Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 21, 2024 6 months, 2 days, 10 hours, 18 minutes ago
Nephrology Updates: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health issue affecting millions worldwide. The disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. While medications exist, researchers are exploring natural antioxidants as a new approach to manage CKD. This
Nephrology Updates news report dives into how some of these antioxidants might help.
Natural Antioxidants - A New Approach for Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function. This can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key players in the progression of CKD. Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, while oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between harmful molecules (free radicals) and the body's ability to neutralize them. Both processes can damage kidney cells.
The Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation and oxidative stress are like a double-edged sword for CKD. High blood sugar levels in diabetes, for example, can cause inflammation in the kidneys. This attracts immune cells that release harmful substances, leading to more damage. Similarly, oxidative stress from high blood pressure or other conditions can damage kidney cells by producing excess free radicals. This damage contributes to the progression of CKD.
Conventional Treatments and Their Limitations
Current treatments for CKD include medications like statins, metformin, and GLP-1 agonists. These drugs help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, they often come with side effects and don't always prevent CKD from progressing to kidney failure.
Natural Antioxidants: A New Hope
Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-China, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-China and The University of Hong Kong-China are now looking at natural antioxidants as a potential treatment for CKD. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. They are found in many foods and supplements and have fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. Here are some promising natural antioxidants being studied:
-Lactoferrin: Found in milk, lactoferrin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies show it can reduce kidney damage and improve kidney function by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
-Boerhaavia diffusa: This plant, used in traditional medicine, contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates it may protect against kidney damage and improve kidney function.
-Amauroderma rugosum: A type of mushroom, Amauroderma rugosum is ric
h in antioxidants. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against cell damage.
-Ganoderma lucidum: Another medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to support immune health and has shown potential in protecting kidney function.
How These Antioxidants Work
Natural antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and inflammation. For example, lactoferrin boosts the body's natural antioxidant defenses and lowers the production of harmful substances that cause inflammation. Similarly, compounds in Boerhaavia diffusa and Amauroderma rugosum reduce the activity of enzymes that produce free radicals, protecting kidney cells from damage.
The Future of CKD Treatment
While the research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and mechanisms of natural antioxidants in CKD treatment. Clinical trials on humans are essential to determine the safety and effectiveness of these supplements.
In conclusion, natural antioxidants offer a hopeful alternative for managing CKD. They have the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key drivers of the disease. As research continues, these natural compounds might become a part of standard treatment for CKD, providing a safer and effective option for patients.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/751
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