Therapeutic targets for prevention and regression of progressive fibrosing renal diseases

Abstract

Renal fibrosis complicates most chronic renal diseases, leading to a progressive loss of function and ultimately resulting in terminal renal failure. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of renal fibrosis have been increasingly identified, and much progress has been made towards a better understanding of the roles of different growth factors/cytokines and regulators of matrix turnover, as well as of the interactions between renal inflammation and fibrosis. This review focuses on recent advances in the identification of novel targets, as well as the development of new therapeutic tools for use in the treatment of progressive fibrosing renal diseases. Using our growing knowledge, treatment strategies need to be identified that prevent progression more effectively, as well as inducing regression of developed renal fibrosis. This is likely by combining compounds that interfere with a variety of targets simultaneously.