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Transforming growth factor-beta: A clinical target for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

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Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy is continuing to rise in incidence, despite awareness of tight glycemic control and blood pressure. The identification that matrix accumulation is driven by transforming growth factor-â (TGF-â) has led to a concerted effort to apply antifibrotic strategies for this disorder. Recent studies have not only demonstrated the beneficial effects of blocking TGF-â on matrix accumulation but have also found that blocking TGF-â may have important hemodynamic effects that are relevant to diabetic complications. In this article, we review the latest knowledge regarding the role of TGF-â in diabetic kidney disease and discuss available and novel therapeutic approaches. The role of a novel antifibrotic drug, pirfenidone, may have important clinical relevance to diabetic nephropathy.

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  1. Dorrance Hamilton Research Laboratories, Division of Nephrology,Center for Diabetic Kidney Disease, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1020 Locust Street, Suite 353, 19107, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Kumar Sharma MD

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  1. Tracy A. McGowan MD
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  2. Yanqing Zhu MD
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  3. Kumar Sharma MD
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McGowan, T.A., Zhu, Y. & Sharma, K. Transforming growth factor-beta: A clinical target for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Curr Diab Rep 4, 447–454 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-004-0055-z

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