Promising novel therapeutic targets for kidney disease: Emphasis on kidney-specific proteins

Abstract

Kidney diseases can be defined as abnormalities in the kidney structure, and loss of kidney function, which can progress to kidney failure and uremic death [1]. The pathogenesis of kidney diseases can arise from environmental and genetic factors. Epidemiological studies suggest that more than 850 million individuals have kidney disease worldwide, predicting that, by 2040, such disease will become the fifth leading cause of death [2]. Kidney diseases can be broadly classified into acute kidney disease (AKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) [3]. AKD, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a condition indicated by an abrupt onset of kidney malfunction [4]. Clinically, AKI is defined by an increase in serum creatinine levels and a reduction in urinary output [5]. By contrast, CKD is characterized by changes in kidney structure and function lasting for more than 3 months (e.g., by a decreased glomerular filtration rate (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2), elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine, alongside abnormal urinary albumin excretion)