Acute kidney injury and iron metabolism: A narrative review focusing on pathophysiology and therapy

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a substantial challenge to public health and is characterized by elevated occurrence and fatality rates. In the last 3 decades, the disruption of iron homeostasis and the cytotoxic effects mediated by iron have been extensively acknowledged as contributors to, as well as outcomes of, renal damage. Therefore, iron metabolism has become the focus of novel therapeutic interventions for AKI, with targeted iron metabolism strategies showing great potential. In this review, we have explored the dysregulation of iron metabolism in AKI and the AKI caused by iron metabolism disorders. We have summarized the complex mechanisms of iron metabolism in the kidney and emphasized the potential role of iron metabolism‐related metabolic pathways in the treatment and prevention of AKI. Finally, we have reviewed various strategies targeting iron metabolism for the treatment of AKI, hoping to provide more effective treatment options for AKI patients in the future.