Accumulation of Uremic Toxins in Systemic Organs and the Effect of AST-120

Kidney disease progresses to end-stage renal failure (ESRD) and requires hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation. Recently, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of kidney disease have changed drastically against the background of changes in lifestyle-related diseases and an aging society. Moreover, it was found that minor renal dysfunction, albuminuria, and proteinuria were associated with stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular disease, before reaching ESRD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as continuous renal damage, or reduction of renal function over a period of more than 3 months. Age-related renal function decline and lifestyle-related diseases are strongly involved in the progression of CKD. Many clinical studies in Japan and overseas have reported that CKD increases the risk of mortality and cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Uremic toxins are closely associated with the development of these complications. This chapter reviews organ damage caused by uremic toxins accumulated in systemic organs and the ameliorating effect of oral adsorbent AST-120.