Hepatocyte growth factor gene therapy retards the progression of chronic obstructive nephropathy

Abstract

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is characterized by progressive tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Rupture of the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis plays a critical role in renal atrophy. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine function on cell survival and tissue regeneration. We studied the effects and possible mechanisms of HGF gene therapy on tubular cell survival and anti-fibrosis in chronic obstructed nephropathy.