Oxidative stress induces renal failure: A review of possible molecular pathways

It has been reported that oxidative stress has a pivotal role in many disorders such as chronic kidney diseases. Free radicals can directly attack cellular elements, trigger intracellular signaling pathways, or induce systemic responses leading to renal damages. In the current review, we evaluated the literature focusing on the main recognized effects of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of chronic renal disorders. We searched the PubMed-Medline and Scopus databases by using the following key words: oxidative stress, kidney, chronic kidney diseases, and free radicals and found about 200 related articles. Then, we focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney diseases which can be induced by oxidative stress and explored how free radicals stimulate these mechanisms. By reviewing the literature, we found that there are almost nine important molecular pathways through which free radicals influence the renal function. Based on the retrieved data, oxidative stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney diseases. Understanding these pathophysiologic pathways may lead us to find new approaches for the management of these debilitating disorders.