AKI: an increasingly recognized risk factor for CKD development and progression

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasing health burden with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. AKI is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) development and progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Rapid action is required to find treatment options for AKI, plus to anticipate the development of CKD and other complications. Therefore, it is essential to understand the pathophysiology of AKI to CKD transition. Over the last several years, research has revealed maladaptive repair to be an interplay of cell death, endothelial dysfunction, tubular epithelial cell senescence, inflammatory processes and more—terminating in fibrosis. Various pathological mechanisms have been discovered and reveal targets for potential interventions. Furthermore, there have been clinical efforts measures for AKI prevention and progression including the development of novel biomarkers and prediction models. In this review, we provide an overview of pathophysiological mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis. Furthermore, we discuss research gaps and promising therapeutic approaches for AKI to CKD progression.