The Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products
Yuxin Dong, YanQing Tong
Abstract
Chronickidney disease (CKD) poses a major global public health challenge, driven by a complex pathogenesis involving multiple interconnected processes-including metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ferroptosis-which collectively contribute to progressive and often irreversible loss of renal function. Although current standard therapies can ameliorate CKD progression, a substantial number of patients still advance to end-stage renal disease, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. Natural products have shown great promise in the prevention and management of CKD, largely attributable to their multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic effects. This review systematically outlines the core pathogenic mechanisms underlying CKD and elucidates the molecular mechanisms through which bioactive natural compounds exert renoprotective effects. Despite robust preclinical evidence, the clinical translation of these compounds remains hindered by limitations such as poor bioavailability and a lack of large-scale clinical trials. Moving forward, research should prioritize clinical translation of these compounds, aiming to provide novel therapeutic perspectives for CKD management.