Reactive oxygen species and chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease and largely contributed to by disease states such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has been considered to be a major contributor to the initiation and propagation of CKD. In this chapter, we review the data supporting the major contribution of increased reactive oxygen species generation to CKD. NADPH oxidases will be considered as a potential source of ROS generation in the kidney. Inhibition of ROS generation as a potential therapeutic strategy will be discussed in light of recent preclinical and clinical data. Understanding the role of ROS in CKD requires better definition of the sources and types of ROS generated, and a clearer understanding of the pathogenic roles of each ROS species before a logical, targeted approach to treatment of CKD by ROS inhibition can be considered.