Aristolochic acid nephropathy: Harbinger of a global iatrogenic disease

摘要: This review constitutes an overview of our investigations aristolochic acid nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease associated with carcinomas the upper urinary tract. Our studies began by confirming hypothesis that dietary poisoning was responsible for endemic (Balkan) nephropathy. A unique TP53 mutational signature in urothelial tumors and presence aristolactam-DNA adducts renal cortex, defined course this research, proved to be robust biomarkers exposure potent nephrotoxin human carcinogen. Armed information, we used molecular epidemiologic approaches novel mechanistic information establish causative role tract carcinoma Taiwan, where one-third population had been prescribed herbal remedies containing Aristolochia, recorded incidence cancers is highest world. As traditional Chinese medicine practiced similarly Taiwan China, it likely their attendant nephropathy are prevalent China other Asian countries Aristolochia herbs have centuries treatment prevention disease, creating potential public health problem considerable magnitude.