What is aristolochic acid nephropathy?

Aristolochic acid nephropathy is a kidney disease caused by long-term ingestion or exposure to Chinese herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid. Aristolochic

acid is a toxic substance that has obvious damage to the kidneys. When aristolochic acid enters the human body through ingestion or exposure, it can be metabolized into nephrotoxic metabolites. These metabolites can damage renal tubular epithelial cells, cause cell necrosis, and cause renal interstitial fibrosis, resulting in impaired renal function, which can be manifested as proteinuria, hematuria, edema, hypertension, etc., and even lead to acute renal failure.