[Anti-inflammatory therapeutic advances in nephrology: can we learn from cardiology?]

Abstract

Pathophysiology of kidney diseases frequently implies sterile inflammation, e.g. during glomerulonephritis or after renal transplantation. Recently, the relevance of systemic low-grade inflammation for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and complications of CKD have come into focus. In this review article, the etiology, and consequences of low-grade inflammation in CKD patients are discussed. Further, the potential of anti-inflammatory approaches to slow down CKD progression is addressed. Recent advances have resulted in FDA approval of colchicine for patients with preserved renal function and atherosclerosis. Thus, lastly, anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis in patients with or without CKD is outlined.Taken together, anti-inflammatory therapy offers novel opportunities to improve CKD progression, inhibit transition from acute to chronic kidney disease and reduce the risk of fatal long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease.