An Overview on Impact of Phthalates on the Kidney and the Potential Therapeutic Effect of Drug Modalities

Abstract

Background: Phthalates are the most widely used plasticizers, and their usage has grown dramatically over the past few decades. The world's production of phthalates grew sharply between 2007 and 2017. The exposure to and health hazards of phthalates have drawn a lot of attention. The kidney is the central organ responsible for maintaining body water homeostasis through urine concentration and dilution. In healthy people, the renal tubules and collecting ducts reabsorb 99% of the water in the initial urine filtered through the glomeruli. Water reabsorption in these renal tubules is essential for maintaining body water homeostasis.  Kidney damage is one of the hallmarks of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function, which is frequently needed for renal replacement treatment like dialysis or transplantation. The cornerstone of CKD pharmacological treatment at the moment is to slow its progression. However, novel drugs would be extremely beneficial in effectively slowing the progressive loss of renal function.