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Kidney International® 

Repurposing Drugs for Diseases Associated With Podocyte Dysfunction

Podocyte disorders often lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, with current treatments relying on nonspecific immunosuppressants that have serious side effects.  

Recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of podocyte injury offer new opportunities, including the potential to repurpose existing FDA-approved drugs for kidney-related uses.  

This mini review explores experimental findings to identify mechanistic targets where previously approved therapies could be applied to treat podocyte disorders more effectively. 

Kidney International Reports® 

Invisible Threat: How Air Pollution Fuels Primary Glomerular Disease 

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for kidney disease, contributing to its progression and prevalence, especially in vulnerable populations.  

This commentary highlights a recent study by Troost et al., which found that higher exposure to PM2.5 and black carbon significantly increased the risk of kidney disease progression.  

The findings emphasize the disproportionate impact on racial minorities and the urgent need for public health interventions to reduce air pollution and mitigate its harmful effects on kidney health.