NEWS
Research Highlights
- Publish Date：2025-04-28
Breakthrough by NYCU and TYGH: Febuxostat Shows Dual Benefits for CKD Patient
Photo credit: Getty Images
Edited by Chance Lai
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Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience the accumulation of uremic toxins, which increases oxidative stress and inflammation, subsequently leading to cardiovascular diseases.
A research team from Taoyuan General Hospital (TYGH), Ministry of Health and Welfare, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has discovered that Febuxostat, a drug clinically used to treat hyperuricemia, can improve kidney function in animal models by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, offering a promising new avenue for clinical treatment. The findings were published in the internationally renowned journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in April 2025.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Key Drivers of Cardiovascular Complications in CKD
The study was jointly led by Professor Chih-Hung Chiang of the Department of Urology at Taoyuan General Hospital and Associate Professor Ting-Ting Chang of the Institute of Pharmacology at NYCU.
Professor Chiang explained that clinically, patients with CKD are found to have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications and higher mortality rates. One possible cause is the accumulation of uremic toxins in the bloodstream, which elevates oxidative stress and inflammation, impairs vascular function, and consequently contributes to cardiovascular complications and deaths. Thus, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered key drivers behind the rising incidence of cardiovascular complications among CKD patients.
A research team from Taoyuan General Hospital (TYGH), Ministry of Health and Welfare, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has discovered that Febuxostat, a drug clinically used to treat hyperuricemia, can improve kidney function in animal models by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, offering a promising new avenue for clinical treatment. The findings were published in the internationally renowned journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in April 2025.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Key Drivers of Cardiovascular Complications in CKD
The study was jointly led by Professor Chih-Hung Chiang of the Department of Urology at Taoyuan General Hospital and Associate Professor Ting-Ting Chang of the Institute of Pharmacology at NYCU.
Professor Chiang explained that clinically, patients with CKD are found to have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications and higher mortality rates. One possible cause is the accumulation of uremic toxins in the bloodstream, which elevates oxidative stress and inflammation, impairs vascular function, and consequently contributes to cardiovascular complications and deaths. Thus, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered key drivers behind the rising incidence of cardiovascular complications among CKD patients.
Focusing on counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation, Chiang and Chang’s research team explored new therapeutic avenues for CKD-related vascular complications. Their findings highlight Febuxostat’s dual role: It not only preserves kidney function in CKD mice through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects but also promotes faster wound healing and enhanced vascular regeneration.
In summary, Febuxostat offers kidney-protective and pro-angiogenic benefits in CKD, representing a rare ray of hope for patients suffering from vascular complications. However, the researchers emphasized that further clinical trials must confirm whether Febuxostat can reduce cardiovascular complications in CKD patients.
Professor Chih-Hung Chiang (fourth from the left in the back row) of the Department of Urology at Taoyuan General Hospital, Associate Professor Ting-Ting Chang (third from the left in the back row) of the Institute of Pharmacology at NYCU, and other research team members pose for a group photo.Related Image(s)：
