Specific molecular targeting of renal injury in obstructive nephropathy.

Progression of most renal disease involves tubulointerstitial injury, characterized by tubular atrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, and interstitial fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-beta1 is central in this process. As reported by Moon et al., molecular targeting of the transforming growth factor-beta1 signaling pathway can markedly suppress renal injury resulting from unilateral ureteral obstruction, an established model of obstructive nephropathy. Specific kinase inhibitors are promising therapeutic agents to slow or attenuate progressive renal fibrosis.