[Latest advances in neutrophil extracellular trap-mediated tissue damage, organ crosstalk, and therapeutic targeting following acute kidney injury].

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in renal function, triggered by diverse factors. The precise pathogenesis of AKI remains incompletely understood. In recent years, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a unique form of innate immune defense, have garnered significant attention within the AKI research field. NETs are extracellular fibers released by neutrophils upon external stimulation and their components include DNA, histones, and various proteases. During the progression of AKI, NETs formation not only exacerbates renal inflammation and tissue damage, but also mediates interactions between the kidneys and distant organs. The in-depth investigation into the mechanisms of NETs release and action in AKI holds promise for revealing novel therapeutic targets for its prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of NETs formation and release, discuss their role in AKI pathogenesis, explore the therapeutic potential of targeting NETs for AKI, and elaborate on the NETs-mediated cross-talk between organs in AKI, thereby offering new perspectives for related research of AKI.