The impact of hypoxia-inducible factors in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases: a link through cell metabolism.

Kidneys are sensitive to disturbances in oxygen homeostasis. Hypoxia and activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway alter the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of renal and immune cells, interfering with their functioning. Whether the transcriptional activity of HIF protects the kidneys or participates in the pathogenesis of renal diseases is unclear.

Metabolic Alterations in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Its Implication in Kidney Dysfunction.

Clinical strategies focusing on pathogen elimination are expected in an infectious-disease outbreak, such as the severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to avoid organ dysfunction. However, understanding the host response to viral infection is crucial to develop an effective treatment to optimize the patient's conditions. The pathogenic viruses can promote metabolic changes during viral infection, favoring its survival, altering cell phenotype and function, and causing sustained inflammation and tissue injury.