New therapy for treating acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury is a condition characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function, often occurring in hospitalized patients, particularly prevalent in intensive care units, with rates as high as 50%.

This is the result of many complex inflammatory processes in the body. In these processes, immune molecules called interleukins (ILs) play a key role. These are small proteins secreted by immune cells that regulate the inflammatory response, repair damaged tissue, and affect other organs, according to the medical news website News Medical.

Interleukin: A "double-edged sword" in kidney damage.

Each type of interleukin has a different effect on the progression of AKI:

Some ILs worsen the disease, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-17A, and IL-18. They promote an excessive inflammatory response, causing damage to kidney cells, scarring, and spread to other organs. IL-8, for example, attracts more white blood cells to the damaged area, causing more severe inflammation and may be a warning sign of severe acute kidney injury.

Conversely, some ILs help protect the kidneys, such as IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, IL-27, and IL-37. These molecules have the effect of calming the inflammatory response, protecting kidney cells from premature death. IL-10, for example, works by activating a signaling pathway that helps suppress inflammation. IL-15 and IL-17E increase kidney cell survival and activate beneficial immune cells.

Some ILs can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the dosage, timing, or extent of the damage. For example, IL-6 can help control inflammation in some cases, but it can also worsen the condition if produced excessively.

Therapeutic applications: Targeted IL and new technologies

Kidney damage - ILLUSTRATION: AI

Many experimental therapies are currently focused on blocking harmful ILs with specific antibodies, such as the drug Rilonacept to neutralize IL-1, or IL-18 inhibitors to reduce inflammation and limit renal fibrosis.

In addition, a new treatment approach involves using extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver beneficial ILs to the right place where they are needed. Trials have shown that EVs containing IL-10 can reduce the risk of acute kidney injury progressing to chronic kidney disease. Similarly, IL-37, encapsulated in the membrane of neutrophils, has also been shown to improve kidney function, according to News Medical.

Future prospects

Scientists are currently conducting further research into how ILs regulate inflammation and recovery in the kidneys. The goal is to develop "targeted" therapies—directly intervening in the harmful ILs or their receptors—to help patients recover faster and avoid chronic complications. Simultaneously, EV technology combined with ILs is opening up a promising, safer, and more effective treatment avenue in the future.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lieu-phap-moi-dieu-tri-ton-thuong-than-cap-185250824140527617.htm