Purpose of review: Eicosanoids are products of arachidonic acid metabolism which have important roles in renal homeostasis and disease. In recent years the development of genetically modified animals and new drugs targeting eicosanoids producing enzymes and receptors has unveiled new roles for eicosanoids in kidney function. This review provides an overview of eicosanoid biosynthesis and receptors and discusses recent findings on their role in acute and chronic renal diseases and in renal transplantation.
Recent findings: Products of the cyclooxygenases, 5-lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism act through distinct receptors presented at different segment of the nephron. Apart from its role in renal physiology and hemodynamic, eicosanoids actively participate in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic renal diseases and have immunoregulatory role in kidney transplantation.
Summary: The new discoveries on the role of eicosanoids in kidney functions and the development of drugs targeting eicosanoids synthesis or action should help to envisage novel therapeutic approaches for patients suffering from renal diseases.