Antifibrotic treatment and other new strategies for improving renal outcomes

Anna Mathew, Robyn Cunard, Kumar Sharma

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is clinically characterized by proteinuria and hypertension. Investigations suggest that matrix accumulation and inflammatory processes contribute to the pathological features of this progressive disease. This chapter reviews novel targeted approaches to the treatment of DN, with the goal of slowing the progression and improving renal function. Many studies support the use of agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in DN. Novel, oral agents that are promising in early clinical studies are agents such as pirfenidone and bardoxolone as they are associated with early improvement in renal function in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease. Additionally, strategies that inhibit inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and mediators of the innate immune response may provide novel targets for the treatment of DN. Larger clinical studies are eagerly awaited to determine if new agents that specifically block kidney fibrosis and inflammation will delay, arrest and possibly reverse progressive renal failure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDiabetes and The Kidney
EditorsKar Neng Lai, Sydney Tang
Pages217-227
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameContributions to Nephrology
Volume170
ISSN (Print)0302-5144

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nephrology

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