Stem cell therapy for kidney disease

INTRODUCTION: Kidney diseases are a global public health problem whose incidence is rapidly growing due to a global rise in the aged population and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. With the emergence of stem cells as potential therapeutic agents, attempts in using them to significantly reduce the burden of these diseases have increased. AREAS COVERED: Several types of stem cells have been proven to be likely candidates for treating kidney diseases. We discuss in detail the potential use of mesenchymal stem cells in preclinical and clinical works, with additional populations that have been studied briefly described. Moreover, we discuss current knowledge on endogenous kidney regeneration ability and on the possibility to modulate it using chemical and biological agents. EXPERT OPINION: Stem cell therapy is a promising new treatment for kidney disease documented in many animal studies. Mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a promising cell type, but their efficacy in clinical trials is still controversial. Identification of progenitor cells in the adult kidney is another step forward in regenerative medicine, suggesting the repair potential of the adult kidney and the possible modulation of renal progenitors in situ using pharmacological approaches.