Mechanisms of Renal Graft Chronic Injury and Progression to Interstitial Fibrosis

Abstract Following transplantation, the kidney is exposed to many different injuries which result in inflammation, overproduction of extracellular matrix, interstitial fibrosis and progressive loss of renal function. To date, treatment options for patients with progressive graft dysfunction are very limited. The development of new therapies requires a better understanding of the pathogenesis of transplant interstitial fibrosis and specific biomarkers to identify patients with progressive transplant fibrosis and monitor response to new therapies. Here, we review our current understanding of how and why extracellular matrix accumulates and the relationship between fibrosis and inflammation. In particular, we focus on the role of heparan sulphate that regulates recruitment, migration and differentiation of interstitial cells and also acts as a reservoir for multiple cytokines and growth factors.
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research