Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 August 2014
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical condition with no effective treatment. Tubular cells are key targets in AKI. Tubular cells and, specifically, proximal tubular cells are extremely rich in mitochondria and mitochondrial changes had long been known to be a feature of AKI. However, only recent advances in understanding the molecules involved in mitochondria biogenesis and dynamics and the availability of mitochondria-targeted drugs has allowed the exploration of the specific role of mitochondria in AKI. We now review the morphological and functional mitochondrial changes during AKI, as well as changes in the expression of mitochondrial genes and proteins. Finally, we summarise the current status of novel therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mitochondria such as mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening inhibitors (cyclosporine A (CsA)), quinone analogues (MitoQ, SkQ1 and SkQR1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics (Mito-CP), Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptides (Bendavia) and mitochondrial division inhibitors (mdivi-1). MitoQ, SkQ1, SkQR1, Mito-CP, Bendavia and mdivi-1 have improved the course of diverse experimental models of AKI. Evidence for a beneficial effect of CsA on human cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury derives from a clinical trial; however, CsA is nephrotoxic. MitoQ and Bendavia have been shown to be safe for humans. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the efficacy of Bendavia in AKI prevention following renal artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
The Mitochondria Research Society (MRS) is a nonprofit international organisation of scientists and physicians. The purpose of MRS is to find a cure for mitochondrial diseases by promoting research on basic science of mitochondria, mitochondrial pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. Webpage provides access to general information, other mitochondrial societies and databases.
http://www.broadinstitute.org/pubs/MitoCarta/
MitoCarta is an inventory of 1098 mouse and 1013 human genes encoding proteins with strong support of mitochondrial localisation. Web page allows viewing and downloading datasets.
http://mitominer.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/release-3.1/begin.do
Web page provides an integrated web resource of mitochondrial proteomics for a wide range of organisms
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG169
This clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the prevention, detection and management of acute kidney injury up to the point of renal replacement therapy. Represents current state-of-the-art management of the disease
http://kdigo.org/home/guidelines/acute-kidney-injury/
This clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the prevention, detection and management of acute kidney injury up to the point of renal replacement therapy. Represents current state-of-the-art management of the disease