Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.8
3.9
Journals
Biomedicines
Special Issues
Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy
share announcement

Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 3198

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yupei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
Interests: sepsis; anticoagulation; histone; continuous renal replacement theraphy; oXiris; endotoxin adsorption; hemoperfusion; hemodialysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Kidney disease represents a major global health burden, characterized by complex pathophysiology and a frequently progressive course toward end-stage renal disease. Despite advances in care, there remains an urgent need for innovative strategies to enable earlier detection, slow disease progression, and develop effective treatments.

This Special Issue, "Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy", is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge research that bridges this translational gap. We welcome contributions that investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney injury, identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and evaluate emerging therapeutic modalities. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, targeted biologics, cell-based therapies, nanomedicine-based therapies, RNA interference techniques, and drug repurposing.

Our goal is to compile high-impact original research articles and reviews that showcase the interdisciplinary efforts driving the field forward, with the ultimate aim of transforming patient outcomes through precision medicine and innovative therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Yupei Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • kidney disease pathogenesis
  • therapeutic innovations
  • biomarkers
  • precision medicine

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

12 pages, 571 KB  
Article
Effect of Roxadustat and Erythropoietin on Glycated Hemoglobin of Non-Dialysis Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Anemia Patients
by Zhouxia Xiang, Wenqian Wei, Shunian Guo, Hanyu Meng and Shu Rong
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040845 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 524
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the effects of Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on glycemic control and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in non-dialysis type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with anemia. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 449 patients, who were divided into [...] Read more.
Objectives: To investigate the effects of Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on glycemic control and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in non-dialysis type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with anemia. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 449 patients, who were divided into three groups—the rHuEPO group (n = 252), the Roxadustat group (n = 102), and the switch group (n = 95)—in which patients were converted from rHuEPO to Roxadustat. All treatments lasted for more than three months. Changes in HbA1c and other indicators within groups as well as differences among groups were evaluated. Results: In the rHuEPO group, HbA1c levels decreased from 7.08 ± 1.19 to 6.41 ± 0.60 (p < 0.001), and they returned to baseline levels by 6–12 months (p > 0.05). In the Roxadustat group, HbA1c fluctuated but none of the differences reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). In the switch group, HbA1c decreased during rHuEPO treatment (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline after switching to Roxadustat (p > 0.05). No significant changes in blood glucose levels were observed in any group after treatment (p > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that changes in iron metabolism parameters, erythrocyte parameters, inflammatory markers, and glucose-lowering or lipid-lowering regimens had no significant effect on the change in HbA1c in the Roxadustat group (F = 0.834, p = 0.620), while the multivariate model of rHuEPO group also lacked statistical significance (F = 1.142, p = 0.170). After treatment, all three groups showed improvements in anemia, iron metabolism, renal function, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Additionally, further improvements in these parameters were observed after the transition from rHuEPO to Roxadustat (p < 0.05). Compared with rHuEPO group, the Roxadustat group exhibited significantly greater increases in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin, and serum iron (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In non-dialysis DKD patients with anemia, rHuEPO can significantly decrease HbA1c values, while Roxadustat does not. Roxadustat offers advantages over rHuEPO in terms of efficacy and assessment of glycemic control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3704 KB  
Article
The Effect of Heparin-Grafted Chitosan-Cellulose Composite Microspheres on the Removal of Endotoxins and Circulating Histones in a Septic Rabbit Model: An In Vivo Study
by Luojia Jiang, Ying Li, Fang Wan, Yi Su, Meixian Lei, Yupei Li and Haibo Xu
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030661 - 14 Mar 2026
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The strategy of targeting endotoxins and circulating histones to alleviate excessive inflammation and tissue damage has been proposed as an important immunoregulatory strategy against sepsis. However, the development of a multifunctional hemoperfusion adsorber that simultaneously removes endotoxins and histones remains an unmet [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The strategy of targeting endotoxins and circulating histones to alleviate excessive inflammation and tissue damage has been proposed as an important immunoregulatory strategy against sepsis. However, the development of a multifunctional hemoperfusion adsorber that simultaneously removes endotoxins and histones remains an unmet clinical need in sepsis management. Methods: We synthesized chitosan-cellulose composite (CSCE) microspheres utilizing phase inversion technology, while heparin-grafted chitosan-cellulose composite (CSCEHEP) microspheres were developed by grafting heparin onto CSCE microspheres through the carbodiimide coupling method. In our experimental design, we allocated healthy New Zealand rabbits to four distinct groups: a healthy control group, a lipopolysaccharides (LPS) group, a CSCE group, and a CSCEHEP group. Following the administration of LPS for 12 h, septic rabbits underwent extracorporeal hemoperfusion with either CSCE or CSCEHEP microspheres for a duration of 6 h, notably without the inclusion of heparin in the blood circuits. Post-hemoperfusion, we conducted an analysis of thrombus formation and total protein adsorption on the column. Concurrently, blood samples were collected from the venous side to evaluate inflammatory cytokine concentrations, liver and kidney function levels, LPS levels, the histone presence, and to perform histopathological assessments of liver and kidney injury. Results: Our in vivo experiments demonstrated that CSCEHEP microspheres for extracorporeal circulation could achieve a 6 h hemoperfusion session in septic rabbits without the need for continuous anticoagulation with heparin. A CSCEHEP column turns into a very light-red color (almost the original white) and light contamination or clotting was observed after the 6 h hemoperfusion. Moreover, CSCEHEP microspheres effectively reduced the concentration levels of leukocyte, serum IL-6 and TNF-α, mitigated pathological damage to the liver and kidneys, and removed over 56.7% of LPS and nearly 58.6% of histone H3 from the blood of septic rabbits during hemoperfusion. Conclusions: Hemoperfusion utilizing CSCEHEP microspheres exhibits excellent self-anticoagulation capabilities, remarkable anti-inflammatory performance, efficient endotoxin adsorption and histone antagonism properties, rendering it both effective and safe for use in septic rabbits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

22 pages, 2612 KB  
Review
Mitochondria in Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics
by Yijun Pan and Jiefu Zhu
Biomedicines 2026, 14(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14020310 - 29 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is a leading trigger of acute kidney injury (AKI), a syndrome with high incidence and mortality worldwide. The kidney is among the most energy-demanding organs; its mitochondrial content is second only to the heart, rendering renal function highly contingent [...] Read more.
Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is a leading trigger of acute kidney injury (AKI), a syndrome with high incidence and mortality worldwide. The kidney is among the most energy-demanding organs; its mitochondrial content is second only to the heart, rendering renal function highly contingent on mitochondrial integrity. Accumulating evidence places mitochondria at the center of IRI pathogenesis. During ischemia, ATP depletion, ionic disequilibrium, and Ca2+ overload set the stage for injury; upon reperfusion, a burst of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), aberrant opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, and release of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) further amplify inflammation and drive regulated cell-death programs. In recent years, the centrality of mitochondrial bioenergetics, quality control, and immune signaling in IRI-AKI has been increasingly recognized. Building on advances from the past five years, this review synthesizes mechanistic insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in renal IRI and surveys mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies—including antioxidant defenses, reinforcement of mitochondrial quality control (biogenesis, dynamics, mitophagy), and modulation of mtDAMP sensing—with the aim of informing future translational efforts in AKI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

15 pages, 972 KB  
Systematic Review
Urinary Cells Flow Cytometry in Renal Disease: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Applications
by Rosa Dolores Prieto-Utrera, Juan Manuel Priede-Vimbela, Marc Vives, Pablo Jorge-Monjas, David Bernardo, Álvaro Tamayo-Velasco, Rodrigo Poves-Álvarez, Eduardo Tamayo and Adrián García-Concejo
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051050 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Background: Urinary cellular biomarkers detected by flow cytometry have emerged as promising non-invasive tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of renal and urological diseases. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their clinical applicability is lacking. Objectives: This review aimed to systematically evaluate and [...] Read more.
Background: Urinary cellular biomarkers detected by flow cytometry have emerged as promising non-invasive tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of renal and urological diseases. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their clinical applicability is lacking. Objectives: This review aimed to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence of urinary cellular biomarkers identified through flow cytometry in human populations with renal or urological diseases. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted from inception to January 2025. Observational studies analyzing urinary samples by flow cytometry were included, whereas animal studies, genetic-only analyses and studies with incomplete data were excluded. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using a standardized form and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Due to heterogeneity in study populations, designs, and cytometry methods, results were synthesized narratively. Results: Of 3938 records screened, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies applied flow cytometry to characterize urinary cellular biomarkers across renal diseases. Several studies reported promising diagnostic and monitoring applications, but substantial heterogeneity in study design, cytometry protocols, and marker panels limited comparability. Longitudinal analyses and robust prognostic validation were infrequently reported. Conclusions: Urinary cellular biomarkers assessed by flow cytometry represent a promising non-invasive approach for evaluating renal and urological diseases. However, clinical implementation remains constrained by heterogeneity and insufficient validation. Future research should focus on standardized methodologies and large prospective studies to establish their diagnostic and prognostic utility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop