title: A bench to bedside view of uremic toxins.
abstract: Reviewing the current picture of uremic toxicity reveals its complexity. Focusing on cardiovascular damage as a model of uremic effects resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality, most molecules with potential to affect the function of a variety of cell types within the vascular system are difficult to remove by dialysis. Examples are the larger middle molecular weight molecules and protein-bound molecules. Recent clinical studies suggest that enhancing the removal of these compounds is beneficial for survival. Future therapeutic options are discussed, including improved removal of toxins and the search for pharmacologic strategies blocking responsible pathophysiologic pathways.
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, OK12, University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B9000 Gent, Belgium. raymond.vanholder@ugent.be
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vanholder
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Baurmeister
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Griet
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Glorieux
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jankowski
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000378:metabolism*; D014511:Uremia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014118:Toxins, Biological