Renotropic role and therapeutic potential of HGF in the kidney

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has mitogenic, morphogenic and anti-apoptotic activities on renal epithelial cells, and is a potential renotropin for renal regeneration. In chronic renal failure/fibrosis, HGF in the kidney declines in a manner reciprocal to the increase in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Neutralization of HGF by the antibody leads to acceleration of renal failure/fibrosis, while HGF administration leads to remarkable attenuation, thus indicating the importance of the balance between HGF and TGF-beta in the pathogenesis and therapy of chronic renal failure. HGF is strongly considered as potential treatment for acute and chronic renal failure.