Relaxin: An endogenous renoprotective factor?

Abstract

Fibrosis, so-called scarring, is a key cause of pathology and dysfunction in a variety of organs. The biology of healing and scarring are similar, albeit with very different outcomes. Typical of this process in general, renal fibrosis is the result of a disproportionate accumulation of extracellular matrix that occurs in ongoing kidney disease. Renal scarring is both progressive and multifactorial, ultimately leading to end-stage renal failure and the requirement for dialysis or kidney transplantation. Regardless of the underlying etiology, renal mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts are the cellular basis of this process. Activity and differentiation of these cells are regulated by a number..