Scientists have discovered that citroptene—a compound found in orange peel—can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. This is reported by Food Function.
Using computer analysis methods, specialists identified over 180 probable molecular "targets" through which the substance may influence inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis processes. The effect of citroptene was then evaluated in an experiment on rats with a model of chronic kidney damage.
During three weeks, the animals receiving the compound demonstrated a more preserved structure and function of kidney tissue. They showed a reduction in extracellular matrix accumulation, weakened fibrotic changes, and activation of mechanisms responsible for the disposal of damaged mitochondria. This, according to researchers, could have contributed to the normalization of energy metabolism in cells.
The authors note that the results were obtained at the preclinical stage. Nevertheless, they point to the potential of natural food components in creating new approaches to the therapy of chronic kidney disease, for which there still exists a limited number of effective solutions.
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