Prepared by: Ms. Tabarak Ahmed Turki Al-Azzawi<br />Introduction<br />Kidney diseases and chronic kidney failure represent major medical challenges due to the difficulty in effectively treating damage to nephrons and kidney tissues. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using stem cells as an innovative strategy to rebuild damaged tissues, improve kidney functions, and limit the progression of kidney failure.<br />Mechanisms of Stem Cell Effects on the Kidneys<br /> 1. Differentiation into specialized renal cells<br />Certain types of pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into renal cells, contributing to the replacement of damaged tissues and restoration of normal physiological functions.<br /> 2. Secretion of growth factors and chemical signals<br />Stem cells secrete a variety of cytokines and growth factors that help repair tissues, enhance cell survival, and stimulate the regeneration of remaining kidney cells.<br /> 3. Reduction of inflammation and renal fibrosis<br />Stem cells reduce chronic inflammation that contributes to kidney dysfunction and limit the accumulation of fibrotic tissue, which impairs kidney performance.<br />Potential Therapeutic Benefits<br /> • Restoration of kidney function: Improving glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increasing the efficiency of remaining tissues.<br /> • Prevention of kidney failure progression: Limiting disease advancement in early and intermediate stages.<br /> • Improvement of quality of life: Reducing complications such as hypertension and mineral imbalance.<br /> • Reduction of dependence on dialysis: Offering potential future alternatives to conventional treatment.<br />Challenges<br /> • Immune safety: Risk of graft rejection or undesirable immune reactions.<br /> • Control of cellular differentiation: Ensuring stem cells differentiate only into renal cells without forming tumors.<br />Conclusion<br />Stem cells represent a promising hope in the treatment of kidney diseases and chronic kidney failure. Through their ability to regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and stimulate renal cell functions, this technology can bring significant advances in future nephrology. Stem cells are expected to become an essential part of prevention and treatment strategies for chronic kidney diseases.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University the First in Iraq