Inflammation Emerges as Central Therapeutic Target for Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Complications

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of premature death, driven by progressive kidney function loss and severe cardiovascular events. A persistent pro-inflammatory state, marked by elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and dysregulated inflammatory pathways, significantly contributes to kidney damage, atherosclerosis, and cardiac dysfunction. Current standard-of-care often falls short in fully mitigating this systemic inflammation, highlighting a critical gap for targeted therapies to improve both renal and cardiovascular outcomes.

This comprehensive review synthesized current scientific literature to elucidate the pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated major adverse cardiovascular events. The authors systematically identified and discussed various inflammatory pathways and mediators that represent promising therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the review evaluated both investigational anti-inflammatory treatments and the anti-inflammatory properties of established CKD therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, to understand their broader clinical benefits.