Basis ◽  
Melanocortin System ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Melanocortin Peptides ◽  
Selective Agonists ◽  
Made In

The melanocortin system consists of melanocortin peptides derived from the proopiomelanocortin gene, five melanocortin receptors, two endogenous antagonists, and two ancillary proteins. This review provides an abbreviated account of the basic biochemistry, pharmacology, and physiology of the melanocortin system and highlights progress made in four areas. In particular, recent pharmacological and genetic studies have affirmed the role of melanocortins in pigmentation, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and sexual function. Development of selective agonists and antagonists is expected to further facilitate the investigation of these complex physiological functions and provide an experimental basis for new pharmacotherapies.

scholarly journals GENETIC KIDNEY DISEASES AS AN UNDERECOGNIZED CAUSE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: THE KEY ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL REGISTRY REPORTS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roser Torra ◽  
Mónica Furlano ◽  
Alberto Ortiz ◽  
Elisabet Ars
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Correct Treatment ◽  
Monogenic Diseases ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Incorrect Diagnosis ◽  
Kidney Replacement Therapy

Abstract Inherited kidney diseases (IKDs) are among the leading causes of early-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are responsible for at least 10–15% of cases of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in adults. Pediatric nephrologists are very aware of the high prevalence of IKDs among their patients, but this is not the case for adult nephrologists. Recent publications have demonstrated that monogenic diseases account for a significant percentage of adult cases of CKD. A substantial number of these patients have received a non-specific/incorrect diagnosis or a diagnosis of CKD of unknown etiology, which precludes correct treatment, follow-up and genetic counseling. There are a number of reasons why genetic kidney diseases are difficult to diagnose in adulthood: a) adult nephrologists, in general, are not knowledgeable about IKDs, b) existence of atypical phenotypes, c) genetic testing is not universally available, d) family history is not always available or may be negative, e) lack of knowledge of various genotype–phenotype relationships, f) conflicting interpretation of the pathogenicity of many sequence variants.

The Emerging Role of Epigenetic Methylation in Kidney Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wen ◽  
Hong-liu Yang ◽  
Lin Lin ◽  
Liang Ma ◽  
Ping Fu
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Histone Methylation ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Epigenetic Methylation

: Kidney disease has complex and multifactorial pathophysiology and pathogenesis. Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic methylation changes, namely DNA methylation, histone methylation and non-histone methylation, are strongly implicated in various forms of kidney diseases. This review provides a perspective on the emerging role of epigenetic methylation in kidney disease, including the effects of DNA methylation in diverse promoter regions, regulation and implication of histone methylation, and recent advances and potential directions related to non-histone methylation. Monitoring or targeting epigenetic methylation has potential to contribute to development of therapeutic approaches for multiple kidney diseases.

scholarly journals Circular RNAs as Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianwen Yu ◽  
Danli Xie ◽  
Naya Huang ◽  
Qin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of non-coding RNAs that have aroused growing attention in this decade. They are widely expressed in eukaryotes and generally have high stability owing to their special closed-loop structure. Many circRNAs are abundant, evolutionarily conserved, and exhibit cell-type-specific and tissue-specific expression patterns. Mounting evidence suggests that circRNAs have regulatory potency for gene expression by acting as microRNA sponges, interacting with proteins, regulating transcription, or directly undergoing translation. Dysregulated expression of circRNAs were found in many pathological conditions and contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of various disorders, including renal diseases. Recent studies have revealed that circRNAs may serve as novel reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of multiple kidney diseases, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and other glomerular diseases. Furthermore, circRNAs expressed by intrinsic kidney cells are shown to play a substantial role in kidney injury, mostly reported in DKD and RCC. Herein, we review the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs, and summarize their roles as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in common kidney diseases.

scholarly journals Urotensin-II: More Than a Mediator for Kidney

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşe Balat ◽  
Mithat Büyükçelik
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Renal Physiology ◽  
Urotensin Ii ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
Stress Mediators ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Human urotensin-II (hU-II) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors in mammals. Although both hU-II and its receptor, GPR14, are detected in several tissues, kidney is a major source of U-II in humans. Recent studies suggest that U-II may have a possible autocrine/paracrine functions in kidney and may be an important target molecule in studying renal pathophysiology. It has several effects on tubular transport and probably has active role in renal hemodynamics. Although it is an important peptide in renal physiology, certain diseases, such as hypertension and glomerulonephritis, may alter the expression of U-II. As might be expected, oxidative stress, mediators, and inflammation are like a devil's triangle in kidney diseases, mostly they induce each other. Since there is a complex relationship between U-II and oxidative stress, and other mediators, such as transforming growth factorβ1 and angiotensin II, U-II is more than a mediator in glomerular diseases. Although it is an ancient peptide, known for 31 years, it looks like that U-II will continue to give new messages as well as raising more questions as research on it increases. In this paper, we mainly discuss the possible role of U-II on renal physiology and its effect on kidney diseases.

scholarly journals Extracellular vesicles in diagnosis and therapy of kidney diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (5) ◽  
pp. F844-F851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Xiangjun Zhou ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Qisheng Yao ◽  
Yutao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Glomerular Diseases ◽  
The Cross

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are endogenously produced, membrane-bound vesicles that contain various molecules. Depending on their size and origins, EVs are classified into apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. A fundamental function of EVs is to mediate intercellular communication. In kidneys, recent research has begun to suggest a role of EVs, especially exosomes, in cell-cell communication by transferring proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs to recipient cells as nanovectors. EVs may mediate the cross talk between various cell types within kidneys for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. They may also mediate the cross talk between kidneys and other organs under physiological and pathological conditions. EVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases, including renal fibrosis, end-stage renal disease, glomerular diseases, and diabetic nephropathy. The release of EVs with specific molecular contents into urine and plasma may be useful biomarkers for kidney disease. In addition, EVs produced by cultured cells may have therapeutic effects for these diseases. However, the role of EVs in kidney diseases is largely unclear, and the mechanism underlying EV production and secretion remains elusive. In this review, we introduce the basics of EVs and then analyze the present information about the involvement, diagnostic value, and therapeutic potential of EVs in major kidney diseases.

scholarly journals The role of metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney diseases

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-372
Author(s):  
James C. M. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Metabolic Acidosis ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Acid Base ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
Balance Development

Abstract Background and objectives: This review focuses on three areas, basic acid-base physiology especially concerning hydrogen ion balance, development of acidosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the consequences of acidosis. We highlight what is well established, what is less certain, and what is unknown. Method and results: The literature on acidosis in CKD were searched from 2004 to 2010 utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid to augment the classic work on acid base physiology over the past three decades. The original research in endogenous acid production and net acid excretion were reviewed. Touching upon the development of metabolic acidosis in CKD, we focused on the consequences of chronic metabolic acidosis on growth and other important variables. Finally, we recognize the significant issue of patients’ medical non-compliance and presented treatment strategy to counter this problem. Conclusion: The correction of acidosis in chronic kidney disease needs no advocacy. The case is made conclusively. Patient non-compliance because of the medication that needs to be taken several times a day is a problem, requiring due diligence.

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