Renalase Potential as a Marker and Therapeutic Target in Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease are prominent features of chronic kidney disease, and they are associated with premature mortality and progression toward end-stage kidney disease. Renalase, an enzyme secreted predominantly by the kidney and identified in 2005, seems to be one of the missing pieces in the puzzle of heart and kidney interaction in chronic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing the overactivity of sympathetic tone. This review aims to summarize evidence from clinical studies performed on subjects with CKD in order to explore the value of renalase as a marker and/or a therapeutic target in this disease.