Abstract:

ABSTRACT     One of the most frequent and serious complications in septic patients is acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI greatly worsens the already poor prognosis of sepsis and increases cost of care. To date, the therapies have been mostly supportive, there are no drugs that are FDA-approved to treat or prevent AKI. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the signal-transducing molecule of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor complex, plays a fundamental role in the sensing of LPS from Gram-negative bacteria. TLR4 mediates the actions of LPS through production and release of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6. Recent data suggests that interaction between Gram-negative bacteria and both systemic and renal-bound TLR4 may contribute to septic AKI. Consequently, TLR4 is a target of choice for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Key words:  sepsis , acute kidney injury , Toll-like receptor 4