Nuclear hormone receptors as therapeutic targets.
Authors Levi M, Wang X, Choudhury D
Submitted By Moshe Levi on 8/1/2012
Status Published
Journal Contributions to nephrology
Year 2011
Date Published 11/1/2011
Volume : Pages 170 : 209 - 216
PubMed Reference 21659773
Abstract In spite of excellent glucose and blood pressure control, including
administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin II
receptor blockers, diabetic nephropathy (DN) still develops and progresses. The
development of additional protective therapeutic interventions is, therefore, a
major priority. Nuclear hormone receptors regulate carbohydrate metabolism,
lipid metabolism, the immune response, inflammation and development of fibrosis.
The increasing prevalence of DN has led to intense investigation of the role
that nuclear hormone receptors may have in slowing or preventing the progression
of renal disease. Several nuclear receptor-activating ligands (agonists) have
been shown to have a renal protective effect in the context of DN. This review
will discuss the evidence regarding the beneficial effects of the activation of
the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in preventing
the progression of DN, and will describe how the discovery and development of
compounds that modulate the activity of VDR and FXR may provide potential
additional therapeutic approaches in the management of DN.


Investigators with authorship
NameInstitution
Moshe LeviGeorgetown University

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