Toxic Nephropathies of the Tubulointerstitium: Core Curriculum 2024

Toxic nephropathies are a clinically common group of disorders characterized by toxin-induced renal injury that can affect the glomerulus, vasculature, or tubulointerstitium. Various endogenous (eg, myoglobin, hemoglobin, monoclonal light chains, and lysozymes) and exogenous toxins (eg, therapeutic drugs, herbal medications, heavy metals, radiocontrast, intoxicants, and environmental exposures) have been implicated. The kidney’s primary role of metabolism and excretion of substances via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion increases its susceptibility to their adverse effects.