Abstract

Progression of chronic diseases in general and chronic kidney disease in particular has been traditionally viewed in the light of various contributors to development of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial scarring culminating in renal fibrosis. Indeed, this dogma prevailed for decades underscoring experimental attempts to halt fibrotic processes. Breakthrough investigations of the past few years on stem/progenitor cell involvement in organ regeneration caused a conceptual shift in tackling the mechanisms of nephrosclerosis. It has become clear that the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease is the net sum of the opposing trends: degenerative fibrotic processes and regenerative repair mechanisms. The latter part of this equation has been by and large ignored for years and only recently attracted investigative attention. This book revisits the problem of kidney disease by focusing on regenerative mechanisms in renal repair and on the ways these regenerative processes can become subverted by an intrinsic disease process eventuating in its progression. Cutting-edge investigations are summarized by the most experienced international team of experts.

• Presents a comprehensive, translational source for all aspects of renal stem cells, tissue regeneration, and stem cell therapies for renal diseases in one reference work. This will ultimately result in time savings for academic, medical and pharma researchers
• Experts in the renal stem cell system in kidney repair and regeneration take readers from the bench research to new therapeutic approaches, providing a common language for nephrology researchers, fellows and other stem cell researchers. This enables the discussion of development of stem cells and their use in the repair and regeneration of the kidney

"The authors of Regenerative Nephrology have empowered a group of the leading investigators to provide a comprehensive overview of regenerative processes in the kidney. It spans the subject from cellular physiology to models and the first clinical trials of stem cell therapy.  This book fills a gap in this rapidly expanding field. It will be an invaluable reference to the specialist investigator and a useful overview for those in nephrology or regenerative medicine who wish to become fully up to date with this important subject."

—Christopher S. Wilcox, MD, PhD, George E. Schreiner Chair of Nephrology

Director, Center for Hypertension, Kidney and Vascular Health, Chief, Nephrology and Hypertension, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA

"Dr. Goligorsky has assembled an outstanding group of authors for his "Regenerative Nephrology" book. The publication of this authoritative work is timely. State-of-the-art knowledge about the phylogeny, ontogeny, and mediators of tissue regeneration is discussed and is critical in pursuing the potential role of stem cells in regenerative processes. The kidney is the organ responsible for total body homeostasis, therefore focusing on regeneration in acute and chronic kidney disease is very appropriate. Moreover, Goligorsky is an internationally prominent researcher in understanding the pathophysiology of kidney disease. Regenerative Nephrology has important sections dealing with the clinical aspects of stem cell therapy including potential risks and ethical issues. I highly recommend this important book, not just for scientists studying the kidney, but for all biomedical scientists, as the dawn of stem cell therapy in humans is emerging for many organs."

— Robert W. Schrier, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA