Locally transplanted human urine-induced nephron progenitor cells contribute to renal repair in mice kidney with diabetic nephropathy

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a global public health issue. Diabetic ne-phropathy (DN), also known as diabetic kidney disease, is a leading cause of CKD. Regenerative medicine strategy employing nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) is worthy of consideration as an alternative to shortage of donor organs for kidney transplantation. In previous study, we successfully generated induced NPCs (iNPCs) from human urine-derived cells that resembled human embryonic stem cell -derived NPCs. Here, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of iNPCs in DN animal model. The results revealed the therapeutic effect of iNPCs as follows: (1) diminished glomerular hypertrophy, (2) reduced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, (3) low blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and albuminuria value, (4) decreased inflammation/fibrosis, (5) enhanced renal regeneration and (6) confirmed safety. This study demonstrates that human iNPCs have a therapeutic potential as a cell source for trans-plantation in patients with kidney diseases. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global public health issue, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of CKD. A study shows that induced nephron progenitor cells (iNPCs) derived from human urine have therapeutic potential in a DN animal model, reducing renal damage and promoting renal regeneration and repair.