Methods for prevention and treatment of acute renal injury

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method for protecting a kidney from renal injury. For example, acute renal injury may be associated with decreased or blocked blood flow in the subject's kidney or exposure to a nephrotoxic agent, such as a radiocontrast dye. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to a subject in need thereof.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for protecting a kidney from renal fibrosis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a peptide selected from the group consisting of Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH 2  and D-Arg-2′6′Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH 2 . 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the peptide is Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH 2 . 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the peptide is D-Arg-2′6′Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH 2 . 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the renal fibrosis is associated with ureteral obstruction. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the renal fibrosis comprises increased renal interstitial volume compared to a healthy control subject. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the peptide is administered orally, topically, intranasally, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, or transdermally. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the subject is a human. 
     
     
         27 . A method for treating or preventing renal fibrosis in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a peptide selected from the group consisting of Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH 2  and D-Arg-2′6′Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH 2 . 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the peptide is Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH 2 . 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the peptide is D-Arg-2′6′Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH 2 . 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the renal fibrosis is associated with ureteral obstruction. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the renal fibrosis comprises increased renal interstitial volume compared to a healthy control subject. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the peptide is administered orally, topically, intranasally, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, or transdermally. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the subject is a human.