Phytochemicals, diet and ckd-associated mitochondrial disfunction

Abstract

Most recent evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a primary role in the development of chronic kidney disease and of severe associated comorbidities. This raises the possibility of considering mitochondria as a new possible therapeutic target in this important pathological condition. A variety of natural extracts from plants in combination with conventional therapies and with a proper lifestyle could help doctors to reach the ambitious goal of preventing and slowing down chronic kidney disease progression. Herbal remedies, known during the centuries in traditional medicines of countries all around the world such as black cumin, turmeric, green tea, olive and others are potential resources for extraction and purification of antioxidants and mitochondria-modulating substances, as many studies, some of which reported below, have partly already shown, also in nephrology. Many of them are characteristic of the Mediterranean diet; this diet appears effective in terms of prevention and prognosis in chronic kidney disease and related cardiovascular risk. However, still extensive in vivo studies in animal models and subsequent trials are needed to provide more reliable information on nutraceuticals and phytoderivatives effectiveness in chronic kidney disease. Several future strategies (i.e. pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics) will strengthen these findings.