The prevalence of chronic kidney disease continues to outpace the development of effective treatment strategies.
For patients with advanced disease, renal replacement therapies approximate the filtration functions of the kidney at considerable cost and inconvenience, while failing to restore the resorptive and endocrine functions. Allogeneic transplantation remains the only restorative treatment, but donor shortage, surgical morbidity and the need for lifelong immunosuppression significantly limit clinical application. Emerging technologies in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strive to address these limitations. We review recent advances in cell-based therapies, primordial allografts, bio-artificial organs and whole-organ bioengineering as they apply to renal regeneration. Collaborative efforts across these fields aim to produce a bioengineered kidney capable of restoring renal function in patients with end-stage disease.
Written by:
Salvatori M, Peloso A, Katari R, Orlando G. Are you the author?
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
Reference: Curr Urol Rep. 2014 Jan;15(1):379.
doi: 10.1007/s11934-013-0379-9
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24375058
UroToday.com Renal & Vascular Diseases Section
