Novel treatment strategies for chronic kidney disease: insights from the animal kingdom

Stenvinkel, P., Painer, J., Kuro-o, M., Lanaspa, M., Arnold, W., Ruf, T., Shiels, P. G. and Johnson, R. J. (2018) Novel treatment strategies for chronic kidney disease: insights from the animal kingdom. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 14, pp. 265-284. (doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2017.169) (PMID:29332935)

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Abstract

Many of the >2 million animal species that inhabit Earth have developed survival mechanisms that aid in the prevention of obesity, kidney disease, starvation, dehydration and vascular ageing; however, some animals remain susceptible to these complications. Domestic and captive wild felids, for example, show susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially linked to the high protein intake of these animals. By contrast, naked mole rats are a model of longevity and are protected from extreme environmental conditions through mechanisms that provide resistance to oxidative stress. Biomimetic studies suggest that the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) offers protection in extreme environmental conditions and promotes longevity in the animal kingdom. Similarly, during months of fasting, immobilization and anuria, hibernating bears are protected from muscle wasting, azotaemia, thrombotic complications, organ damage and osteoporosis - features that are often associated with CKD. Improved understanding of the susceptibility and protective mechanisms of these animals and others could provide insights into novel strategies to prevent and treat several human diseases, such as CKD and ageing-associated complications. An integrated collaboration between nephrologists and experts from other fields, such as veterinarians, zoologists, biologists, anthropologists and ecologists, could introduce a novel approach for improving human health and help nephrologists to find novel treatment strategies for CKD.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shiels, Professor Paul
Authors: Stenvinkel, P., Painer, J., Kuro-o, M., Lanaspa, M., Arnold, W., Ruf, T., Shiels, P. G., and Johnson, R. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Nature Reviews Nephrology
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:1759-5061
ISSN (Online):1759-507X
Published Online:15 January 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature
First Published:First published in Nature Reviews Nephrology 14:265-284
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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