Reviews & Analysis

The persistent production of extracellular matrix during fibrosis leads to impaired organ function. Myofibroblasts are considered the predominant effector cell during fibrosis; however, the exact origin of myofibroblasts during kidney disease is widely debated. Here, the authors describe the evidence supporting the various potential origins of renal myofibroblasts as well as the techniques used to trace and identify these progenitor cells. They discuss the therapeutic methods that might prevent the transition of precursors to a myofibroblast phenotype, thereby inhibiting fibrosis.

In 2014, key articles in the field of acute kidney injury highlighted the importance of tubular homeostasis in renal regeneration. Cell cycle regulators, inflammatory signals and progenitors were identified as important factors that mediate the balance between inflammation and tubular regeneration necessary for renal repair.

Patients with chronic kidney disease have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease but diagnosis of cardiovascular dysfunction in this population is complicated. In this Review, the authors describe cardiac imaging techniques that can be used to detect gross cardiac structure and function, coronary calcification, wall motion abnormalities and coronary artery disease, and discuss the benefits and difficulties in using these techniques in patients with chronic kidney disease.